Phil D. Jay
WBN Editor
WBN Editor
Former champion awaits June 23rd opponent
Victor Ortiz has spoken exclusively to World Boxing News
about the recent publicity surrounding Andre Berto’s failed drugs test as the
Californian searches for a new opponent for the Showtime televised event on
June 23rd.
The former WBC welterweight champions were due to rematch next
month following a ‘Fight of the Year’ contender in April last year, but the
bout has now been scrapped after a VADA sample given by Berto came back
positive.
Ortiz, 25, is now left to pick up the pieces and find a new
opponent as calling off the whole event was never an option for the 29-3-2
fighter, who has been out of the ring since losing his world title to Floyd
Mayweather in September.
“When my manager Rolando Arellano told me (about Berto’s
failed test), I said five words. ‘I'm going to the gym,” Ortiz told World
Boxing News.
“Right now, my opponent is up to my promoters Golden Boy and
my manager, but I will fight anybody they
say between 140-150 pounds.”
Asked whether Amir Khan or Marcos Maidana had been considered
as reports suggest, Ortiz answered: “You're gonna' have to ask Oscar de la Hoya
or Rolando that question,” as the likeable American is clearly focusing on being in peak
condintion no matter who is put in front of him next in five weeks’ time.
Through no fault of his own, Ortiz has had a nine-month
spell on the sidelines after a scheduled February contest with Berto was
postponed due a bicep injury suffered by the Florida boxer and Ortiz hopes to
make the second half of 2012 a busy one. “A fight in June, September and
November would be perfect for me, it has been a frustrating year so far.”
Speaking specifically on the test, Ortiz went on: “What are
these guys thinking? They request the drug testing and then get busted! Does someone tell them there is juice that can't be
detected?” he questioned.
“I have God-given strength and hard work in training. That's
my boost. Right now I'm training for a
June 23 fight. Bring um' on.”