Mayweather vs. Ortiz Free Pick
LAS VEGAS, NV (TheSpread) – Floyd Mayweather Jr. looks to remain undefeated when he challenges Victor Ortiz for his WBC Welterweight Championship on Saturday. Here is our pick for the fight.
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According to oddsmakers, Mayweather is the clear favorite to win with a money line of -650 while Ortiz has odds of +450. These two will square off from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada and the event will air live on PPV on Saturday at 9PM ET. Here is a look at both fighters and our pick for the bout.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. (41-0-0, 25 KO’s)
Strengths: Mayweather Jr. is undefeated for a reason. He is incredibly tough to hit, as he uses his speed and quickness to stick-and-move in the ring. He typically out-points his opponents and uses his conditioning to turn up the heat when his foes in the later rounds. He still has respectable power, but in this contest he can’t afford to get into any kind of slugfest.
Weaknesses: Mayweather doesn’t stay as active as he used to. This is his first fight since May of 2010 when he beat Shane Mosley. That long period away from competition could make him a little rusty in the beginning and perhaps a step slower, as he is now 34-years-old. Mayweather was knocked down in his fight with Mosley, so his ability to take a punch is in question against the young KO artist, Ortiz.
Victor Ortiz (29-2-2, 22 KO’s)
Strengths: At 24-years-old, Ortiz should be the younger, fresher fighter in this bout. Ortiz is also very active, as this is his second fight in 2011 and fourth fight in the last 12 months. Known for his punching power, “Vicious” has 22 KO’s with 19 of his 22 KO’s coming in the fifth round or earlier. Also, Ortiz should have the cardio to stick with Mayweather for a full 12 rounds. While he might not have the same quickness, he should be in equal, if not better, shape.
Weaknesses: Ortiz has not fought someone the caliber of Mayweather, which is tough to do in general. But, this is a major step up in competition. This is the biggest stage he has been on as well, so the mental pressures that come with that could affect his performance. Fighters tend to show Mayweather too much respect in regards to his speed and power. Ortiz can’t afford that as he will likely lose on scorecards if he is not the more active and aggressive fighter.
Who to pick: I do think the odds are greater than they should be for both fighters, but ultimately, I see Mayweather Jr. earning another decision. Ortiz is not quite the challenge Mayweather Jr. should be facing right now, as the kid is unproven and will take much more from this fight than Floyd will. I don’t see any knockouts or even knock downs, but I do see Mayweather doing his usual dance to stay undefeated. BOXING FREE PICK: Floyd Mayweather Jr. -650
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