Connect with us

Featured Articles

Victor Ortiz Must Go Back and Earn His Fame the Hard Way

Published

on

The path for crossover athletes can lead to many destinations. The most natural transitions for athletes lead to analyst spots or commentating gigs. Sometimes a trusted persona and clean reputation can produce lucrative endorsements. The rarest athletes can even turn natural charisma into a career in film or television. Think Michael Strahan and the Manning brothers.Though the roads are all a bit different for crossover athletes, there is one underlying commonality: their options and earning potential beyond sports is tied to the achievements of their athletic careers. It doesn’t pay to align with mediocrity.

Winners sell.

It’s a simple formula. Victor Ortiz has been an interesting exception to this rule. Despite a tumultuous, inconsistent, and, at times, disappointing tenure in the ring, Ortiz has still managed to parlay his career into a surprising amount of celebrity exposure. He had a stint on Dancing with the Stars, produced a line of grooming products with a company curiously named FaceLube, and snagged a role in the latest installment of the Expendables franchise.

All this for a fighter who hasn’t won a fight in almost three years, was stopped in his last two ring outings, and has been part of some of the biggest in-ring meltdowns in the past decade. When Ortiz is in the ring, it is always must-see TV, even if it’s for all the wrong reasons; however, those in-ring appearances have been rare as of late. In fact, when Ortiz faces off with Luis Collazo this Thursday night at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, it will his first time competing in a boxing ring in 586 days. Still, Ortiz has somehow been able to make that layoff a productive one.

What Ortiz, 29-4-2 (22), has lacked in fistic accomplishments, he has compensated for with his unique brand of charisma. He’s got a winning smile, a charm all his own, and has the swagger of someone who looks like a big deal. In a world built on appearances, qualities such as these can sometimes surpass the importance of substance, and Ortiz has taken that route relatively unabated for quite a while.

It’s apparent that Victor Ortiz is enjoying the perks of semi-stardom, cashing in on big opportunities, and, to paraphrase his words, growing his empire. And why shouldn’t he? He’s had a fairly successful career in a brutal sport that uses and abuses fighters constantly. If he can find ways to extend that career into other money-making avenues, kudos to him. By that standard, Ortiz, and those who handle his career, have been geniuses at maximizing his financial earning power while minimizing blunt force trauma to his head.

The unfortunate truth for Ortiz is that he’s completely maxed out his celebrity status, at least for now. Everybody loves a winner, and the only way to win is to take the risk of competing, a reality that Ortiz must accept. The only way he has any chance of maintaining his current lifestyle is to go back in the ring and earn it the hard way, which may be easier said than done against Luis Collazo. The choice of Collazo as Ortiz’ comeback opponent raised more than a few eyebrows when the fight was announced. It would seem wiser to ease him back with a couple of soft fights as confidence builders. Not only is Ortiz coming off a long layoff, but also a stoppage loss that resulted in a severely broken jaw. Nobody would criticize his handlers for throwing him an easy out to rebuild his fighting psyche. However, Ortiz is in a legitimately competitive fight with tremendously high stakes. If he loses, any chances of big fights will immediately evaporate. He may fight on, but any hope of being a marquee name will be relegated to the realm of fantasy.

Collazo, 34-5 (17), is certainly a live dog, in part because the blueprint for defeating Ortiz is no secret: be ready to weather a serious storm of ferocity early on, offer back some meaningful resistance, and wait for Ortiz to unravel. It worked for Maidana, Mayweather, and Lopez, and it just might work for Collazo, a fighter who has been a near-spoiler in some of his highest profile fights. Brought in to serve as a showcase opponent for Ricky Hatton and Andre Berto, both of whom were undefeated at the time, Collazo was able to provide hellish nights in the ring for both. His keys to success against Hatton and Berto could serve him well against Ortiz: hang around, stay poised, and always rally back. Luis Collazo, who is also in a desperate bid to establish credibility and relevance, is the type of wily, scrappy veteran who is capable implementing the aforementioned gameplan that has been kryptonite throughout Ortiz’ career.

It’s just not possible for a world-class fighter to approach boxing in half-hearted fashion; the sport is far too unforgiving for that. From the moment he completed his infamous interview after his loss to Maidana, Victor Ortiz’ commitment to boxing has been questioned. His recent empire building has done little to put those questions to rest. He likes hanging out with stars, he likes making easy money, but does he like fighting? For Ortiz, the price of fame and fortune comes at an extremely high cost, one that he must be certain that he is willing to pay. Thursday’s showdown with Collazo will force Ortiz to answer those questions about whether he has the stomach for fighting anymore.

Or maybe Collazo will answer those questions for him.

WATCH RELATED VIDEOS ON BOXINGCHANNEL.TV

Share The Sweet Science experience!
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Ekow-Essuman-Upsets-Josh-Taylor-and-Moses-Itauma-Blasts-Out-Mike-Balogun-in-Glasgow
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Ekow Essuman Upsets Josh Taylor and Moses Itauma Blasts Out Mike Balogun in Glasgow

Newspaperman-Playwright-Author-Bobby-Cassidy-Jr-Commemorates-his-Fighting-Father
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Newspaperman/Playwright/Author Bobby Cassidy Jr Commemorates His Fighting Father

A-Night-of-Mismatches-Turns-Topsy-Turvy-at-Mandalay-Bay-Resendiz-Shocks-Plant
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

A Night of Mismatches Turns Topsy-Turvy at Mandalay Bay; Resendiz Shocks Plant

Avila-Perspective-Chap-330-Matchroom-in-New-York-plus-the-latest-on-Canelo-Crawford
Featured Articles5 days ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 330: Matchroom in New York plus the Latest on Canelo-Crawford

Italy-Mourns-the-Death-of-Legendary-Boxer-Nino-Benvenuti
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Italy Mourns the Death of Legendary Boxer Nino Benvenuti

in-A-Trubute-Wedded-to-Memorial-Day-Boxing-Writer-David-Avila-Pays-Homage-to-Absent-Friends
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

In a Tribute Wedded to Memorial Day, Boxing Writer David Avila Pays Homage to Absent Friends

Vinny-Paz-is-Going-into-the-Boxing-Hall-of-Fame-Hey-why-Not-Roger-Mayweather?
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Vinny Paz is Going into the Boxing Hall of Fame; Hey, Why Not Roger Mayweather?

Remembering-the-Under-Appreciated-Body-Snatcher-Mike-McCallum,-a-Conusmmate-Pro
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Remembering the Under-Appreciated “Body Snatcher” Mike McCallum, a Consummate Pro    

Avila-Perspective-Chap-228-Viva-Las-Vegas-Back-in-the-Boxing-Spotlight
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 228: Viva Las Vegas, Back in the Boxing Spotlight

Opetaia-and-Nakatani-Crush-Overmatched-Foes-Capping-Off-a-Wild-Boxing-Weekend
Featured Articles1 week ago

Opetaia and Nakatani Crush Overmatched Foes, Capping Off a Wild Boxing Weekend

Results-and-Recaps-from-Las-Vegas-Where-Melikuziev-Nipped-Fulghum-in-a-Fierce-Fight
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Results and Recaps from Las Vegas Where Melikuziev Nipped Fulghum in a Fierce Battle

Pacquiao-is-Back,-Fabio-in-England-and-More.jpg
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap 329: Pacquiao is Back, Fabio in England and More

Fabio-Wardley-Comes-from-Behind-to-KO-Justis-Huni
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Fabio Wardley Comes from Behind to KO Justis Huni  

Angelo-Leo-Retains-His-Featherweight-Title-Before-a-Hostile-Crowd-in-Osaka
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Angelo Leo Retains His Featherweight Title Before a Hostile Crowd in Osaka

Delving-Into-'Hoopa'-With-Notes-on-Books-by-George-Plimpton-and-Joyce-Carol-Oates
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Delving into ‘Hoopla’ with Notes on Books by George Plimpton and Joyce Carol Oates

Local-Fan-Favorites-Terri-Harpet-and-Maxi-Hughes-Victorious-in-Doncaster
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Local Fan Favorites Terri Harper and Maxi Hughes Victorious in Doncaster

The-Shafting-of-Blair-the-Flair-Cobbs-a-Familar-Thread-in-the-Cruelest-Sport
Featured Articles1 week ago

The Shafting of Blair “The Flair” Cobbs, a Familiar Thread in the Cruelest Sport

Catching-Up-with-Clay-Moyle-Who-Talks-About-His-Massive-Collection-of-Boxing-Books
Featured Articles3 days ago

Catching Up with Clay Moyle Who Talks About His Massive Collection of Boxing Books

Richardson-Hitchins-Batters-and-Stops-George-Kambosos-at-Madison-Square-Garden
Featured Articles4 days ago

Richardson Hitchins Batters and Stops George Kambosos at Madison Square Garden 

A-Fight-Fan-and-Teremoana-Samson-Junior-Leon-Teremoana
Featured Articles15 hours ago

A Fight Fan and Teremoana Samson Junior Leon Teremoana

A-Fight-Fan-and-Teremoana-Samson-Junior-Leon-Teremoana
Featured Articles15 hours ago

A Fight Fan and Teremoana Samson Junior Leon Teremoana

Catching-Up-with-Clay-Moyle-Who-Talks-About-His-Massive-Collection-of-Boxing-Books
Featured Articles3 days ago

Catching Up with Clay Moyle Who Talks About His Massive Collection of Boxing Books

Richardson-Hitchins-Batters-and-Stops-George-Kambosos-at-Madison-Square-Garden
Featured Articles4 days ago

Richardson Hitchins Batters and Stops George Kambosos at Madison Square Garden 

Avila-Perspective-Chap-330-Matchroom-in-New-York-plus-the-latest-on-Canelo-Crawford
Featured Articles5 days ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 330: Matchroom in New York plus the Latest on Canelo-Crawford

The-Shafting-of-Blair-the-Flair-Cobbs-a-Familar-Thread-in-the-Cruelest-Sport
Featured Articles1 week ago

The Shafting of Blair “The Flair” Cobbs, a Familiar Thread in the Cruelest Sport

Opetaia-and-Nakatani-Crush-Overmatched-Foes-Capping-Off-a-Wild-Boxing-Weekend
Featured Articles1 week ago

Opetaia and Nakatani Crush Overmatched Foes, Capping Off a Wild Boxing Weekend

Fabio-Wardley-Comes-from-Behind-to-KO-Justis-Huni
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Fabio Wardley Comes from Behind to KO Justis Huni  

Pacquiao-is-Back,-Fabio-in-England-and-More.jpg
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap 329: Pacquiao is Back, Fabio in England and More

Delving-Into-'Hoopa'-With-Notes-on-Books-by-George-Plimpton-and-Joyce-Carol-Oates
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Delving into ‘Hoopla’ with Notes on Books by George Plimpton and Joyce Carol Oates

Remembering-the-Under-Appreciated-Body-Snatcher-Mike-McCallum,-a-Conusmmate-Pro
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Remembering the Under-Appreciated “Body Snatcher” Mike McCallum, a Consummate Pro    

A-Night-of-Mismatches-Turns-Topsy-Turvy-at-Mandalay-Bay-Resendiz-Shocks-Plant
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

A Night of Mismatches Turns Topsy-Turvy at Mandalay Bay; Resendiz Shocks Plant

Results-and-Recaps-from-Las-Vegas-Where-Melikuziev-Nipped-Fulghum-in-a-Fierce-Fight
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Results and Recaps from Las Vegas Where Melikuziev Nipped Fulghum in a Fierce Battle

Avila-Perspective-Chap-228-Viva-Las-Vegas-Back-in-the-Boxing-Spotlight
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 228: Viva Las Vegas, Back in the Boxing Spotlight

Vinny-Paz-is-Going-into-the-Boxing-Hall-of-Fame-Hey-why-Not-Roger-Mayweather?
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Vinny Paz is Going into the Boxing Hall of Fame; Hey, Why Not Roger Mayweather?

Newspaperman-Playwright-Author-Bobby-Cassidy-Jr-Commemorates-his-Fighting-Father
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Newspaperman/Playwright/Author Bobby Cassidy Jr Commemorates His Fighting Father

Ekow-Essuman-Upsets-Josh-Taylor-and-Moses-Itauma-Blasts-Out-Mike-Balogun-in-Glasgow
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Ekow Essuman Upsets Josh Taylor and Moses Itauma Blasts Out Mike Balogun in Glasgow

Angelo-Leo-Retains-His-Featherweight-Title-Before-a-Hostile-Crowd-in-Osaka
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Angelo Leo Retains His Featherweight Title Before a Hostile Crowd in Osaka

in-A-Trubute-Wedded-to-Memorial-Day-Boxing-Writer-David-Avila-Pays-Homage-to-Absent-Friends
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

In a Tribute Wedded to Memorial Day, Boxing Writer David Avila Pays Homage to Absent Friends

Local-Fan-Favorites-Terri-Harpet-and-Maxi-Hughes-Victorious-in-Doncaster
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Local Fan Favorites Terri Harper and Maxi Hughes Victorious in Doncaster

Italy-Mourns-the-Death-of-Legendary-Boxer-Nino-Benvenuti
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Italy Mourns the Death of Legendary Boxer Nino Benvenuti

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending