Victor Ortiz, falling from the graces of boxing stardom since a bizarre knockout loss to Floyd Mayweather back in 2011, is making his return to the ring after a 15-month layoff.
Ortiz will headline a Premier Boxing Champions card on July 30 against journeyman Saul Corral in a 10-round welterweight bout. That card will be shown on Fox Sports. Ortiz said in the official fight announcement that he's ready to fight and shake off the ring rust.
"This is a great opportunity for me to get back in the ring, shake off the ring rust and put on a show for the fans," Ortiz said. "I've been really focused on training and getting myself back physically and mentally to where I need to be. This is my first time fighting since my son was born, and it's given me a whole new purpose in life. I'm thankful to everyone who has helped me get to this point, and I can't wait to go do what I do best and entertain everyone."
After winning the WBC welterweight title in early 2011, Ortiz took up the challenge to fight Mayweather that fall. Ortiz was knocked out in the fourth round after Ortiz rammed Mayweather in the face with an intentional headbutt. As the fight resumed, Ortiz approached Mayweather in the center of the ring and tried to apologize and even hugged Mayweather. After apologizing, Ortiz had his hands down, and Mayweather rocked Ortiz, knocking him out.
Since that loss, Ortiz has struggled to find success in the ring, losing three of his next five fights, getting himself knocked out in all subsequent losses. During his downtime, Ortiz has taken up Hollywood, appearing in films such as "The Expendables 3" and "Southpaw." Ortiz also spent time on "Dancing with the Stars." Ortiz's last fight was back in April when he got knocked out by Berto.
Corral, who is 24-9 as a pro boxer, is the current WBC FECARBOX welterweight champion, fighting the likes of Josesito Lopez and Mike Alvarado throughout his career.
