In rematch five years later, Andre Berto, Victor Ortiz seek career revival
HAYWARD, Calif. - Andre Berto sits off to the side, sweaty and tired, after a grueling workout a month in advance of his next fight.
Andre Ward (who shares trainer Virgil Hunter with Berto) is closing out his training camp two days before his HBO bout, but Berto has his own marquee assignment coming up.
Unlike Ward, Berto is far removed from his days as a top operator, an explosive, power-punching Haitian who held a welterweight title.
He no longer even resembles the guy who was a perennial contender at 147 pounds. Age, mileage and the toll of many ring wars have sapped Berto of his prime.
Still, Berto (30-4, 23 KOs) landed a September bout against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in what was billed as the legend's final bout. Berto wasn't remotely competitive and was shut out.
While he can't hang with the division's elite, he's a dependable action fighter, a charismatic personality and a recognizable name in a sport bereft of them. And a familiar foe also finds himself on hard times in need of a rebuild.
Andre Berto during his training camp for Berto-Ortiz II (Photo by Premier Boxing Champions)
Victor Ortiz, who topped then-undefeated Berto in one of the best fights of 2011, hasn't had a meaningful victory since and appears to be more focused on acting than fighting. Perhaps Berto and Ortiz need each other.
They meet Saturday (8 p.m. ET, Fox) in a classic crossroads bout that will give the victor a much-needed boost in boxing's best weight class. Berto is confident the second meeting is coming at the right time.
"When it comes to this game, you can be loved one minute, you can be hated others," Berto, 32, told USA TODAY Sports. "I know on my end they see the potential. Of course we've both been through rough patches. But with a win, it could put one of us back in title contention."
And when you have the name value of either fighter, you get more chances than others.
They were supposed to have a 2012 rematch, but Berto tested positive for the steroid norandrosterone, torpedoing the fight.
Ortiz (31-5-2, 24 KOs) lost three consecutive bouts after the win, beginning with a controversial knockout loss to Mayweather. When Ortiz reached out to apologize to Mayweather for a headbutt, Mayweather hit him with a one-two he never saw coming.
Ortiz, who was written off after the string of losses, has knocked out two journeymen since. And he's not happy with his critics.
"The media has this weird way of working," said Ortiz, 29. "You guys think how you guys think and you guys write it out, and then, because one person in the media writes something weird about you or bad about you, the world believes it.
"I know what I'm about, I know why I'm here, I know where I'm going, and that's that. It doesn't matter what anyone says. I don't really care. I know why I'm here, and I know where I'm going, and that's that. Period."
The pair likely will have another tremendous action fight. Why wouldn't they? Their skills are diminished, but their penchant to absorb one punch to land two and willingness to trade hasn't.
Each desperately needs a win.
"I'm preparing for the Victor Ortiz I stepped in the ring with five years ago," Berto said. "That's the only picture that comes into my mind."
(Photo of Ortiz and Berto by Fred Beckham, AP)