Former welterweight champion Andre Berto was able to avenge his 2011 loss to Victor Ortiz on Saturday night by knocking him out in the fourth round at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.
The first meeting was the winner of The Ring Magazine “Fight of the Year” award for 2011, with back and forth action and drama for 12 rounds. The rematch started slow, with both fighters having a feeling out round, other than a big headbutt toward the end of the round that cut Ortiz head open with blood leaking out, there was very little action.
The second round had more action with some timed spurts from both fighters, but it was Ortiz who won the round with his signature straight left hand from the southpaw stance landing repeatedly eventually dropping Berto late in the round.
Round three was more tactical, with Ortiz trying to box and move, keeping his distance as Berto was being more aggressive trying to cut the ring off.
The fourth round was the game changer, Berto threw a powerful uppercut that landed on the chin of Ortiz dropping him hard. Ortiz looked hurt and got up with a bit of a stagger step. Berto jumps on Ortiz like a Lion on his prey, throwing ferocious combos as Ortiz successfully slips and avoids a few while trying to trade punches as well hoping to catch Berto being overaggressive. It wasn’t enough, Berto eventually lands a few more shots dropping Ortiz and as Ortiz gets up he refuses to answer the referee Jack Reiss who waves the bout off in the fourth round.
The April 30th, 2016, Berto vs. Ortiz 2 bout was aired on FOX as the Main Event of the Premier Boxing Champions broadcast.
