#2 Posted: 1/27/2012 12:15:02 AM
The thing about the first match was I knew we would get the best Ortiz we had seen up to that point. He moved up from 140, which was killing him. He was able to get as large as his frame allows. He was also coming off that huge letdown "draw" with Peterson, even though I thought he clearly won.
In the first fight, I was shocked at how aggressive and strong Ortiz was. I feel Berto was surprised too. Even though Ortiz won that fight, I remember feeling Berto was much faster and boxing better too. Ortiz was seconds from being stopped until the huge double left hooks sent Berto down when he came in recklessly.
Obviously both guys can crack and it would shock me if they both took the punishment they did in the first fight to go the distance. To be honest, the "fight won't go" prop is probably the best option on the board. However, I don't think we'll EVER see Ortiz approach the magic he had the night of the first fight.
I feel a solid win from Berto sets up a nice trilogy between these two fighters. I'm perfectly OK with that, because it is rare two young fighters this good meet up three times this early in their careers.
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