BKB Bare Knuckle today announced it signed former boxing world champion Victor Ortiz to a “multi-fight, multi-year agreement”.
“Victor Ortiz is a true legend with a world-class resume and star power that transcends boxing. We’re thrilled to welcome him to our roster. His knockout power and championship drive will electrify the trigon,” said BKB Founder Mike Vazquez.
“Victor Ortiz is a massive coup for our organization. His world title experience, devastating power, and crossover appeal make this an incredible addition,” said BKB CEO David Tetreault.
“Vicious Victor”
A native of Garden City, Kansas, Ortiz ventured west to Oxnard, California and established himself as a hot prospect. He won 24 of his first 26 bouts before a stoppage loss to rugged Argentine Marcos Maidana.
Ortiz went on a run, with wins over former world champions Nate Campbell and Vivian Harris and a draw with Lamont Peterson. He was rewarded with a title fight against reigning WBC World Welterweight Champion Andre Berto. Ortiz defeated Berto by decision in an exciting fight in which both fighters hit the canvas.
Ortiz’s championship reign was short-lived.
In his next bout, Ortiz was controversially knocked out by ring legend Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Ortiz’s boxing career went downhill after the Mayweather loss. In his next fight, he suffered a broken jaw and was stopped in nine rounds by Josesito Lopez. Another stoppage loss to Luis Collazo followed, and Berto avenged his defeat by stoppage in 2016.
Ortiz last competed in 2022 when he defeated Todd Manuel by decision. The win improved Ortiz’s impressive professional boxing record to 33-7-3 (25 KOs).
Ortiz was able to use his boxing fame to cross over to the mainstream. He appeared on the American reality series Dancing With the Stars and also in TV and film roles.
The 39-year-old joins Paulie Malignaggi, Yuriorkis Gamboa, and Lee Selby as former world boxing champions on the BKB Bare Knuckle roster.
“I’ve accomplished so much in gloved boxing – from winning a world title to battling the best in the world. Now, bare knuckle is the next challenge,” said Ortiz.
“It’s the purest, most intense version of the sport, and I’m pumped to bring my power, heart, and experience to BKB. I’m coming to win another world title and prove I’ve still got it. All glory to Jesus Christ.”
Ortiz’s debut is to be announced.
