Mayweather vs. Ortiz Purse: Underdog Should Be Insulted by $2 Million Guarantee

Victor Ortiz is guaranteed just $2 million heading into his fight against the heavily-favored Floyd Mayweather. Mayweather is guaranteed $25 million regardless of the outcome, according to the Chicago Tribune.

That should serve as extra motivation for the underdog, who is coming off the best win of his career over Andre Berto in April. While it is the best purse of his career, he should have received at least $5 million (like Mayweather's recent opponents).

Guarantees are usually downplayed by boxing promoters attempting to hype a bout because they give off a sense that the fight isn't the most important factor in the decision-making process. However, they do in fact play a key role when scheduling matches.

It's unclear why Ortiz accepted the reduced amount, unless he truly believes he is going to upset the undefeated Mayweather. A win like that would propel him to greater heights and bigger purses in the future, and would be well worth the short-term reduction.

However, the oddsmakers are leaning strongly toward the champion. Ortiz has never fought a boxer on the same level as Mayweather, making it difficult to envision him coming out on top.

The one advantage Ortiz does hold is his unorthodox southpaw style and is going to have to be on the attack from the opening bell. Mayweather is going to sit back and wait for his chance to pounce, so Ortiz needs to win the early rounds.

The lack of guaranteed money could be the extra chip on his shoulder that Ortiz needs. He knows a win over Mayweather could take him to the next level, especially in the eyes of casual boxing fans.

Looking back, the Ortiz camp is probably disappointed with the deal they negotiated, but there is nothing they can do now. If Ortiz can pull off the mammoth upset, they won't have to worry about that anymore.

By turning this fight into an over-hyped sensation though, both camps figure to make out pretty well when it's all said an done.

That said, look for Mayweather to walk out of the MGM Grand victorious.

For more reaction, results and analysis of this epic faceoff in Las Vegas, stay right here. For all the info you need on all things boxing, be sure to check out Bleacher Report's Boxing Central.