Mayweather vs. Ortiz: 5 Things You Need to Know About Tonight's Showdown

A fight that once had very little buzz around it is slowly starting to build up some hype, as we are just hours away from the opening bell.

As more and more people talk themselves into Victor Ortiz as a serious challenger for Floyd Mayweather Jr., the anticipation grows.

It now looks like boxing fans are in for a real treat Saturday night. 

For those that are going to be taking in the marquee matchup, here are five things you need to know ahead of this bout.

For more reaction, results and analysis of this epic face-off 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.

Mayweather Has Not Fought in 16 Months

We haven't seen Floyd Mayweather in the ring since May of 2010, when he defeated "Sugar" Shane Mosley.

That layoff would be tough for anyone, but it's particularly tough on someone who is 34 years old.

You have to be concerned that there will be considerable rust on Mayweather from that long layoff.

If there is a lot of rust there, Ortiz is the type of fighter that can take advantage. Ortiz will come into the fight looking to be aggressive and proactive.

If Mayweather isn't ready from the opening bell, it will be a long day for him.

Mayweather's Age Is Becoming a Concern

Mayweather is 34 years of age. Many boxers have fought effectively long past their 34th birthday, but it's about at that age that you would expect a fighter to start to show signs of slowing down.

This is particularly true when an older fighter is taking on a much younger boxer. If Mayweather has slowed down even in the slightest, it will be obvious against a young, quick, agile fighter like Ortiz.

Mayweather has spent a lot of time this week denying that his age is an issue.

In a story in the LA Times, he even went so far as to say that the general rule that boxers aren't the same after turning 30 "doesn't apply" to him.

I have news for Mayweather: No matter how good an athlete you are or have been in your career, Father Time will always come calling.

Mayweather Has a Lot on His Mind

There's a reason that there is such a long period of time between major boxing matches. It takes a fighter several months to get prepared to take on an opponent, no matter who the opponent is. 

We're not just talking about normal preparations an athlete does either. Getting ready for a big fight involves working out for hours on end every single day and contouring your style to best take advantage of your opponent's weaknesses.

When that preparation is thrown off, it's a big deal. I can't speak to how Mayweather has been using his time, but there has been a lot of opportunity for him to get distracted in his preparation for this bout.

Mayweather is facing harassment charges stemming from an altercation with security guards outside his Las Vegas home. This was on top of the eight counts of domestic violence he faced back in September of 2010.

Even if Mayweather tried to make a point not to get distracted, it would be hard to do with that much going on.

Victor Ortiz Is a Knockout Artist

It's a scary proposition for any boxer that they could routinely manhandle a fighter for much of the fight but suddenly be undone by one huge punch that landed squarely.

That's what Mayweather will face against Ortiz. Ortiz has knocked down his opponent in each of his 29 wins, and 22 of those wins have come by way of knockout.

It won't take a great technical performance for Ortiz to beat Mayweather. All it will take is a strong jaw and the ability to land one really well-placed punch.

To be frank, that is Ortiz's best chance to come out victorious. Knowing that, expect him to come out swinging for the fences, so to speak.

Ortiz Is a Confident Fighter

If Ortiz is the least bit apprehensive going into this bout, he isn't showing it.

He has taken Mayweather's trash talk and given it right back to him. During the press conference, Mayweather did all he could to rattle Ortiz by getting up in his face. Ortiz took it in stride and just smiled back at him.

In a story in the Boston Herald, Ortiz said that he didn't understand why fighters go into their bouts against Mayweather scared.

In that same story he also mentioned that he doesn't consider Mayweather one of the recent boxing greats. Those are words like we are used to hearing from Mayweather, the trash-talk king of the ring.