Mayweather vs Ortiz Odds: 5 Reasons Ortiz Is Headed for a Loss

When Floyd Mayweather Jr takes on Victor Ortiz on September 17th, he will be an 8:1 favorite over the younger, more inexperienced champion.

There are concerns that Mayweather has had problems with southpaws in the past. He struggled early with Zab Judah, he was dazed by DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley. Ortiz is young, hungry and brings one-punch knockout power to the table.

Will he be able to connect with the slick and defensively sound Mayweather? The Vegas odds-makers certainly don't think so, as is evidenced by the long odds against Ortiz.

Mayweather is superior in many facets of the sport, but there are some very clear instances that the advantages will prove too much for Ortiz to overcome.

Hand Speed

Floyd's hand-speed is superior to most every fighter he fights. The same will be the case when he faces Ortiz. The only chance Ortiz would have would be to employ the use of a jab.

Unfortunately, that is not one of Victor's most potent weapons.

Ring Generalship

A term made popular by legendary boxing judge Harold Lederman. It is defined as a fighter's ability to control tempo, command the ring and dictate exchanges.

Floyd is a dominant ring general, and Ortiz has the tendency to become wild. Floyd is almost always in control of his body and feasts on opponents who are not.

In-Ring IQ

There are few fighters with Floyd's boxing pedigree. He is sharp in the ring and shows the ability to adjust mid-fight. This was previously on display when he faced another southpaw, Zab Judah.

Judah was actually winning the first four rounds before Floyd made adjustments, frustrating and wearing down Judah. He will outsmart Ortiz as well.

Intimidation

Floyd is not a big puncher, but speed can be a bigger intimidating factor than power. When you are chasing a fighter that you can't hit but you can't prevent them from tagging you, its intimidating.

Ortiz has already all but quit in a fight, I reference his bout with Marcos Rene Maidana. He wants and needs a brawl. Floyd won't give him that.

Motivation

Ortiz has plenty of motivation, but Mayweather is carrying the weight of his own mystique, the chances of finally signing the super fight with Manny Pacquiao and his pride.

Ortiz will be richer than ever after this fight, win or lose. I question his desire even after the Berto fight. Floyd will want it more.

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.