Mayweather vs. Ortiz: Vicious Victor's Youth and Strength Crucial to His Chances

Victor Ortiz will be Floyd Mayweather’s youngest opponent in nearly 10 years, making this matchup the first time the undefeated champion will face a competitive youngster in a title fight in some time.

Some of Mayweather’s recent opponents, Shane Mosley (38), Sharmba Mitchell (35), Juan Manuel Marquez (36), Oscar De La Hoya (34), Carlos Baldomir (35), did not have the stamina to keep with Mayweather in the later rounds.

Against Ortiz, who is just 24 years old, Mayweather could be in for a long, tough fight Saturday night in Las Vegas.

Mayweather has to be able to withstand an early onslaught from Ortiz, only this time, it will be tougher because Ortiz can expend energy early and still have enough stamina left for the deeper rounds, unlike Mayweather’s previous opponents who were mostly in their 30's.

Ortiz’s pressure style could bother Mayweather, and each round that goes well for Ortiz will add to his confidence, which is exactly what Floyd wants to avoid.

Mayweather can’t let Ortiz think he can beat him, because then the fight will be much more difficult for Floyd.

To survive Ortiz’s fiery start to the fight, Mayweather will need all of his superior ring intelligence and awareness and cannot afford to get into a strength battle with Ortiz, which does not favor the undefeated champ.

Mayweather has the decided edge in quickness and speed and needs to use his clever punches that Ortiz hasn’t seen before if he wants to end this fight early and prevent a prolonged battle.

Floyd Mayweather has to withstand the early rounds to keep his perfect 41-0 record intact, and if he does not, the energetic and well-conditioned Victor Ortiz could upset him.