Mayweather vs. Ortiz: 3 Lessons Ortiz Must Learn from Mayweather

The bout between Floyd Mayweather and Victor Ortiz turned out to be a disaster, and that is putting it lightly.

Not only did it feature one of the most disappointing and embarrassing endings ever to “grace” the sports world, but there was enough unsportsmanlike conduct to fill an underground fight club on a Friday night.

The obvious culprit was Mayweather, who took what will now be one of the most infamous cheap shots in sports history.

The fight was stalled, and Ortiz apparently didn’t think that it had started up again, but by the time he even got to consider that notion Mayweather took a jab that dazed him—and then landed the knockout punch that sent him to the ground.

From a technique standpoint it was a brilliant one-two combination but, speaking in sporting terms, it was a cheap shot.

While I have, and will continue to criticize Mayweather for his antics during and after the fight, it’s easy to forget how we got there in the first place.

Late in the fourth round Ortiz had Mayweather backed up against the ropes and was doing a good job at aggressively pummeling him, but out of nowhere he leaped forward and gave Mayweather an obvious headbutt.

There is plenty of blame to go around, but in the fray of things let’s not forget how this started.

With that in mind here are three lessons that Ortiz must learn from his bout with Mayweather:

Keep Your Cool:

Ortiz was obviously pretty excited that he had Mayweather against the ropes, and looked to be dominating the round, but then he lost it. The headbutt essentially cost him the match, and it was easily avoidable. Boxing is a violent contact sport that is in no way passive, but the great ones know how to control their aggression.

Don’t Play Nice:

I know that it was a cultural sign of respect, but really Ortiz? You are in the biggest fight of your life against one of the best boxers in the world, and you decide to atone for mistake like you just got caught doing something wrong by your parents?

Acknowledge that you did wrong; take you point hit and move on. There was no need for the constant apology and remorse. It gave Mayweather the instant advantage; and we all know how that ended.

Protect Yourself At All Times:

It was said multiple times after the match, but it’s because the phrase never made more sense than it did after that fight. The first thing you learn about boxing is to always keep your gloves up. Keep your hands up at all times and protect yourself.

I don’t care if they ordered a pizza in the ring, there was no excuse for Ortiz to be walking around like he was at a party. I guarantee you he’ll never put his hands down in a ring again, if he’s smart.