Big Punchers Ortiz and Maidana Clash Tonight In Los Angeles

ByRichard Eberline

The Interim WBA light welter strap is up for grabs tonight at the Staples Center in Los Angeles as native son Victor Ortiz is in the spotlight against Marcos Renee Maidana.

Both guys can bang and aren’t used to losing so the contest should be a superb fight for as long as it lasts.

Southpaw Ortiz, 24-1-1 (19), has rubbed out eight opponents in a row including former world champ Carlos Maussa and highly regarded contender Mike Arnaoutis, proving his power and abilities at a very high level.

Committed body puncher Maidana, 25-1 (24), pounded his way out of Argentina to land in Germany where he has been based for the last two years.

Maidana took a big leap in competition to contend for the WBA title in February but Ukrainian stylist Andriy Kotelnik turned him back. The 25 year old from Santa Fe now gets to once again go for the WBA bauble tonight.

Maidana’s KO streak goes all the way back to August, 2005 but it remains to be seen if he can continue the sleep parade against such a high quality opponent as Ortiz.

One of Australia’s brightest prospects is on the undercard as super feather William “Cool Willie” Kickett, 15-1 (5), makes his US debut against undefeated Adrien Broner, 9-0 (6), in a scheduled eight rounder.

Scotland’s Craig McEwan, 15-0 (9), continues his American based matriculation when he goes up against Darnell Boone, 16-10-2 (6), at middleweight, also over eight frames.