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On March 7, Star Boxing’s world rated light welterweight contender, The Pride of Greece, “Mighty” Mike Arnaoutis, 21-2- 2 (10), will meet 2008 Prospect of the Year “Vicious” Victor Ortiz, 23-1- 1 (18) in a 12 round light welterweight championship bout.
The Arnaoutis vs. Ortiz battle will be part of a live triple header on HBO and will take place at The Tank in San Jose, CA. At stake will be both the USBA light welterweight title, held by Arnaoutis and the NABO light welterweight title, which is held by Ortiz, who is ranked WBO #4, WBA #5 and IBF #9 at light welterweight.
The 29 year old Arnaoutis, ranked WBO #6, IBF #7, WBA #11 and WBC #12, had a sensational year in 2008, winning all four of his fights and in the process repositioned himself as one of the top light welterweights in the world.
“I said that I would fight anyone and everyone and I am proving that by taking on Ortiz,” said Arnaoutis. “Ortiz is a good fighter, but I’m a great fighter and I will prove that on March 7th.
“He has never been in with someone of my caliber. He has never been in with someone who is as good and as tough as me. If he thinks by fighting me it’s going to be his coming out party he is making a huge mistake. I can not wait to show the world that “Mighty” Mike is back!”
“This is a significant fight for boxing and especially the light welterweight division,” stated Arnaoutis’ promoter, Joe DeGuardia, CEO of Star Boxing. “Ortiz has a lot of skills and is certainly one of the hottest fighters out there right now. He was chosen by ESPN.com as the 2008 Prospect of the Year, which is a testament to his ability.
“All that being said, Mike has never been better than now and he is ready for the best his division has to offer. Both of these guys are ranked very high in the major sanctioning bodies, so the winner clearly will be in line for a world championship.”
Arnaoutis vs. Ortiz on paper alone sets up to be an all-out war. Both southpaws know how to bring it and excite crowds with their fan friendly, guns blazing styles each time they enter the ring.
The card is being promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.
