Ortiz, Mares added to Dec. 13 “Royal Battle” card

Ortiz, Mares added to Dec. 13 “Royal Battle” card

Golden Boy Promotions has completely outdone themselves.

In what was a star-studded lineup, headlined by Amir Khan and Devon Alexander, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas Dec. 13, two former title holders were announced on the under card Friday. Abner Mares and Victor Ortiz will join Alexander, Khan, Keith Thurman and Jermell Charlo on a Showtime quintuple header.

Oscar De La Hoya will be a busy man Dec. 13. Not only is his company promoting the card, Mauricio Herrera will be featured on the under card of Timothy Bradley Jr. and Diego Chaves at the Cosmopolitan across the Las Vegas Strip. De La Hoya has previously stated he intends on attending both events.

“A huge main event with two former champions looking to take a major step back towards a title shot, undefeated fighters going head-to-head on the undercard, our last big show of the year,” De La Hoya stated in a Showtime press release. “Dec. 13 at MGM Grand will have it all. Golden Boy Promotions is finishing 2014 strong, and will move into 2015 continuing to make good on our promise to make the most exciting fights for boxing fans.”

Earlier this month, BehindTheGloves.com wrote a story, about the pending announcement of the Khan and Bradley show down, saying Christmas is coming early for fight fans. Indeed it is.

Mares (27-1-1, 14 KOs) seeks to continue his comeback since suffering the first loss of his career to Jhonny Gonzalez last year. Mares looked impressive in July under the tutilage of Virgil Hunter, but he has since returned to his longtime and former trainer Clemente Medina.

Mares’ foe has yet to be announced, but fireworks can be expected when watching one of his matches. Mares was pleased to announce his return to the ring

“My ultimate goal is another shot at a world championship and a win on Dec. 13 will help me get there,” Mares said. “I plan on putting on a great performance and showcasing my skills once again.”

Meanwhile, Ortiz (29-5-2, 22 KOs) has yet to find his winning ways since April 2011 when he bested Andre Berto. Since then he has suffered three consecutive knockout losses to Floyd Mayweather, Josesito Lopez and most recently Luis Collazo. But at the age of 27, there is hope Ortiz can regain his form, and reestablish himself by getting his boxing career back on track.

That begins with the Joel Diaz experiment. Earlier this year, Ortiz made a trip to Indio Ca. with his buddy and former world title contender Diego Magdaleno. According to Diaz, Ortiz asked if he can train under Diaz’ supervision. Diaz agreed but under one condition. Diaz told Ortiz he runs the show and will not tolerate any lack of focus or commitment to the sport. Diaz said Ortiz agreed to the terms and the two are eager to see if a change of scenery will get Ortiz’ once promising career back in the right direction.

“I’m excited to get back into the ring. I got caught in my last fight,” Ortiz said. “But I’m ready to get back to work and improve my game. I know what it takes to win and that is what I plan on doing on Dec. 13. I’m thankful for the opportunity and looking forward to giving fans a great show.”

Ortiz’ foe has not been announced. Ortiz vs. Lopez II, anyone?

– Jose Quintero/ @JoseSwift8755

US Editor for BehindTheGloves.com