By Phil D. Jay

Former WBC welterweight champion Victor Ortiz is just one step away from another crack at a coveted green belt and knows he must deal with Josesito Lopez on June 23rd before a 154lb title chance against Saul Alvarez.                            

      

The 25 year-old is ready to shine at the Staples Center next weekend as he warms up for his third world title bout at the MGM Grand and is thriving on the pressure of returning to the scene of his loss to Floyd Mayweather one year ago.

“I love it. It pushes me from 110 percent to 120 percent,” Ortiz told World Boxing News.

“I'm going to try and win the $100,000 best knockout bonus from Goldenboy and I'll use it to visit the United Kingdom.”

Alvarez, 21, is a seasoned campaigner despite still being a youngster in boxing terms and Ortiz will be aiming to end a 41-fight unbeaten streak that stretches back to when the Mexican superstar turned professional at just fifteen years old.

“He is a very good fighter, a warrior like me. It will be a huge punch out on the night and may the best man win," he said.

“I know I have to stay focused on Josesito Lopez on the 23rd though and he's good.

"We are also fighting for the interim and silver title at welterweight so there’s a chance to win another title.”

‘Vicious’ Victor has stepped up from fighting at light-welterweight to his maiden bout at light-middleweight in the fall in just under two years, and the Californian is unsure at this point whether he sees his long-term future at 154lbs.

“I can carry 152-154 very comfortably. I'll reserve the decision after I beat Canelo, like Mayweather is holding his decision,” he explained, before lead onto confirming that a rematch with Mayweather would be a possibility if he takes Canelo’s title in Las Vegas.

“Absolutely I would fight Floyd again, but there is lots of work to do before that happens.

“By the way, I'll protect myself at all times,” joked Ortiz referring to the way their previous meeting ended at the same venue.

Phil D. Jay covers boxing for worldboxingnews.net