In a young lion vs old lion match up it was no contest for the young man. Victor Ortiz put on a very good performance winning nearly every round of the fight. Nate Campbell simply did not let enough punches go and Ortiz had too much power and movement for the older former champion. Campbell's plan was to tire Ortiz out using pressure and making the young fighter spend himself, and there were glimpses of Ortiz getting tired near the end. However, Campbell simply didn't land enough in the process to facilitate a win. Below is a round by round reaction to the fight plus some final comments.
Round 1: Victor Ortiz starts off fast moving side to side lateral movement landing combinations as Campbell chases. Campbell with his hands high blocking and chasing Ortiz. Ortiz lands a right hook then pushes Campbell which causes him to touch the caves with his gloves at the end of the round. The referee scores it a knockdown. Round to Ortiz Read on for more…
Round 2: Ortiz lands a good right left combo and Campbell shakes his head no claiming the punches landed on the gloves. Ortiz attempting to pull Campells gloves down and hit him but not working . Campbell goes to the body well. Campbell absorbing lots of punishment as he comes in with the hands held high and Ortiz landing quick , hard punches. Some of Ortiz punches getting through however most landing on the gloves. Round to Ortiz.
Round 3: Campbell trying to pressure Ortiz and giving the impression that Ortiz punches are not effecting him. Ortiz lands a good uppercut on the inside while Campbell goes to the body. Two straight left hands land for Ortiz. Ortiz lands a big left hand to the body of Ortiz. Ortiz dances away and Campbell lands a strong jab as Ortiz has his hands low. Round to Ortiz
Round 4: Campbell reaching to land as Ortiz moves from side to side. Ortiz not moving as much and clinching Campbell. Ortiz opens up with combinations to the head and body. Right hook and straight left land to the body of Campbell. Not much action from Campbell in this round. Round to Ortiz
Round 5: Ortiz lands a big left hand however Campbell responds with a right of his own. Ortiz moving much more this round attempting feints. Quick punches from Ortiz are landing mostly on the gloves. Ortiz appears to be losing a bit of focus and is smiling and talking back to Campbell as he lands.
Round 6: Ortiz gets nailed by a right hand from Campbell. Ortiz landing hard punches to the body as Campbell is on the ropes. Ortiz switches to right hand and lands a combination to Campbells gloves. Campbell momentarily stops chasing Ortiz and gets tagged. Round to Ortiz.
Round 7: Campbell remains in the defensive posture as Ortiz continues to change lateral direction and landing combinations. Campbell now moving a way from Ortiz apparently trying to set a trap however Ortiz asserts himself with a long left hand which lands clean. Another big left hand lands clean from Ortiz. Round to Ortiz
Round 8: Quick right hook from Ortiz then he moves away out of range before Campbell can react. Cambell lands a short right hand on the inside and Ortiz holds on in a clinch. Ortiz moving and bouncing on the outside. Campbell Lands a looping right however it had little effect. Round to Campbell
Round 9: Both fighters exchanging big punches as Ortiz holds less and the two trade shots. Ortiz back to moving and hitting which appears to frustrate Campbell. Campbell chased most of the round but did not land. Round to Ortiz
Round 10: Campbell comes out winging punches and nearly running after a moving Ortiz. Big left hand from Ortiz and Campbell shakes his head no as he did throughout the fight. Ortiz moving around the ring much more than before, apparently an attempt to run out the clock. Campbell giving chase but once in range gets hit by Ortiz. Round to Ortiz.
Ortiz wins a decision on my card and the officials had it 100 to 89 (twice) and 99 to 90 all for Ortiz.
Final Comments: So what does this mean for Ortiz? It shows that he is gradually making a comeback and rebuilding his confidence. There were glimpses in this fight that showed he was perhaps breathing hard from having to move so much and if a big puncher would have applied the pressure there may have been a different outcome. Ortiz still has good power, better movement and improved defense. Is it enough to beat someone like Devon Alexander or Tim Bradley, no. But Ortiz has time on his side. He is still young and his handlers would be wise to continue to match him with opponents that will give him rounds to hone his skills and confidence as he did tonight.
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