by James Slater – According to Dan Rafael over at ESPN.com, if the possible Amir Khan-Juan Manuel Marquez title fight that is being worked on for May 15th comes off, the plan is for Victor Oriz to face Nate Campbell at light-welterweight in the co-feature. A fascinating prospect, who would win; the big-punching and much younger fighter from Oxnard, or the former world lightweight champion from Florida?
Southpaw Ortiz, who must first defeat Hector Alatorre on February 25th, would have a huge advantage in youth, being just 23 compared to age 37 for “The Galaxxy Warrior”. Also, Ortiz has been active recently, while Cambell, who fought just twice last year, the last time in August, has not. Also, Ortiz is a strong light-welter, while Campbell has had just one fight at the weight; his no-contest with WBO champion Tim Bradley. Factor in Ortiz’ “Vicious” punching power, and there looks to be only one winner from the talked of fight.
But we can’t forget how Ortiz, 25-2-1(20) fell apart at the hands of Marcos Maidana back in June, being TKO’d in the 6th-round. To many, Ortiz, who had been looking good in the fight, opted to quit when Maidana refused to fold under his bombs – instead landing his own and hurting Ortiz. Campbell is no banger, but with his proven toughness, ring savvy and superior skill level, is there not a chance he too could see it through the early, dangerous rounds against the man 14 years his junior and then come on strong afterwards? Would it be a monstrous upset if Campbell, 33-5-1(25) weathered the early storm and then proceeded to give Ortiz a boxing lesson?
Though in some eyes, Campbell also “quit” in his last big fight, the one with Bradley, Nate is usually a gutsy and ultra-game fighter. I’d make Ortiz a slight favourite, largely due to his youth and raw power (Ortiz is also fast and skilled), but in no way would I write the smaller and older man off. And what a sensational way it would be for the former 135-pound king to get himself back on top if he were able to fully burst Ortiz’ bubble!
Here’s to hoping the Khan-Marquez fight gets made as planned, and that this potential classic co-features right alongside it. Something tells me Campbell would relish the idea of this fight a touch more than would Ortiz.