Boxing: Berto-Ortiz Rematch Set for April 30 on Fox

Premier Boxing Champions announced Thursday afternoon that a trio of intriguing matches are coming to the StubHub Center on April 30. The popular venue in Carson, Calif. will host the once-demanded but long-forgotten rematch between Andre Berto and Victor Ortiz, which will headline a PBC on Fox card in primetime.

Berto (30-4, 23 KOs) was last seen in May being outpointed by Floyd Mayweather Jr., and he’s been trying to parlay that notoriety into another big showdown with one of the sport’s most recognizable names. Though Ortiz hasn’t been in the forefront of many a boxing fan’s minds, the Californian still brings excitement to the ring when he fights.

It’s also a fight that Berto has coveted for five years.

When the two combatants squared off in 2011, Berto was an undefeated titleholder and considered as arguably the best young welterweight in the sport. He had won the WBC 147-pound title and defended it five timew before taking on Ortiz in Connecticut. Their battle was a contender for fight of the year as both men hit the canvas twice.. Ortiz won a unanimous decision and Berto was never quite the same fighter, but a chance at redemption could turn things around for the Haitian, who has gone just 3-3 since losing to Ortiz.

“This is the fight the people have been waiting for and it's time to give it to them,” said Berto. “I am in a good place mentally, physically and spiritually. I've never wanted my story to be perfect, that's boring. Life is filled with ups and downs and I've embraced them all in my career. Everything I've been through has turned me into a savage. It's time to close this chapter once and for all. I want his head!”

Ortiz (31-5-2, 24 KOs) was in a similar situation as his foe when he lost to Marcos Maidana in 2009. He bounced back with a series of wins before being knocked out by Mayweather when the pound-for-pound king cracked the unsuspecting “Vicious” Victor after a foul. Ortiz dropped two more in a row but has bounced back with back-to-back wins over decent opposition, making his rematch with Berto the ultimate crossroads battle.

“I know I'm in for another war," said Ortiz. “I've always been open to a rematch because Berto has a big mouth and something to prove. After our fight, he went on a losing streak, because I gave his opponents a blueprint on how to beat him. My losses have been unfortunate, but I wouldn't want to come up against me at this stage in the game. My name is Victor and that's no coincidence.”

PBC also announced a stacked undercard for the event, revealing a light heavyweight showdown between Edwin Rodriguez (28-1, 19 KOs) and Thomas Williams Jr. (19-1, 13 KOs) in a 10-round affair. Former multiple-time world champion Fernando Montiel (54-5-2, 39 KOs) will square off against Jorge Lara (27-0-2, 19 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight battle as well.

Televised coverage on Fox and Fox Deportes will begin at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.