.jpg)
Former WBC welterweight champion Victor Ortiz, who was knocked out by Floyd Mayweather in 2011, believes his former foe will have trouble with his upcoming opponent, Youtube star Logan Paul.
Mayweather, a former five division world champion with a perfect 50-0, record, is scheduled to face Paul in an exhibition clash on February 20.
Paul made his pro debut last year and lost a controversial split decision to Youtube rival KSI.
Ortiz, who is friends with Paul, recently went to his home in Encino, Califronia, and watched him score a brutal knockout of a sparring partner.
“Holy crap. Mind you, these are full-on professional boxers [Paul is sparring with],” Ortiz told MMA Fighting. “I sat back in shock and awe. He was so composed and relaxed. He used his reach perfect – took a little step, hook down the middle, sleep. Night-night. My only complaint there is that he didn’t read him a bedtime story.”
The 43-year-old Mayweather is a tremendous favorite to beat the 25-year-old Paul.
But, Paul is much bigger physically with six to seven inches in height and at least 50-pounds in weight.
“I know what I know, and I know what I see,” Ortiz said. “What I’m saying, in a sense, is that he will give Floyd trouble. I’m telling you, it’s going to be an interesting fight. I’ve talked to him about Floyd a few times. … I give him the simple things: ‘Floyd is Floyd, but you’re unstoppable. You’re on another level.’ I strongly believe Floyd will have trouble. Logan can box, and he has power, reach speed, and he can move now.
“[Mayweather] found a YouTuber – that sounds easy enough for a 20-time world champion. Alright, let’s beat him up. But what I’ve been watching and seeing is a YouTuber gone professional boxer who puts in hours and hours of work studying films. He’s very disciplined, and he’s working his butt off, and he listens. He has a heck of a coach [in Milton Lacroix] who’s very knowledgeable and very experienced. I believe it’s a dangerous combo. From what I see at the gym, I can honestly say Logan can probably hit harder than [Mayweather]. Now, who’s more accurate? We’ll see Feb. 20.”