Mayweather to end lay-off against Ortiz

Unbeaten US boxing star Floyd Mayweather has said he will end a 16-month lay-off on September 17 when he fights countryman Victor Ortiz for the World Boxing Council welterweight title.

Mayweather, 41-0 with 25 knockouts, has not climbed into the ring since May of last year when he won a unanimous 12-round decision over Shane Mosley but he announced on his Twitter microblogging page that he was ready to return.

“My fans have been waiting long enough. Floyd Mayweather vs Victor Ortiz. Sept-17 2011 for the WBC World Championship,” Mayweather tweeted.

Southpaw Ortiz, 29-2-2 with 22 knockouts, claimed the WBC crown last April with a unanimous 12-round decision over previously undefeated Andre Berto of the United States.

“I am ready to return to the ring and give my fans a fantastic night of boxing by fighting the best out there,” Mayweather said.

“For me, that is Victor Ortiz.

“He is the current champion and an extremely talented fighter who showed amazing skills, and heart, in his last performance.

Challenges

“At this stage of my career, these are the challenges I look for, a young, strong, rising star looking to make his mark in boxing by beating me.

“Ortiz is just going to be another casualty, the 42nd one who tried and failed.

“Trust me. I will be ready.”

Ortiz countered: “I know he will be ready, but so will I. I’m a world champion for a reason and I am not going to let go of my title any time soon.”

Boxing fans have waited for years to see Mayweather face Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao, but a series of talks have failed and the fighters have battled other foes instead.