Ortiz disappointed fight with Berto called off

Losing an opportunity to make $1 million was not Victor Ortiz's idea of the perfect birthday present.

Ortiz, the former WBC welterweight champion who turned 25 on Tuesday, was dealing with the reality that his rematch with Andre Berto officially was off after Berto suffered an injury while training Monday for their Feb. 11 fight at the MGM Grand Garden.

Berto ruptured his left biceps while sparring in Van Nuys, Calif. An MRI examination revealed a tear that is expected to require surgery. Berto was getting a second opinion on the injury Tuesday, but he is in no condition to fight.

Those who purchased tickets can receive a refund at the point of purchase, or they can keep their seats for use when the fight is rescheduled. An MGM official said approximately 4,000 tickets had been sold as of Monday. Showtime, which was scheduled to televise the fight, also has canceled plans to air the reality show "Fight Camp 360" tonight.

"It's extremely disappointing," Ortiz said from California. "It hasn't been the easiest training camp; no training camp is easy, but things happen for a reason, and I wish Berto a speedy recovery."

This is the second time Berto has injured his left arm. In 2010, he suffered a torn left biceps in a fight with Carlos Quintana. That tear also required surgery.

In a tweet to his followers Tuesday, Berto said: "I want to thank u all for the overwhelming massive support and prayers from all the fans. U can only imagine how devastated I am but I know (expletive) happens this is the hurt business but I'll be back stronger then ever."

Ortiz, who defeated Berto by unanimous decision April 16, said he's willing to wait to fight Berto. But if Berto's recovery is going to be lengthy, Ortiz said he needs to move forward. "I'm going to stay busy," he said. "I ran eight miles (Tuesday). I'm always active."

If Berto (28-1, 22 knockouts) and Ortiz (29-3-2, 22 KOs) don't fight, Ortiz said he knows someone he wouldn't mind meeting. "I heard through the grapevine that Floyd Mayweather (Jr.) is looking for an opponent," he said. "Tell him I'll be glad to fight him again."

Ortiz lost to Mayweather in September when he was tagged with a hard right hand with one second left in the fourth round of a fight at the MGM Grand Garden. The punch -- which some fans considered to be a quick sucker punch -- came after referee Joe Cortez deducted a point for Ortiz attempting to head-butt Mayweather.

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913. Follow him on Twitter: @stevecarprj.