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By Christina Thomas
ABC’s hit show Dancing with the Stars has seemed to have a special draw for pugilists during its 15-year run, as it slides into its 16th season later this March. A who’s-who of boxing legends like Sugar Ray Leonard, Evander Holyfield, Floyd Mayweather and the undefeated (now retired) Laila Ali have participated in past years with a measure of success; with Ali having the best showing by placing third.
The latest boxing luminary to join the fray of moving feet is Victor Manuel Ortiz
“I’ve never danced in my life,” admits Ortiz, whose boxing life is currently shelved as he heals from a shattered jaw suffered at the hands of Josesito Lopez, who defeated Ortiz by TKO at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA on June 23, 2012.
“[I’ve done] random social dancing – like a night at the club or something – but not actual proper posture or co-ordination. This is very different.”
Ortiz needn’t worry, however, because the help he’ll be receiving to prepare for the dance-off is top-notch. Professional dancer Lindsay Arnold – who participated in FOX Broadcasting Company’s “So You Think You Can Dance” late last year in Aug 2012 – will be his coach and dance partner. Ortiz, who’s used to dodging and delivering blows in the ring, doesn’t seem fazed.
“I’m going to have a blast doing this,” proclaimed the former WBC welterweight title holder. “Dancing is a great way to stay busy, have some fun and raise my profile outside the boxing world. I’ve put my mind of being recognized in boxing, but I also want to be a household name all around.”
Ortiz will face stiff competition from the likes of Dorothy Hamill, actress Lisa Vanderpump, Kings of Comedy comedian D.L Hughley, Jacoby Jones of the Superbowl Champion Ravens, actor Andy Dick, actor Ingo Rademacher, Olympian Aly Raisman, former American Idol contestant Kelly Pickler, music star Wynonna Judd, actress Zendaya Coleman and their respective experts.
