Mayweather Sparring with Ouma, Powell and Latimore to get ready for Ortiz

By Robert Jackson: Reports have surfaced that Floyd Mayweather in preparation for his September 17, 2011 fight with Vicious Victor Ortiz has recruited contenders and journeymen – all southpaws, Kassim ‘The Dream’ Ouma, Sechew ‘Iron Horse’ Powell and St. Louis fighter Deandre Latimore as sparring partners to prepare him for fight nite. Those same reports say that Floyd has been impressive while sparring, Floyd himself has said “I think I can do better”.

What is also known is that Mayweather opened training camp immediately after the 2-city tour announcing his return to the ring in September. If this is the case Mayweather is looking at a 10 week training camp, most likely precipitated by many months of inactivity, not having fought since May 2010.

So what does sparring with the likes of Powell, Ouma and Latimore do for the man arguably considered one of the best defensive fighters of his era?? Always in impeccable shape and considered a gym rat by all, Mayweather needs rounds to reactivate his timing and build up his toughness, while also re-acclimating himself to the southpaw stance, which in the past has given Mayweather trouble.

Powell of Brooklyn NY, brings size and a well rounded boxing acumen to the ring and can help Mayweather because it’s his style to stay busy while trying to set up his shots, he’ll force Mayweather to adapt and think quickly on his feet. Ouma a native of Uganda now living in Florida, fights with a high activity rate throwing punches in bunches which will help Mayweather tune his already impressive defensive prowess. Latimore who’s style I think most resembles that of Victor Ortiz, meshes the styles of Powell and Ouma, Latimore likes the give and take style of fighting that Ortiz employs, he also applies constant pressure which will make Floyd Mayweather have to fight for every minute of every round.

Mayweather has also stated that 4 or 5 other guys will be in his camp to help him get ready for his September date, is James Kirkland one of them?? Kirkland recently released from incarceration is on the mend from his first loss and is trying to recover to his pre-jail form. If Kirkland is on the schedule his heavy handed – pressure style will give Mayweather problems but get him ready for war. Mayweather will definitely have to fight every minute of every round to keep the ‘take no prisoners’ styled Kirkland at bay. Just imagine what those sparring sessions would be like because as we all know sparring in the Mayweather camp is as top secret as Nevada’s Area 51 is.

While Victor Ortiz is performing in Triathlon’s, Floyd Mayweather is in the gym sparring with a who’s who of fighters who collectively have a 75-14-1 record in the ring. So I believe Floyd means it when he said during HBO’s Faceoff with Max Kellerman in Ortiz’ presence “I’m gonna destroy this kid”! And as any trainer worth his salt will tell “you have to fight to get ready to fight”.