Victor Ortiz returns to action July 30

Former welterweight champion Victor Ortiz (31-6-2, 24 KOs) will end a 15-month layoff next month when he takes on Saul Corral (24-9, 15 KOs) in a scheduled 10-round Premier Boxing Champions’ main event. The fight will be held on July 30 at the Rabobank Theater in Bakersfield, California, airing on Fox Sports 1 (and Fox Deportes) starting at 7pm ET.

Ortiz, 30, has been out of action since getting knocked out by Andre Berto back in April 2016, making him 2-4 in his last six outings. Many fans thought Ortiz should’ve called it quits a couple years ago, showing that he was not completely dedicated to the sport anymore, and even more were convinced when he got stopped by Berto - a fading fighter himself.

But Ortiz, who has been waffling between a boxing career and Hollywood career, has decided that he wants to continue on his boxing journey.

"This is a great opportunity for me to get back in the ring, shake off the ring rust and put on a show for the fans," Ortiz, 30, of Ventura, California, said. "I've been really focused on training and getting myself back physically and mentally to where I need to be. This is my first time fighting since my son was born, and it's given me a whole new purpose in life. I'm thankful to everyone who has helped me get to this point, and I can't wait to go do what I do best and entertain everyone."

**PARDON THE INTERRUPTION SO I MIGHT TELL YOU...**

Victor Ortiz recently passed up a perfectly viable — and long awaited — grudge match against Brandon Rios, who just fought on a PBC card a couple weeks ago! What the hell, man?! After I prodded him on social media, Ortiz made a big show of calling out Brandon Rios so the two could finally meet, with there finally being no promotional issues standing in the way, only to balk time and time again at finalizing the deal until Rios was forced to move on.

But now, two weeks removed from Rios having to take another fight, apparently Ortiz is ready to fight again...humbug!

**NOW BACK TO YOUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED PROGRAMMING**

Corral, 30, is also coming off of a loss heading into this fight. In his last four outings he dropped a unanimous decision to Josesito Lopez, knocked out Macario Leyva, lost a unanimous decision to Sadam Ali, and stopped Francisco Medel. He’ll be looking to get a win streak going here.

"I am excited to test myself against another great former champion in Victor Ortiz," Corral said. "Everyone who has seen me fight knows I will give it my all every time I step into the ring. I plan on being aggressive and making Ortiz very uncomfortable in the ring. He has had problems overcoming adversity in the ring, and I am going to test him and give him everything I have."

This PBC card will also have a co-feature fight between junior middleweights Justin DeLoach (17-1, 9 KOs) and former contender Fernando Guerrero (28-4, 20 KOs). Additionally, U.S. Olympian Carlos Balderas (1-0, 1 KO) will open up the telecast taking on TBD in a scheduled 6-rounder.