After weeks of junior welterweight matchup speculation, Victor Ortiz has agreed to fight Andre Berto on April 16 in the U.S. as part of a television doubleheader with Amir Khan-Paul McCloskey (U.K. bout), according to Ortiz’s manager, Roland Arellano.

Ortiz (28-2-2, KOs), the No. 9 junior welterweight (140-pounds), has agreed to a catch weight bout with Berto, the WBC welterweight champion, at 145 pounds plus one, or in effect 146 (one pound below welterweight limit).

“I’m so ready for Berto,” Ortiz said. “Actually, I don’t want to sound cocky, but Berto’s whole career just came to an end. From what I hear, he’s underestimating me because I’m a junior welterweight. I don’t know if he recalls being next to me, but I’m a lot bigger than he is.”

Although Ortiz has never fought heavier than 144 pounds, the Kansas-native appears to have no worries about the jump in weight class.

“No concerns whatsoever in speed, power or anything else,” Ortiz said.  “All I know is that I’m going to take the belt. In my eyes, Berto is overrated. He hasn’t been tested against a fighter such as myself.”

The site for the Berto-Ortiz bout has yet to be determined, Arellano disclosed, adding that the finalization will occur when he receives a contract from DiBella Entertainment, Berto’s promoter.

After his June 27, 2009 lose to Marcos Rene Maidana by technical knockout in the sixth round, Ortiz went on a four fight win streak, defeating Antonio Diaz, Hector Alatorre, Nate Campbell and Vivian Harris. Most recently, “Vicious” fought to draw against Lamont Peterson in Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, NV last December.

Berto (27-0, 21 KOs), currently riding a streak of five title defenses, last stopped Freddy Hernandez in the first round on Nov. 27.

—Alex Neely

After a two and a half year retirement, former three-division champion Erik Morales will continue his comeback in a bout against junior welterweight Marcos Maidana on April 9, Golden Boy promoter Richard Schaefer said.

Following weeks of failed negotiations with other opponents, Morales (51-6, 35 KOs),  whose won three fights in a row since ending his retirement, will now battle Argentinean native Maidana (29-2, 27 KOs).

“I can tell you what Erik Morales said to me, that he feels like this is an early Christmas present,” Schaefer said to ESPN. “It’s really the fight he wants.”

Although Morales appears to be making a giant step up in light welterweight competition, Schaefer assured he will be ready.

“He and his father were begging us for this fight,” Schaefer said. “He did take some time off and there is a history of fighters who took time off and came back and did write another chapter in the career, and not only pick up where they left off but go to bigger heights.”

Maidana, who exploded onto the boxing scene earning 25 knockouts, is now considered one of the top light welterweights in the world.

“Maidana is one of the most credible 140-pounders and an exciting fighter,” Schaefer said. “Most people rank him third in the division [behind Timothy Bradley Jr. and Amir Khan].”

After losing a split decision to Andriy Kotelnik (31-4, 13 KOs) on Feb. 2, Maidana went on a four fight win streak, defeating Victor Ortiz, William Gonzalez, Victor Manuel Cayo and DeMarcus Corley. Most recently, Maidana fell short losing a unanimous decision to Khan, in a dramatic slugfest which earned 2010 “Fight of the Year” by the Boxing Writers Association of America.

The Morales-Maidana bout, which will air live on HBO PPV at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV, is one of four bouts Schaefer said is finalized.

“I got the ‘Fight Freak’ card done,” Schaefer said in reference to the cards appeal towards hardcore boxing fans. “Everything is locked in.”

Featured in the co-main event, former featherweight and junior lightweight titlist Robert Guerrero will meet Australian action star Michael Katisidis.

“It’s one of the most exciting fights one can make in boxing and I’m really looking forward to it,” Schaefer said. “Helluva fight. The winner will come out as a major guy.”

In addition, former WBC and WBA super welterweight champion Winky Wright will return from a two-year hiatus to face Britain’s own Matthew Macklin; while junior middleweight prospect James Kirkland (barring a win in his March 5 bout) will open the pay per view portion against an unnamed opponent.

—Alex Neely

After nearly a year of trash talk in the press, former junior welterweight (140 pounds) champion, Junior Witter’s wish of fighting the current WBA junior welterweight champion Amir Kahn may come to fruition.

Witter (37-3, 22 KOs), who lost two of his last three bouts, has been approached regarding a possible shot at Khan’s title on April 19 at the MEN Arena in Manchester, England, according to Amir’s father Shah Khan.

“Junior is on our list,” said Shah Khan to The Sun. “He’s an ex-world champion who lost a split decision to Tim Bradley, who Amir hopes to fight. So no one can criticize his pedigree.”

Team Khan ran into match making difficulties over the past week, when current European light-welterweight champion, Paul McCloskey (21-0, 11 KOs) turned down two offers on financial grounds, while Lamont Peterson (28-1-1, 14 KOs) has appeared to have lost interest in the bout. Pending these negotiations, Witter may be required to cancel his upcoming bout on Feb. 19 in Ontario against Victor Puiu (18-1-2, 9 KOs).

“The Hitter”, who has been inactive since 2009, last fought Devon Alexander to a split decision loss for the vacant WBC light welterweight title at the Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage, Calif. Prior to that, Witter fought twice in 2008, resulting in a knockout victory over Victor Hugo Castro (29-4), and the loss of his WBC light welterweight title to Timothy Bradley by split decision.

Witter or not, “King Khan”, who now sports a six fight win streak, is set to start training next week with Freddie Roach at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles.

— Alex Neely