In an exciting knockdown-filled affair, the welterweight debut of Victor Ortiz (29-2-2, 22 KOs) was a successful one as he dethroned previously unbeaten WBC welterweight champion Andre Berto (27-1, 21 KOs) with a clear unanimous decision on Saturday night at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantuckett, Connecticut. Ortiz dropped Berto with a left hook in round one but it ruled as a slip by referee Michael Ortega. Later in the round he floored Berto again and this one counted. Berto knocked down an off balance Ortiz in round two. Ortiz rocked Berto again in round three and continued to dominate as Berto spent considerable time on the ropes absorbing punishment. In round six, Berto stayed in the center of the ring and dropped Ortiz with a big right hand, but during Berto’s follow-up attack Ortiz floored him! Things settled down after that. Referee Ortega deducted a point from Ortiz in round ten for a punch behind the head. Berto seemed gassed at the end. Scores were 115-110, 114-112, 114-111.