Victor Ortiz discusses his departure from ‘Dancing With the Stars’

The Times has boxer Victor Ortiz, a former WBC welterweight champion, guest-blogging while he competes on “Dancing With the Stars.” Each week while he competes on the show, Ortiz will answer a few questions from Sports Now editor Houston Mitchell and give some insight into the competition. Here are Ortiz’s thoughts about Week 6, which he offered via email.

This week, Ortiz was eliminated, finishing in eighth place overall.

Q. You had to learn two dances this week, a solo dance and a team dance. So, the basic question is: Do you get any sleep at all?

Let’s just say I sleep very little! But no, it’s definitely been busy learning two dances this week but the team dance has been really fun, getting to work with Jacoby, Ingo, Zendaya and the other pros. They’re great dancers and we have a good time at our team rehearsals.

Q. Would you rather dance first and get it over with, or dance last and see how everyone else did?

There’s a lot of pressure with both options, but I think I’d have to pick last. Your nerves are definitely higher at the beginning of the show but watching everyone dance I get more excited and less nervous. Ideally though, I like going somewhere in the middle!

Q. How cool was it to meet a music legend like Stevie Wonder, who was the special musical guest this week?

Meeting Stevie Wonder was such a great experience...he’s a legend! It was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime thing to get to dance while he sang live. Something I’ll never forget.

Q. Your time on the show has come to an end. What will you remember the most about this experience?

I think most of all I’m going to remember the amazing people I met while being on the show. I’m not going to lie. I definitely shed a tear when saying goodbye to everyone in the middle of the floor. But I’m also really excited to get back in the ring and become world champ again! I want to have the entire Season 16 cast ringside at my next fight!

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