Behind the scenes at ABC’s ‘Dancing with the Stars’

Boxing champion Victor Ortiz traded in his gloves for dance shoes and made it halfway through season 16 on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.”

“Week-to-week trying to learn a new thing and new dances is very different from what I do,” Ortiz said. “It’s tough for me but I try and put forth the effort.”

Putting forth the effort is nothing new for Ventura’s welterweight champ. By the age of 12, Oritz’s parents had walked out and he was left to raise his younger brother.

“I think Victor has had so much tragedy in his life I think people have connected to him on a different level,” said Los Angeles entertainment reporter GeorgePennacchio.

Ortiz was eliminated on week six of the competition and now plans to jump back in the ring and prepare for another world championship bout.