Born in Jesús del Monte, Guanajuato, Mexico, Ornelas is the younger brother of super middleweight contender Librado Andrade.
[1][2] Ornelas began his professional career on 16 October 1999, beating previously unbeaten Rigoberto Placencia on points over four rounds at the Marriott Hotel, Irvine, California.
The bout took place in the light heavyweight division and Ornelas had never fought that high up in weight before.
[4] Ornelas went to Montreal for his first shot at a world title as he faced WBO champion Robert Stieglitz set for November 20.[when?]
Stieglitz was stopped by Ornelas' half-brother Librado Andrade in 2008 and he made the third defense of the WBO crown.