Profile: Young Champion Andre Berto

Andre Berto has been long considered one of the main up and coming forces in the Welterweight division. Berto is quick, and fascinating to watch. As an amateur, Berto won a bronze medal in the 2003 World Amateur championships. He is also a two-time National Golden Gloves champion; two-time PAL Champion and a three-time amateur championship medalist.

Andre Berto Professional Career

During the span of December 2004 to October 2006, Andre Berto won a total of 15 fights. Thirteen of those wins came by way of knockout. From this set of impressive victories, Berto was named ESPN’s 2006 prospect of the year. His next challenge in February of 2007 was against Norberto Bravo of “The Contender.” Berto defeated Bravo by way of technical knockout in the first round. Bravo was knocked down three times, triggering the three knockdown rule. Berto followed this win by another against Martinus Clay. Andre defeated Clay by another impressive seventh round technical knockout.

Andre Berto then climbed into the ring against top contender David Estrada on September 29, 2007. During rounds three and eight, both fighters went toe to toe exchanging blows. It was Berto who was able to land the cleaner more accurate shots to the head of Estrada. The end of the fight came when Berto dropped Estrada with an uppercut followed by an overhand right. While Estrada beat the count, he was unable to defend himself, as Berto pressed with a barrage of punches.

WBC Welterweight Champion

On the night of June 21, 2008; Andre Berto went on to capture the vacant WBC Welterweight title. Berto defeated Miguel Rodriguez in the seventh round by technical knockout. Berto managed to knock Rodriguez down twice before the referee stopped the bout.

Andre Berto has already gone on to defend his title three times. The first fight was with Stevie Forbes, a reputable opponent recently coming of a loss to Oscar De La Hoya. Berto consistently out-punched Forbes, winning the fight by unanimous decision.

Berto’s second title defense was against the former WBA title holder Luis Collazo. Berto started rough during the first round, when he was hurt by Collazo. Berto also went on to have a point deducted for holding Collazo’s arm in the fourth round. Nevertheless, Berto was able to take advantage of the tiring Collazo in the later rounds and score the unanimous decision. The decision was fairly controversial however.

Andre Berto’s next title defense was against Juan Urango. Berto, clearly the faster of the two, used movement to get in and out effectively. In round four, both fighters exchanged several heavy power shots, but it was Berto who clearly out boxed Urango. Berto picked up the one sided unanimous decision and retained his WBC Welterweight title

Andre Berto’s next move

It has been rumored that Andre Berto might look for a potential unification fight against WBA Champion “Sugar” Shane Mosley. There also have been recent discussions about a potential Berto and Joshua Clottey fight. While either one of these would be a great showcase, Andre Berto has proven himself to many that he’s ready for the next big opportunity.

Written by: Mike Boehm