On Saturday, May 30th, undefeated welterweight champion Andre Berto will meet once beaten challenger Juan Urango. For Berto, the fight represents another stepping stone towards a headline bout against a major opponent. For Urango, the fight is a chance to propel himself into public consciousness and shock the boxing community with a large upset.
While nobody questions the talent and skills of Berto, some have questioned his status and his choice of opponents. Urango, a junior welterweight who is moving up in weight for this challenge, only adds to the criticism. That being said, he is a rugged, pressure fighter who should provide a good challenge for the still young and still improving Berto.
Andre Berto
24 (19) – 0
WBC Welterweight Champion
Juan Urango
21 (16) – 1 – 1
Two-time IBF Junior Welterweight Champion
Berto vs Urango Preview
Andre Berto is coming off of the toughest fight in his career, a razor thin victory over Luis Collazo that many people thought he was undeserving of getting. Collazo, a former welterweight titleholder who also almost ruined the grand plans of Ricky Hatton, presented a tough style and size match up for Berto. Berto’s confidence may have been shaken by the performance, or conversely it may serve as motivation for future improvement.
Juan Urango is coming off a very solid performance against contender Herman Ngoudjo. He dominated the fight en route to winning a vacant junior welterweight strap. The only loss of his career came against Ricky Hatton in a sloppy fight. Urango probably does not have long term plans for the welterweight division, that is of course unless he pulls off the upset and wins the fight.
Berto vs Urango Prediction
Andre Berto has major advantages in the boxing and speed departments in this fight. He should be able to fire at will and avoid Urango’s come forward, pressure attack. Berto has shown chinks in his armor however when facing a fighter who can take his best shots and still come forward and attack back. He has also shown too much of a willingness to stand and trade at times when it’s not in his own best interests. Juan Urango is a fighter who can take advantage of both of these weaknesses.
Therefore, while Berto should come out and win the first few rounds with ease, based off of his speed alone, Urango isn’t going to go anywhere. The middle rounds will swing in his direction, as he applies pressure and catches Berto with counters, who is now known for his suspect defense and questionable chin.
Berto has shown heart in his fights though, and he won’t let Urango get the best of him for the rest of the fight. After the middle rounds evened up the fight, Berto will pull away in the last few rounds, displaying his technical superiority and his much faster hands. H won’t put Urango away, but he will win a comfortable unanimous decision.
Hopefully a real welterweight contender or fellow welterweight titleholder will be next up on Berto’s agenda.