(Winter Haven, Fla.) – Rising welterweight star Andre Berto (Winter Haven, Fla.) has spent the last several weeks toiling in the gym, preparing for his second HBO Boxing showcase. His recent success in the boxing ring is in stark contrast to his often difficult upbringing. Despite the negative influences that often swirled around him, Berto found a positive road in life and he wants to make sure that the youngsters growing up behind him make the same choice..
As a child, he found a beacon of hope in the Citrus Center Boys Club, and now as an adult, Berto wants to give back to his previous home away from home. As a Boys club member, he dreamt of returning to the Boys and Girls Club to tell his story of his success and he is now getting the long awaited opportunity.
Berto will be hosting several kids from the Citrus Center Boys and Girls Club at the Winter Haven PAL Boxing Gym on February 13 in hopes of showing them that hard work can pay off. Only one day before leaving for New York City and his 17th professional fight, Berto will meet with the youngsters to teach them a little bit about boxing and a lot about life.
In addition to the personal meet and greet, Berto will be auctioning autographed gloves from his February 17th fight on www.andreberto.com with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the Citrus Center Boys and Girls Club.
Berto will take on veteran Ben Tackie (Bronx, N.Y./Ghana) on February 17 at the Hammerstein Ballroom on HBO’s Boxing After Dark. He was recently named ESPN.com’s 2006 Prospect of the Year following a stellar seven knockout year. The HBO after Dark showcase will be Berto’s first fight of 2007.
Meet and Greet Event Details
Date: February 13, 2007
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Location: Winter Haven PAL Boxing Gym, 203 Avenue R, NE, Winter Haven, FL