28.09.07 – By Matt Yanofsky: I had the pleasure of speaking with America’s number one prospect Andre Berto. Berto will be fighting tough veteran David Estrada this Saturday on HBO’s televised undercard of the Jermain Taylor Kelly Pavlik middleweight championship bout.
Yanofsky: Whats going on Andre? During your last fight against Cosme Rivera, were knocked down for the first time in your career. Will that effect the way you fight especially against a stronger puncher or do you think you just got caught off balance by Rivera?
Berto: I got caught off balance. It was just a flash knockdown he didn’t hurt me and I continued to dominate after that point. Rivera is a tough fighter though..
Yanofsky: You’re facing a very experienced opponent in David Estrada on Saturday. Estrada has fought two world champions {Kermit Cintron and Shane Mosley} and nearly beat Cintron. How do you feel about facing a tough veteran like Estrada?
Berto: It’s another good test. I am a young fighter this is only my third year as a pro and im already considered a top welterweight. Estrada is a step up but this is a fight I need to win because beating him moves me up toward the top.
Yanofsky: Once again, you will be featured on HBO. Your last HBO fight was very short where you dropped Norberto Bravo 3 Times for the first round TKO. Are you nervous or excited about another fight on Network TV?
Berto: I am really excited! HBO has been showing me love and I appreciate it. The fans and media have given me great feedback and that’s good.
Yanofsky: If you are victorious who are you thinking about fighting next? Ike Quartey has moved down to welterweight and he is also promoted by Lou Dibella is he on your radar?
Berto: Right now, only David Estrada is on my radar. I got to get past him first and if I am successful that is a fight I can definitely look at.
Yanofsky: Andre, best of luck and thanks for your time. What do you have to say to your fans and readers of EastSideBoxing.Com?
Berto: Keep supporting me I’ll keep on improving as a fighter and entertaining my fans.