by James Slater: 24 year old welterweight prospect Andre Berto of Florida is one of the best emerging talents in all of boxing right now. In fact, maybe the word emerging is not an appropriate one – Berto has pretty much arrived. Blessed with a combination of power, speed, athleticism and stamina, the 21-0(18) Berto is well on his way towards a shot at the welterweight championship..
Fighting regularly and against live opposition – all but three of Berto’s opponents had winning records – the 24 year old steps back in the ring for the second time this year when he faces tough and durable Mexican Miguel Angel Rodriguez at Madison Square Garden on the Chris Arreola-Chazz Witherspoon bill on June 21st. The 29 year old Rodriguez just may be Berto’s biggest test so far as a pro. Never stopped in compiling a good 29-2(23) record, the Mexican fighter will be looking to rip Berto’s unbeaten record away from him come June.
Not only has the 29 year old only lost twice, but one of these defeats came years back. In the last nine years, Rodriguez has only lost one time – over twelve fairly close rounds in a WBC welterweight final eliminator against Carlos “Tata” Baldomir in May of 2005. Since then, the Mexican warrior has won three in a row, two by stoppage. Without doubt, Rodriguez is world class. But then, so is Andre Berto.
Berto has already beaten good tests like David Estrada (in a bout that was not only for the NABF 147 pound title, but also a WBC and IBF world title eliminator) and Cosme Rivera. Rivera even knocked Berto down, causing something of a sensation. Berto got back up, however, and, showing grit, boxed his way to his win. The fight with Rodriguez should tell us even more about Berto.
With everything to fight for – a world title shot is imminent for Berto – there will obviously be no time for any slip-ups by the 24 year old sensation. I don’t think we will see any, either. Rodriguez is undeniably tough and Berto will do well to stop his man. If he can, then even more power to him. Look instead for Berto to win a clear 12 rounds points win, in what may well be his final fight before he goes for world glory.