2006 Prospect of the year Andre Berto, 18-0 (16 KO's), has reeled off 14 straight knockouts, some of which have been absolutely devastating.   His dominating performances have not been simply a vulgar display of power, but rather of skill, patience, timing and technique which have carried him through winning almost every round in his last few fights.   Although his opponents have not been world beaters, the matchmaking has been appropriate for the amount of professional fights Berto has under his belt.   But now, with Berto facing Cosme Rivera, 30-10-2 (20 KO's), on August 27th, and rumors circulating that if successful, Berto could face David Estrada, 20-3 (11 KO's) in September on the undercard of Taylor-Pavlik.  

 

Estrada and Rivera have become the perennial gate keepers of the welterweight division.  In October, Rivera suffered a split decision loss to 2005 prospect of the year, Joel Julio, 32-1-0 (30 KO's).  Julio, a big puncher but perhaps limited in boxing skills that the upper echelon of the welterweight division possess, has won 5 straight with 4 KO's since his loss to slick Puerto Rican southpaw, Carlos Quintana, 23-1 (18 KO's).   (It should also be noted that Joel Julio turned down an offer to fight Berto in September.) 

 

With the bout against Rivera, Andre Berto has the opportunity to separate himself from the pack if he turns in a dominating performance.   Can Berto do what Julio could not and dominate the tough, awkward journeyman? Will Berto KO Rivera faster than Zab Judah?  Will it be more devastating?   Absolutely.  Cosme Rivera is the perfect opponent for Berto.  Rivera is a tall, lanky boxer who lacks the power to back up the top welterweights.   Rivera is easily countered because of his wide, looping punches which leave him open to the big power shots. 

 

If Berto is successful against Cosme Rivera, he has the opportunity to face the tough and exciting David Estrada on HBO.   Estrada is an excellent opponent for Berto, almost perfect.  David is a tough exciting fighter who is also very hittable but promises to throw punches if still standing.   In April of 2006, Estrada put on a great show in a slugfest against IBF welterweight champion Kermit Cintron 28-1 (26 KO's).  Although Estrada made it easy for Kermit by keeping his hand down and allowing Cintron to score effortlessly, David did land his own share of power shots as well and at times had Cintron in trouble.   Estrada was eventually stopped in the 10th round. 

 

If Estrada has any prayer vs. Berto, he must keep his hands up and defensive shell tight.  In all likelihood this will probably not happen.  It's rare that fighters change styles overnight and or for particular opponents.  Attempted overnight style changes usually revert back to the old once in the ring, even when corners are pleading with the fighter.   Again, Estrada is the perfect fight for Berto to separate himself from the pack and prove that his prospect status is a thing of the past.  If Berto can dominate Rivera and Estrada where others have failed, there is no doubt he is ready for the elite fighters in the division.  

 

Fighters I would put Berto in the ring with in January or February are Antonio Margarito, Kermit Cintron, Paul Williams, Carlos Baldomir, Zab Judah, Alfonso Gomez, Carlos Quintana, Joel Julio, Ricky Hatton and Ricardo Mayorga.   The fighters I would avoid are Floyd Mayweather, Joshua Clottey, Shane Mosley, Luis Collazo, Paulie Malignaggi and Miguel Cotto (Although I would consider Cotto next year if Andre took care of two or three names off of the list above).   Berto clearly has the power and skill to get by the boxer/puncher with defensive holes, but it remains to be seen whether Berto can handle a slick boxer that is not easily hittable.   Although Cotto is not necessarily a slick boxer, his boxing abilities are skilled enough to allow his power time to break opponents down.  Any fighter with defensive gaps that takes on Miguel Cotto has serious problems.   This isn't to say I don't think Berto will be able to defeat slick boxers; it is quite the opposite actually.  However, from a matchmaking perspective, it is much more difficult to defeat a slick boxer when inexperienced; especially in Berto's case.    Andre does not get many rounds because he is able to stop so many opponents.    

 

With time and experience, Berto will be able to box with the boxers and punch with anybody in the game, much like Miguel Cotto's game has been developed.   It will take rounds, solid competition, activity, consistent improvements in class and a few swims in deep water.  No matter the opponent, one thing is for certain, Andre Berto is no longer a prospect.   Andre Berto is a legitimate threat. 

M

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