GL: Do you have an opponent for your September 29 return to HBO? "I just got the word today that it will be Estrada, so it's going to be him and it's definitely going down on September 29."
GL: What do you think about Estrada as a fighter? Which fights of his have you seen on tape?
Andre Berto: "I've seen his fight with Ishe Smith and I was on the undercard when he fought Chris Smith. That was my second professional fight. I know what he's about. He's a tough Hispanic fighter and he's going to want to come forward and want to bang and you know that's right up my alley."
GL: How much of step up is David Estrada from Cosme Rivera in your opinion?
AB: "You know it's a little different. On the tapes I seen on Rivera he was coming straight forward also and then with me he got to moving around. With this fight it looks like it's going to be a big step up. I know David Estrada has heart and he's definitely going to come to fight."
GL: Is this one of those fights where if you're impressive you'll be on the fast track to a world title, but if you show any vulnerability or look suspect, maybe your people will take a step or two back and slow the pace a bit?
AB: "I guess that's the situation right now. I'm still a young fighter in the game. I've only been here three and half years, but they're putting me on the pedestal because they see I have the ability to compete with all the top fighters at welterweight. This fight here is going to be important for me in general. I want to look good for me personally. I want to put on a good performance and I want to take home the NABF welterweight title."
GL: Estrada lost a great fight to Kermit Cintron. If you're impressive against Estrada is Cintron the next logical step?
AB: "Definitely. And I believe that's the plan once we get past this fight I believe that's going to be the next step up. I never saw his fight with Cintron, but from what I heard it was a good tough fight with a lot of back and forth. David Estrada hurt Cintron during the fight so this fight is going to be a great way for me to see where I'm at."
GL: Where will you be training for the fight?
AB: "South Beach, Miami. I'm getting it done down in Florida."
GL: In your opinion can you be victorious against Estrada having a mental lapse like you did with Rivera?
AB: "That fight there was a good for me even though I feel I wasn't all there. But that experience got me back in tune with myself. I'm 100% focused for this fight and I went away for camp to get away from all the bull. I'm going to be strictly focused on Estrada."
GL: Is there anything you'd like to say in closing?
AB: "Andre Berto boxing phenom is down here putting in the hard work, stay focused and looking forward to September 29.
M,
Send questions and comments to: gleon@boxingtalk.com