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Andre Berto Speaks: The Victor Ortiz Challenge, Haiti & More

Exclusive Interview by Marc Anthony

“Boxing is a sport that really takes a lot out of you. You can give all your blood, sweat and tears but at the end of the day, it takes a lot of you as a person and it takes a lot out of you physically; but I do love the fans.” – Andre Berto

No other combat sport puts their heroes and stars under microscopic scrutiny as tough as the sport of boxing. The sweet science comes with a deep tradition and a long history of being the “King of Combat Sports.” While other sports try to build a cult following around the organization where fans frantically try to “pump up” their favorite organization, the sport of boxing is all about the story of the athletes.

Andre Berto, 27-0, 21 KO’s, is such an athlete that stands head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to garnering the attention from mainstream media. Exemplified by a Forbes Magazine article: “10 Athletes to Watch in 2010”, no other combat sports athlete was featured.

Humble beginnings for Andre Berto, along with a family of combat sports participants, helped build the fighter of today. In 2004, Andre entered the ring for the first time as a professional boxer. On that night, December 4th of the year, against Michael Robinson, Andre won by TKO in the 3rd round of a four round fight. Going for an amazing eighteen straight wins before finally getting an opportunity to not only win the NABF Welterweight title but also, in that particular fight, it was a title eliminator for the IBF and WBC Welterweight Title. He won in convincing fashion against David Estrada by TKO in the 11th round in September 29, 2007.

Finally, on June 21, 2008, Andre fought for the vacant WBC Welterweight title against a formidable opponent, Miguel Rodriguez who was 29-2 at the time of the fight. Once again, Andre displayed his talent and stopped him in the 7th round.

Since that fight, Andre has defended his title five consecutive times. The titles Andre has won and the undefeated record he has is not the full story. It is what he gives back. His foundation: “The Berto Dynasty” is such a vehicle he uses to express himself outside of the ring.

If you are looking for an exciting fight then look no further than Andre’s upcoming match against another fan favorite, Victor Ortiz, 28-2, 22 KO’s, on April 16th.

If you miss this guaranteed war, then you are not a fan of boxing, period!

MA: Your upcoming fight with Victor Ortiz. What does Victor bring to the table?

He is a young kid, he is a southpaw, and he is very strong. He has been on the HBO scene and, like I said, he is a strong hungry fighter.

MA: You did a “Face-Off with Max Kellerman.” What was that like?

It was good. You get to see the fighter’s personality. You get to see how a fighter talks behind the scenes. You really do see how they are… your opponents.

MA: Any plans for this fight to do one?

I am not sure right now. There is a lot of negotiating with HBO. I believe if both sides can get it done, I think it would be great… It would be more hype for the fight.

MA: Is it true you had a wrestling background as well?

Yeah, but it’s mainly my brother. I have an older brother, Cleveland. He was a State wrestling champion and National wrestling champion. I have dabbled in it a little bit but mainly football and boxing.

MA: You said that boxing is a sport that does not love you back. Can you expand on that?

It’s a tough sport to deal with. Boxing is a sport that really takes a lot out of you. You can give all your blood, sweat and tears but at the end of the day, it takes a lot of you as a person and it takes a lot out of you physically; but I do love the fans.

You see a lot of guys that give so much to the game. Guys like Terry Norris or Meldrick Taylor…guys like that. The effects of boxing definitely took its toll and now they are kind of a distant memory. That’s what I mean when I say “it’s a sport that doesn’t love you back physically” because it takes so much out of you. It really punishes your body but that’s the sacrifices that we make.

MA: What does it mean for you being a superstar and giving back, like bringing awareness to Haiti?

It means a lot. I believe that we are given a talent for a reason. I believe that this sport of Boxing has given me the opportunity. It’s my passion and I try to be the best I can be to bring that awareness and use that platform that helps saves lives. Hopefully when I am done from the game my legacy still serves.

MA: The Berto Dynasty Foundation. Can you talk about how your foundation was created?

We do things that are very close to me. Sickle cell, the situation with my little sister… Haiti situation: my family is from Haiti. We have expanded the work there within the last couple of years. It’s heart breaking to see. Like Muhammad Ali is my favorite boxer of all time, we definitely touch on that aspect. Boys and Girls Club: I grew up with a Boys and Girls Club from five years old up to a teenager. I was there every day… all day after school. So it took a big part of my life as well.

MA: Your whole family has been involved with combat sports. Did your sis Revelina stop doing MMA?

I think she is taking a break. She is very heavy into the culinary arts right now. She graduated from culinary art school. She is very heavy into the culinary arts. But the fight side, I believe it’s more of a hobby for her: she is very talented and she works out a lot. And she can do big achievements if she wants to get back into it.

MA: James he had a recent fight not too long ago. Is he still in it?

Yes, he is still fighting. He had a fight planned but it got cancelled. So he is still at it.

MA: What is like at an Andre Berto’s after party?

Wow, Andre Berto after party. Everybody that goes knows it’s an event at the party and we all have a great time. We get a lot of stars out and everybody comes out to the Andre Berto after party. We definitely train hard, work hard and we definitely try to make that life that we spend it well while we are doing it.

Living life man!

MA: Any final words?

I want everybody around the world to watch and see this year 2011. It’s going to be a big year for me. I want everybody to keep supporting me. I love the fans… I love all the support.

Andre Berto
Division: Welterweight
Professional Record: 27-0-0, 21 KO’s

2010
11-27 — Freddy Hernandez, Las Vegas, NV, TKO 1 *RECAP*
(Retained WBC welterweight title)
04-10 — Carlos Quintana, Sunrise, FL, TKO 8
(Retained WBC welterweight title)

2009
05-30 — Juan Urango, Hollywood, FL, W 12 *RECAP*
(For WBC welterweight title)
01-17 — Luis Collazo, Biloxi, MS, W 12
(Retained WBC welterweight title)

2008
09-27 — Steve Forbes, Carson, CA, W 12
(Retained WBC welterweight title)
06-21 — Miguel Angel Rodriguez, Memphis, TN, TKO 7
(Won vacant WBC welterweight title)
02-09 — Michel Trabant, Temecula, CA, TKO 6

2007
09-29 — David Estrada, Atlantic City, NJ, TKO 11
07-27 — Cosme Rivera, Saratoga Springs, NY, W 10
05-19 — Martinus Clay, Memphis, TN, TKO 7
02-17 — Norberto Bravo, New York, NY, TKO 1

2006
12-09 — Miguel Figueroa, North Little Rock, AR, TKO 6
10-21 — James Crayton, El Paso, TX, KO 5
08-05 — Roberto Valenzuela, New York, NY, TKO 1
06-17 — Sammy Sparkman, Memphis, TN, TKO 2
05-17 — Gerardo Cesar Prieto, Uncasville, CT, TKO 3
04-14 — Horatio Garcia, Rancho Mirage, CA, TKO 3
02-03 — Jonathan Tubbs, Airway Heights, WA, TKO 3

2005
12-03 — Taronze Washington, Las Vegas, NV, KO 1
11-04 — Maurice Chalmers, Miami, OK, TKO 1
10-01 — William Johnson, Tampa, FL, KO 1
06-09 — Anthony Little, New York, NY, TKO 6
05-06 — Tim Himes, Mashantucket, CT, TKO 1
02-24 — Daniel Neal, New York, NY, W 4
01-28 — Edgar Galvan, New York, NY, TKO 1
01-21 — Joseph Benjamin, Uncasville, CT, W 4

2004
12-04 — Michael Robinson, Little Rock, AR, TKO 3

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