DiBella Entertainment

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	Name: Andre Berto	Visit Official Website
	Record: 26-0 (20 KOs)	Visit Official Myspace
	DOB: 9/7/83	BoxRec Record
	Height: 5'8"
	Weight: Welterweight
	Birthplace: Miami, FL
	Resides: Winter Haven, FL
	Last Fight: 4/10/10 KO 8 Carlos Quintana
	Next Fight: TBA

Biography

Andre Berto, a hotly recruited 2004 Olympic boxer and long considered to be one of the welterweight prospects in boxing, made his pro debut at DiBella Entertainment’s Seasons Beatings on December 4, 2004 and came out with an impressive victory over Michael Robinson.

The 22 year-old Berto, overwhelmed Robinson the entire fight, dropping Robinson twice in round one, once in round two and again in round three before the bout was stopped at the 2:15 mark. The fight was part of the Jermain Taylor vs. William Joppy undercard at Barton Coliseum on HBO’s Boxing After Dark.

Andre has displayed a devastating knockout punch which has clearly illustrated his championship potential, and why promoter Lou DiBella had such keen interest in the youngster when he was ready to turn pro.

“I spent more time scouting Andre Berto than any other amateur and believe he is on the way to what will be a great professional career,” said DiBella at the beginning of Berto’s career. “It was a treat for me to introduce such a great young prospect to boxing fans, and his many outstanding performances since then.”

“I was really excited about fighting on the Talyor-Joppy undercard,” said Berto. “I waited a long time and worked very hard for this day and was glad to come out with a victory. I have been patient and have paid all my dues.”

“Andre has a good pro style, and is a very pleasing fighter,” says ESPN/NBC boxing analyst Teddy Atlas.

In early April 2008, the NABF announced that the welterweight powerhouse would be named the organization’s 2008 Fighter of the Year

On June 21, 2008 Berto fought Mexico’s heavy handed Miguel Angel Rodriguez for the WBC title left vacant by Floyd Mayweather Jr. The pressure was on for Berto in what looked like his most challenging fight yet. A win would mean a serious step up in competition from here on out. Like a true champion, Berto stepped up to the plate and knocked out Rodriguez in Round Seven of twelve exciting rounds – stepping away the newly crowned WBC Welterweight Champion.

On September 9, 2008 Berto made his first title defense against talented veteran of the ring Steve Forbes, who just came off a fight with Oscar De La Hoya. Berto traded impressive punch combinations with Forbes throughout the fight. In the end, his superior hand speed and drive finally wore the tough Forbes down and Berto went on to win an impressive twelve round unanimous decision. This propelled him further in his quest for boxing superstardom and proving he has what it takes to advance to the next level- that next level being former WBA Welterweight Champion Luis Collazo.

On January 17, 2009 in Biloxi, Mississippi, the fight between Collazo and Berto had the makings of “Fight of the Year” status, as both extremely talented fighters went at it till the end, and Berto was named the victor- proving he has it in him to be great.

During a standout amateur career, Berto won a bronze medal at the 2003 World Amateur Boxing Championships in Bangkok, Thailand; was a two-time National Golden Gloves champion, a two-time national PAL champion; and three-time US amateur championship medalist.

The youngster was the center of a controversy at the 2004 Olympic trials in Tunica, Mississippi, when he was disqualified by referee Dennis O’Connell for tossing Juan McPherson to the canvas late in the 4th round of their opening bout. After filing a grievance with the USA Boxing Grievance Committee, the committee determined that the infraction did not warrant disqualification. Berto was reinstated into the trials. Then in a bizarre reversal, a second committee overturned the decision upon further review. It seemed as though Andre’s Olympic dreams had been dashed. However, this was not the case as Berto, who has a dual citizenship, became Haiti’s one man boxing team in Athens.

Growing up, Andre looked around and saw friends and schoolmates head down the wrong path to jail, drugs, and in some cases, even death. Yet he knew that would not be his road. That was due to the fact that there was someone in his life to ensure that the choices he made led to success inside the ring, and not the inside of a prison cell. That person was his father, Dieusuel Berto, a strict disciplinarian, Ultimate Fighter and his son's biggest influence. Neither of them could have known that Berto would turn into the up-and-coming star that he is today. However, the two-time National PAL Champion, Golden Gloves Champ and U.S. Championships silver medalist certainly put in the work before reaping those rewards.

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