Andre Berto Aims For Redemption Against Robert Guerrero

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    The Former IBF and WBC welterweight Two-Time World Champion Andre Berto (28-1, 22 KOs), has his shot at redemption when he goes up against Robert Guerrero (30-1-1, 18 KOs). In a way for both, this is a must win situation. For Berto a win in dominant fashion can perhaps put to rest the whispers of his failed doping test earlier this year. Berto is fully aware and realizes his reputation could have been indelibly tarnished in the eyes of boxing fans, media, and even the networks by his positive test in May for norandrosterone, a detectable metabolite of nandrolone, scrapping the much anticipated rematch of his only loss to Victor Ortiz. 

    “I went through a hell of a year for me. Now I’m back to the basics. This is what I needed,” said Berto.

    So a clear cut win over Guerrero may just do the trick to leave the past in the past and start focusing on the future. Not too long ago Berto was being mentioned as a possible opponent for both Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao. Never the less the task at hand is no easy one, while most would of wanted a better test for Berto, boxing fans may have just gotten a blessing in disguise. Allow me to elaborate, Berto is known for gassing, demonstrated in the Luis Collazo, Victor Ortiz, and even in the Jan Zaveck fight.

    Guerrero’s last fight against Aydin, Guerrero jumped up two weight classes and took his aggressiveness with him.  He averaged 80 punches thrown per round and out landed Aydin in eight of twelve rounds. Guerrero threw 972 punches, with this type of work rate we may see Berto laying on the ropes again and inviting Guerrero in much like he does whenever he gets gassed out during his fights.  Aydin landed 42% of his power shots. Granted Aydin is a big puncher and Guerrero fared well against the shots, but Guerrero has never been hit with a combination of speed, power, velocity and ferociousness in which Berto delivers his punches, “I’ll use my speed, power and I’ll be smart against Guerrero. I’m already in shape and ready to work,” expressed Berto.

    The reality of the situation had to have its heaviness weight in on Berto watching his opportunity to make history dissolve right before his eyes, in the cancelation of Berto-Ortiz II. Then to witness Ortiz lose to the smaller Josesito Lopez, and Lopez go on to land the Golden goose, and receive the mega fight with Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. All opportunities that Berto could not partake in. “I’m hungry. Sometimes you have to go through tough times, sit back, appreciate what you have in life and move forward,” said Berto.

    The key is to win, but that’s only half the battle one must excite, win convincingly impress the big wigs in the network. With a win over Guerrero, Berto becomes the mandatory for Mayweather and he’s right back in the mix. Possible fights with the new IBF champion Devon Alexander, the Ortiz rematch is still something that can materialize. Maybe even a Paulie Malignaggi fight; there’s so many interesting scenarios at welterweight, but first a good win over Guerrero similar to how Berto took out Carlos Quintana and his name will surely be back in the mix. 

    “I want to make statements with my fights, not take tune up fights. I know the level of fighter that I am and that’s what I expect from my opponents too,” explained Berto.