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Haitian-American Olympian Boxer Andre Berto: Class of 2004's Valedictorian

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Posted by: Ryan Songalia on 09-26-2006.

By Ryan Songalia

If you ask Andre Berto who he wants to face in his career, he'll give you a straight answer. "Whoever is in the number one spot. That's why you're in the game, to be number 1." A 2004 Olympian representing Haiti, Berto has amassed a 14-0 (12 KO) record in his two years as a professional. His highly entertaining style of fighting has earned him a growing fan base in and around the sport, as well as a reputation as the sport?s best kept secret among many boxing scribes.

Growing up in Winter Haven, FL, Berto has always possessed innate athletic talent. He fulfilled his need to stay busy in high school by participating in football and track. As a young child, his father Dieuseul brought him to a boxing gym where he fell in love with the sweet science.

From there, his ambition carried him all the way to the 2004 Olympics. Initially, Berto was poised to represent the United States in the Athens Games, only to be derailed by a controversial disqualification loss to Juan McPherson. Ahead with under a minute left in the qualifier, Berto let his frustrations get the better of him as he inadvertantly injured his opponent by pushing him to the canvas.

Crushed and disappointed, it appeared that Berto's amateur career would end anticlimacticly in the fashion of Evander Holyfield twenty years earlier. Dual citizenship in Haiti presented a unique opportunity for Berto, and it would turn out to be the prerequisite for a blessing waiting to happen. After being given special permission by the U.S. Olympic committee, Berto was allowed to represent the island nation of Haiti. It was to be an auspicious occassion, as he was eliminated in the first round and did not medal. Berto remained steadfast in his disposition, disappointed yet undaunted on his path. "It was a little bitter sweet, but that was the route that God set for me to take", stated a philosophical Berto." I look at it as a blessing. I was able to do somethings that many athletes only dream of, [which is to] participate at the Olympics games."

Upon turning pro, Berto signed a promotional deal with Dibella Entertainment. In the infancy of his paid career, Dibella progressed him slowly, feeding him undercard sacrificial lambs on his "Broadway Boxing" series. It wasn't until Berto's first Shobox appearance that the buzz of the Florida fighter began to get out.

That night, facing fellow undefeated prospect Jonathon Tubbs, Berto was able to make a statement to the public with his thorough dismantling on national television. He made quick work of Tubbs, dropping his opponent with a variety of every punch in the book that simply overwhelmed the New York resident. After several repititious knockdowns, the corner rescued Tubbs in the third round. After that performance, it was hard for the world to ignore him much longer.

Since then, Berto has run off four consecutive stoppage wins, including a first round blowout of Roberto Valenzuela in his last fight. Fighting in Madison Square Garden for the first time, Berto made very quick work of Valenzuela, finishing him off with a violent volley of rapid succession blows that left his foe defenseless and unfit to continue. As impressive a showing as he put on that night in Manhattan, it displayed an urgent need to step up his level of opposition.

Scarcely is there a young prospect as explosive as Berto. Berto effectively works the head and body simultaneously, making him very difficult to defend against. While Berto maintains that his style is unique, it is hard to observe his digging body shots and rapid fire combinations and not think of Shane Mosley. In fact, Berto served as Winky Wright's primary sparring partner while preparing for his two fights with "Sugar Shane".

Even at this relatively early stage of his career, he has shown a precocious sense of poise while stalking an opponent. Rarely does Berto close the gap with his opponent unless behind a jab, not allowing himself to get too far ahead of himself and the task at hand. When he has his opponent in trouble, his finishing skills are impressively well developed for his experience level. He has remained active, with five bouts this calendar year, with atleast another assignment scheduled for the Fall.

There are still questions for Berto left to answer before he ascends to the next level of public consciousness. A consistent issue with young power punchers is an inability to get rounds out of their fights. Of Berto's 14 fights, only two have gone the distance. Berto has been matched with the kind of opposition thusfar intended to create the kind of highlight reel conclusions that have been the early headlines of his career. Not that it's his fault that he knocks everyone out with little resistance, but that has been a catch 22 in his development. He has yet to be matched against a crafty veteran who is adept at prolonging fights, where we can have some questions answered about his stamina and durability. His defense isn't exactly impenetrable, but he does a good job of keeping his guard up.

Of all of his qualities, Berto's most valuable asset may be his personality. He remains humble in spite of the adulation and attention that he has garnered at this early stage of his accomplishments. He's personable and laid back, without a hint of arrogance. The scrutiny that boxing pundits have afforded the former Olympic standout only provides added incentive for him to strive harder for success. "It makes me take my training to another level."

What keeps him grounded are the positive influences that have helped mold him into the man he is today. "Lord God is my biggest hero", relates Berto. "Without him I don't feel I am complete." His father has also been an instrumental catalyst to his development. "My Dad put me through it growing up", Berto reminisced. Andre also gives high praise to the man who brought him into this world. "[My Dad] laid the blue prints for me on how to be a father, and also how to be a man in life. I love him for that."

The majority of his performances have been fought in obscurity, away from mainstream media on the undercards of bigger fights. He will get his chance to show the world what he's made of on October 21. That's when he makes his HBO debut on Boxing After Dark. "It feels great [to fight on HBO]. It means that all of my hard work is starting to pay off and that the media is embracing me." His opponent has not been announced as of yet, but trust it to be a step up given the showcase he will be featured on. The fight will be in El Paso, TX, but a venue has yet to be announced. Golden Boy Promotions will be hosting the show.

A realistic Berto understands that he still has alot of room to grow. "I've only been a pro for about a year and half, but I'm learning as I go", said Berto. Watching many former Olympians falter when they get ahead of themself, Berto has learned that the most important lesson is knowing that you must always keep learning. What makes him special is his maturity in and out of the ring. Berto has no bad habits and remains focused on his goals, with his stable support system behind him each step of the way.

If Berto can continue his path, the future looks promising for the promising prize fighter from Winter Haven. "My family, my vision that God has blessed me", replied Berto when asked what motivates him. "I have the whole world waiting as long as I keep pushing."

Any questions or comments? Send them to my email at mc_rson@yahoo.com