Andre Berto
Andre Berto
BY: Diane Bennett
Today we caught up with Andre Berto the undefeated (22-0, 19KOs) WBC welterweight champion at BB Kings in New York City prior to Lou DiBella’s Broadway Boxing event. Berto who will begin his training camp in about a week’s time as he starts to get ready for his first title defense against Steve Forbes.
You will remember Forbes who lost his last bout to Golden Boy’s Oscar De La Hoya. In that bout Forbes lost by unanimous decision to the bigger De La Hoya. Berto recently captured the WBC belt by way of a 7th round TKO over Miguel Rodriguez was greeting fans and signing autographs prior to taking in a evening of boxing. Berto as always looked in great shape and informed us that he has been running and soon will be sparring. At this point Berto has not selected his sparring partners but is looking at some of the same sparring partners used by De La Hoya in his preparation for Forbes.
After the victory over Judah last weekend Joshua Clottey mentioned that he would like to take on Berto in his next bout. When we asked Berto what he thought of a bout against Clotty he dismissed the thought perhaps seeking a bigger name. Berto is really not trying to think past Forbes at this point. Look for Berto with his extreme knockout power to take out Forbes unlike De La Hoya.
Broadway Boxing at BB Kings NYC In the main event today at the sold BB Kings in Manhattan former world champion Randall Bailey (37-6, 34 KOs) took out Dairo Esalas (31-14, 25 KOs) in a junior welterweight bout. Right from the opening bell Bailey took out Esalas in the first round.
Heavyweight Vinny Maddalone (30-4, 21 KOs) from Flushing, New York destroyed Joe Stofle (11-14-2, 9 KOs) dropping Stofle twice in round before the bout was stopped.
Local junior middleweight James Moore scored a unanimous decision victory over Christian Lloyd Joseph. All three judges scored the fight for Moore 78-74, 78-74, 79-73.
Will Rosinsky in a light heavyweight clash Knocked out Valentine Fontanelly in the first round.
Dat Nguyen (13-1, 6 KOs) recorded a six round majority decision over Juan Cruz (5-3, 1 KO). Scores were 57-57, 59-55, 60-54. Dat is viewed as an up and coming featherweight prospect.
Ryan Kielczweski known as the Polish Prince all decked out in his crown and white shades made a successful professional debut beating Raphael Luna by unanimous decision 40-36 on all of the judge’s cards.
In the opening bout Jonathan Nelson won a unanimous decision over Rondu Campbell.
