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.

August 5, 2008

Bernard Hopkins and Nazim Richardson

Today we attended the Kelly Pavlik – Bernard Hopkins press conference held at BB Kings in New York City. This was the kickoff for their up coming October 18th battle in Atlantic City. Upon entering the press room it only took Hopkins a few minutes to expose his six pack. Yes in matter of minutes Hopkins lifted his shirt showing all the media who gathered around him his six pack. Even at the age of 43 Hopkins sports a six pack most twenty year olds dream about.

Hopkins today was not his normal self he actually spoke nicely about Pavlik and referred to himself as a Pavlik fan. The line of the day however, goes to Richard Schaefer who in his opening remarks called Hopkins “The Ghost Buster”. Along with Schaefer, team Hopkins was represented by long time trainer Nazim Richardson and his lawyer Arnold Joseph. Hopkins in his presentation said that he had nothing bad to say about Pavlik. With that statement Pavlik broke out with a big smile and wiped his forehead. Hopkins went on to say that Pavlik has a big heart and a lot of determination. Hopkins who acknowledges this fight as the blue collar fight and even lobbied to officially name the fight as “The Blue Collar Battle”. Two blue collar fighters who will train anywhere, in prison, in basements or in their kitchens Hopkins went on to say.

Team Pavlik was represented by Kelly’s father Mike, manager Cameron Dunkin and his trainer Jack Loew. The confident Pavlik who is stepping up in weight to the 170 pound level stated that he will not have to struggle to make weight two fights in row. Pavlik’s last fight against Gary Lockett was at 160 pounds. The humble Pavlik in his presentation referred to Hopkins as a legend and said Hopkins was the biggest name out there for him. Pavlik ended by promising that the October 18th clash will be a good one.

After the press conference we caught up to Hopkins and asked him if he enjoyed the fights Friday night in Brooklyn and if he was impressed by lightweight Jorge Teron. Bernard actually brightened up and asked who has him. So maybe Teron has a Golden future to look foward to.

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