Floyd Mayweather Jr. has been roundly criticized by fans and writers for picking Andre Berto (30-3-0, 23 KO) for his September 12 fight in Las Vegas, which is being billed as the final fight of Mayweather's career.
Oddsmakers agree, installing Mayweather as a -4,000 favorite to triumph. Berto, who is a 15-to-1 underdog, doesn't understand the criticism of him as the opponent.
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"I was probably a little surprised that [the criticism] came like it came. Everybody knows that I always show up and I always fight my ass off. I've given my whole life to this sport and to these people. At the end of the day, yeah the money is good but I got into this game as a fan and wanting to go and perform for the people," Berto said.
In a previous interview before he was officially the opponent, Berto promised a fight with him and Mayweather would be "better than that Pacquiao s**t." Berto is a former welterweight champion, but the ire stems from his 3-3 record in his last six fights. Berto fights a fan-friendly style, but there are welterweights like Amir Khan and Keith "One-Time" Thurman with better recent track records that were itching for the opportunity to face Mayweather.
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Another reason for fans dissatisfaction was the tease of this bout being televised for free on CBS. Instead, this will be another pay-per-view offering with a $75 price tag for fans that want to see it in high definition.
Berto is doing his best to sell the fight though, claiming that he can not only hand Mayweather his first loss, but become a legend by knocking him out.
"Of course I can knock him out," Berto said. "I've got the power that I bring to the table that can knock him out. Check my record. I have the power. I have the speed to get it done. I've got the speed to keep up with him. I've got the power to hurt him. It's just about staying consistent and staying focused, believing you can get it done."
Berto has won his last two fights, vs. Josesito Lopez and Steve Chambers. Of his last three losses, two were against former Mayweather opponents-Victor Ortiz and Robert Guerrero-and his most recent defeat was a TKO by Jesus Soto Karass, who had eight losses entering the ring.
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