According to reports, Floyd Mayweather Jr. has settled on Andre Berto as his opponent for September 12, what may potentially be Mayweather’s final fight. After shattering financial and viewership records in May with his super fight vs. Manny Pacquiao, a last hurrah vs. Berto is akin to going out with a whimper.
Here are three reasons why Mayweather should strongly reconsider this choice.
Andre Berto Has Lost To Two Of Mayweather’s Weaker Opponents
Victor Ortiz’s most notable moment of his career is purposely headbutting Mayweather during a fight, then being knocked out while his defenses were down in retaliation.
Ortiz defeated Berto in 2011, then went on to lose three consecutive fights to Mayweather, Josesito Lopez (who broke his jaw), and journeyman Luis Collazo. Berto has also lost to Robert Guerrero, considered one of Mayweather’s more lackluster opponents, and a fighter who most recently was knocked down by a little-known fighter named Aaron Martinez.
Berto also has a loss to Jesus Soto Karass, whose picture may be found next to the word “gatekeeper” in most dictionaries. The fact of the matter is that Berto has an entertaining style, as well as great hand speed, but he’s easy pickings for a fighter of Mayweather’s caliber.
Andre Berto Has Mimicked Mayweather’s Fighting Style To No Avail
Berto tried to revive his flagging career in 2013 by committing to Mayweather’s vaunted shoulder-roll defense. Berto does not have to prove his explosiveness offensively, but his defensive shortcomings were obvious. In an attempt to become more difficult to hit, he simply invited punishment.
Berto was battered in his 2013 loss to Soto Karass, a man with 10 losses on his resume. Berto has since rebounded with two victories, but wins against Steve Chambers and Josesito Lopez should not equal a shot at Floyd Mayweather. Not when fighters like Amir Khan and Keith Thurman are wiping out ranked welterweights.
The Welterweight Division Is Deep
There are several better choices! Kell Brook, the undefeated IBF welterweight champion out of England more than deserves an opportunity to test himself against the best 147-pounder in the world. Timothy Bradley was very impressive against previously unbeaten Jessie Vargas last month. Neither of them fight under Al Haymon’s banner though, so perhaps they’re out.
That still leaves Thurman, who won impressively yet again on Saturday and is willing to jump right back into training camp. Amir Khan is a PBC headliner, and has literally begged Mayweather for a fight since last year. Even Shawn Porter is more deserving of this opportunity by virtue of his win over Broner. BoxRec.com has Berto listed as their No. 20 welterweight; that’s just unacceptable for Mayweather, who claims to be “The Best Ever.”
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