Berto-Ortiz Rematch Looms as The IBF Title is Vacated

By Pawel Pronishev

Welterweight Andre Berto has vacated his IBF title in favor of a lucrative rematch with Victor Ortiz, which may take place in late January on HBO. Ortiz handed Berto his first career defeat, by unanimous decision, in a 'Fight of The Year' contender in April. Randall Bailey was Berto's mandatory, and the IBF was pressing for the fight, but none of the major networks were interested in picking it up.

"It's a fight that I want more than a world championship," Berto told ESPN.com. "I love my title, but then again, I want to give the fans what they want to see. I wouldn't be able to sleep at night going the other route and just skimming through.

"Knowing who I am, and how I was brought up, and my passion for the game, that's the route I need to go. It's just me. I'm the type of kid that if I got in a schoolyard fight, I'm gonna see that guy and we will have to fight every day until I beat him. I know we're going to have to scrap again."