By Cliff Rold
When the first major premium cable bout of the year features universally regarded members of the top ten of the near-universal choice for best division in the sport, what should it be called?
How about calling it an appetizer?
Little more than a week from now, the best Welterweight in the world, Antonio Margarito, faces former World champion Shane Mosley in a highly anticipated battle. It’s a main course which will have all fight fans drooling with anticipation.
It’s not a diminishing of what’s to come this weekend.
As an appetizer, this Saturday’s Welterweight showdown is closer to the morsels which come on the road of fine five course dining. Berto-Collazo, after all, isn’t chopped liver nor is it a plate of TGIF wings. It’s a good fight and, for the HBO calendar, a good start.
Let’s go to report card.
The Ledgers
Andre Berto
Age: 25
Title: WBC Welterweight (2008-Present, 1 Defense)
Height: 5’8
Hails from: Winterhaven, Florida
Record: 23-0, 19 KO
Record in Title Fights: 2-0, 1 KO
Current/Former World Champions/Titlists Defeated: 1 (Steve Forbes)
Vs.
Luis Collazo
Age: 27
Title: None
Height: 5’9
Hails from: Queens, New York
Record: 29-3, 14 KO (1 KOBY)
Record in Title Fights: 2-1, 1 KO
Previous Titles: WBA Welterweight (2005-06, 1 Defense)
Current/Former World Champions/Titlists Defeated: 2 (Jose Antonio Rivera, Miguel Angel Gonzalez)
Current/Former World Champions/Titlists Faced in Defeat: 2 (Ricky Hatton, Shane Mosley)
Battle Breakdown
Speed: Berto A; Collazo B+
Power: Berto B+; Collazo C+
Defense: Collazo B; Berto B
Intangibles: Collazo B+; Berto B+
Live on HBO at 9:45 EST, Berto and Collazo prepare to meet at center ring with different stakes at play.
While both are young, in fistic and calendar terms, Collazo enters the veteran of the two. A pro since 2000, Collazo worked his way up the ratings to get his first title shot against Rivera in 2005. He made good in that effort, capturing a narrow split decision and posting a single defense before losing a narrow and in many minds controversial decision to Ricky Hatton in 2006. His four fights since have seen him post three wins over journeyman fare while losing badly to Shane Mosley via unanimous decision in 2007. Two judges saw him win two rounds, the other only a single frame. In a sport with low activity rates for its participants, fans have taken on stronger ‘what have you done lately’ tact than in perhaps any other era. Another high-profile loss for Collazo could mean a long wait for another opportunity.
Berto is a star in training with many wondering whether the star can truly ascend. Expertly managed since a turning pro, just months after competing for Haiti at the 2004 Olympics, Berto has his detractors. Critics point to a recent soft slate of ESPN-quality bouts for HBO paydays and still lingering doubts about Berto’s chin. Optimistic thought looks at his physical gifts and recent attention. A lengthy feature story in ESPN The Magazine and ties to former HBO executive turned promoter Lou DiBella, along with manager/advisor Al Haymon also provide sturdy evidence for future success.
So does the step forward this weekend. One can criticize recent HBO foes, but this is a real test for Berto. It is his first crack at someone universally regarded as top ten in the Welterweight class and someone whose experience against the best in the world surpasses Berto.
It’s a test he is set up to pass on paper. While Berto will give up some height in this one, he is superior to Collazo in terms of athletic speed and is a harder puncher. He’ll get off first, especially early. It doesn’t mean Collazo can’t compensate. Where Berto is fast, Collazo is quick and can use his southpaw stance to time Berto’s offensive rushes.
Timing will be key because, while not easy to hit behind good high shoulders, Berto’s head movement remains a concern. Collazo’s best bet may be to try to lure Berto inside early as he did Hatton, hands high and held firm to protect the body, and chop away with short hooks. Against Hatton, Collazo piled up short, sharp shots to the body before establishing a longer distance. Late, he had Hatton all but out. He’s not a dangerous banger with a single shot but accumulated shots could push Berto into deep water if the fight goes rounds. Of course, unlike Hatton, Berto gets off fast enough to make it count and to change the trajectory of shots, moving around Collazo’s gloves.
In terms of intangibles, much will depend on the Collazo who shows up. When less is expected of him, as was the case with Rivera and Hatton, he has excelled but at time he seemed mesmerized by Mosley. Throw in a hand injury and he just never got on track. Berto as well knows what some of the whispers are and that expectations are building. Will he handle the pressure? So far, whether coming off the floor against Cosme Rivera, warring with David Estrada, or solving and outboxing Steve Forbes, he’s passed his tests.
The Pick: This fight, while competitive and featuring two top ten fighters, still has the slight feel of a building block. Berto is expected to win going in. If Collazo did have the eraser of single shot proven power, it would be a tougher pick but that has never been his game. Collazo is just a solid, fundamental guy with toughness and experience enough to make it a go. The go should last into the last third of twelve scheduled, ending either via late Berto stoppage or clear decision.
Cliff Rold is a member of the Ring Magazine Ratings Advisory Panel and the Boxing Writers Association of America. He can be reached at roldboxing@hotmail.com