Berto Still Willing To Unify With Miguel Cotto on June 13

By Rick Reeno

BoxingScene.com was informed by promoter Lou DiBella that WBC welterweight champion Andre Berto (24-0, 19KOs) is still willing to replace Antonio Margarito, and take on Miguel Cotto (32-1, 26KOs) in a unification bout on June 13. Top Rank's plan for a Margarito-Cotto rematch were sidelined on Tuesday when the California State Athletic Commission made a ruling to revoke Margarito's boxing license, which puts him on the shelf for at least one year in the United States. Margarito's license was revoked after the CSAC held a hearing to discuss the plaster-like substance that was found in his hand wraps prior to stepping in the ring with Shane Mosley on January 24.

Cotto is heavily favored to win the vacant WBO welterweight title when he returns to action on February 21 against Michael Jennings in New York's Madison Square Garden. Before the hearing was even held, DiBella had told BoxingScene that Berto was willing to fight Cotto if the CSAC placed a suspension on Margarito.

"Like I said before, Andre Berto and willing is ready fight Miguel Cotto. Andre wants a unification fight," DiBella said.