By Rick Reeno
MGM Grand, Las Vegas - Andre Berto didn't waste any time in his recent defense of the WBC welterweight title. Moments into the action, he dropped Freddy Hernandez with a hard right hand. The gutsy Mexican miraculously made it up, but it was obvious that he was in no condition to continue. Referee Russell Mora justifiably called the fight at 2:07 of the first round.
Berto is one of the few names being considered for Manny Pacquiao's next fight. Promoter Lou DiBella believes Berto made a case for himself to secure the opportunity with Pacquiao.
"I thought Berto was impressive tonight. He did what he had to do. Hernandez had never been stopped and his only career loss was a split decision from five year ago. Berto makes a strong case for himself to get Pacquiao. Now it's Pacquiao's move to make a decision," DiBella told BoxingScene.com.
"I know [Shane] Mosley and Juan Manuel Marquez are in the running. Let's be honest, compare the last two performances of Mosley and the last two performances of Berto. Who would you rather see in the ring with Pacquiao? Marquez got a good win with Katsidis, but he's not a welterweight. He's too small to fight Pacquiao at 147-pounds."
