By Dave Sholler

WBC welterweight champion Andre Berto has an opportunity to be great. Aside from possessing blazing speed, Berto has shown the gradual progress and development that is usually encompassed by world-class fighters.

Early on in his career, “Flash” (the unrecognized nickname given to Berto by this scribe) developed a bad habit of throwing wild punches. Sensing that he had an opponent in trouble, Berto would abandon technique in favor of haymakers. It only took a few counter shots to the chin for Berto to realize that this poor trait had to go.

This was no more evident than his title fight against Miguel Angel Rodriguez in June. For seven punishing rounds, Berto picked his spots and landed quality punches. Instead of looking for the quick stoppage, the 25-year-old methodically broke down his opponent. He learned from his past mistakes. He proved that his game had made tremendous headway.

Other than his tendency to throw wildly, many criticized Berto for his leaky defense. Given that he ate some big punches against much lesser opponents, some questioned whether Berto could withstand the power of other top welterweights. Slowly, but surely, Berto has patched up his defense. Even though there is still room for improvement, Berto has clearly made tighter defense a priority.

The progression of Andre Berto will continue Saturday night when the undefeated champion takes on Steve Forbes at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. In Forbes, Berto will be facing a former world champion fresh off a loss to Oscar De La Hoya. And in Forbes, Berto will be receiving a stiff test to gauge just how far his game has come.

On paper, Berto’s youth, speed, and talent should overmatch Forbes. If all goes well, the Floridian will use Forbes as a measuring stick and launching pad to future domination in the 147-pound division.

With that said, it is natural to wonder what lies ahead for Berto should he cruise by Forbes this weekend. Beyond a rumored bout with mandatory challenger Luis Collazo, are there other fights on Berto’s radar? Better yet, where does Berto rank among the other top 147-pounders in the world?

Let’s take a look ahead to some potential bouts possibly awaiting Berto. While it is always a mistake to look past your upcoming opponent, let’s take a gander at some of the bouts that could fill Berto’s resume in the future. As we speculate, question the outcomes of these bouts and ponder whether Berto has enough talent to be considered “great.”

Andre Berto vs. Shane Mosley
Prediction: Berto by split decision

This would be an interesting match-up of speed, finesse, and boxing IQ. In accepting a Mosley fight, Berto would be facing an aging fighter who still possesses most of his skills.

Although Father Time has worn on him slightly, Mosley still packs a solid right hand and can pepper an opponent using fast hands. “Sugar” Shane, who fights Ricardo Mayorga on Saturday, also has impeccable defense and has yet to be stopped in his 15-year career.

Mosley’s defensive smarts, coupled with his offensive prowess, could stymie the 25-year-old Berto. Given that the only true knock on Berto’s progress has been his sketchy defense, one must wonder if an older, wiser Mosley could capitalize.

Andre Berto vs. Miguel Cotto
Prediction: Draw

At this point in his career, Berto could easily be overwhelmed by Cotto. While many will argue that Cotto was picked apart by Antonio Margarito in July, most have forgotten his track record prior to the summer time clash with “The Tijuana Tornado.” During his ascent to the top of the division, Cotto feasted on opponents with devastating body punches and slick boxing movements. The Puerto Rican star made his mark by imposing his relentless will onto others.

Stylistically, Berto’s speed would make him competitive against Cotto. But from a power standpoint, does Berto possess enough to rattle Cotto? Is he willing to stand a trade?

A bout between the two would surely be entertaining. Here’s to wondering if Berto could avoid getting caught by one of Cotto’s heavy hands.

Andre Berto vs. Paul Williams
Prediction: Williams by UD

Two of the young guns in the division, Berto and Williams give reason to belief that there is life after Mayweather and De La Hoya. A clash between the two twenty-somethings would probably lack pizzazz though.

Simply put, Williams’ lankiness would serve as the ultimate equalizer. With an 82-inch reach, Williams would likely neutralize Berto’s speed with his snappy jab. Moreover, “The Punshier” would probably keep the speedy Winter Haven, FL native from closing the distance and negating the size advantage.

However, there is hope for Berto. Should he study tapes of Williams’ first bout against Carlos Quintana, Berto would recognize that Paul is susceptible to big shots. Whether it comes via a series of looping, overhand punches or by working the angles game, Berto could use his improving knowledge of the sweet science to stifle Williams.

Andre Berto vs. Joshua Clottey
Prediction: Berto by SD

Josh Clottey has long been the most underrated fighter on the welterweight market. After defeating Zab Judah for the vacant IBF crown last month, Clottey finally secured the world title he so rightfully deserved.

Clottey is a jack-of-all-trades, yet a master of none. He’s not the biggest puncher, but he can knock you out. He’s not the quickest fighter, but he can shower you with a barrage of punches. This type of ironic versatility has made him feared at 147-pounds. At the end of the day, the Ghana native is just a sound, hard-nosed fighter. He’s hard to game plan for and even harder to handle in the ring.

This is the kind of fight that could serve as the ultimate learning tool for Berto. In facing Clottey, Berto is guaranteeing himself the chance to work out of some sticky, often dangerous situations. At some point, “The Hitter” may even have him in serious trouble. Still, the real key is how Berto responds. It would go a long way in determining his chances of thriving at welterweight.

Berto certainly has the tools to outbox Clottey. Nevertheless, Clottey is an adaptable fighter, one who could bring out the best in Andre Berto.

Andre Berto vs. Antonio Margarito
Prediction: Margarito by TKO

It’s way too early to pitch this bout, but as of now, it’s not even a contest. As promoter Lou DiBella stated, Margarito is too big for Berto at this point in his young career. That’s not to say that Berto couldn’t one day garner a bout with Margarito, however it would be unwise to take such a risk.

Margarito is more relentless than Cotto and marches forward more feverishly than Clottey. He’s just as intelligent in the ring as Mosley, too.

Quite honestly, he’s just a bad match-up for Berto.

The End Result

Against five of the world’s best candidates, Berto finishes with a respectable 2-2-1 record. Keep in mind, these predictions are based on Berto still being a work in progress. There’s nothing that says that he can’t one day run the welterweight division.

We know Andre Berto can be a champion. Now, can he be great?

Dave Sholler is a featured analyst for sports radio stations across the country. Reach him at shollerholla4@hotmail.com .