By Rick Reeno
Richard Schaefer, CEO for Golden Boy Promotions, has advised BoxingScene.com that former welterweight champion Andre Berto (28-1, 22KOs) is going to take the best opportunity possible.
Berto, who now appears to be working with Golden Boy, has several possible options for his next fight.
One of those options is a potential fight with WBO welterweight champion Timothy Bradley - who is scheduled to return on December 15th on HBO. The return is taking place at Marlins Stadium in Miami, Florida. Bradley is an option if a substantial offer falls on the table.
The other option, and what sources indicate is the likely direction, is a move in weight for the opportunity to become a two-division champion by challenging IBF king Cornelius "K9" Bundrage on November 24th.
According to Schaefer, the lightweight battle between Sharif Bogere and Richard Abril - for the the vacant WBA world championship - is going to take place on HBO on November 24. If the fight between Berto and K9 moves forward, it will likely get paired with Abril-Bogere.
Schaefer is going to sit back and allow things to play out for the next couple of days - and then an official decision will be made on Berto's next fight. However, he does consider a fight between Berto and K9 to be a high-stakes battle. The winner would have an assortment of options, including WBC 154-pound champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez and the winner of December's fight between Miguel Cotto and Austin Trout.
"Let's have things play out the way they will. Andre Berto is a terrific fighter and has many different opportunities. He is willing to fight anyone and will be looking at what fight makes the most sense for him. I believe that this entire situation will be sorted out in the coming days. One thing which is for sure that Andre Berto will be fighting this year in a very meaningful fight. K9 Bundrage is a world champion and will be defending his title. He has earned his spot and he has earned to be in a big fight," Schaefer told BoxingScene.com.