I'm pretty unimpressed with Andre Berto thus far

[Scott9945]

I don't think Berto's defense is quite as bad as you say, but I am worried about his chin. I didn't like the way he looked after being dropped by Rivera. Berto's high octane offense will carry him through a lot of fights and probably to a title, but I don't think he is unbeatable.

[THE REED]

His defense being bad is overrated. It's really not that bad. He can avoid punches with his upper body movement and cover up well. It's just that he doesn't do it everytime. He gives a little to be able to strike right back at his opponents with a potent offensive attack.

Too many people think that power is to be a one shot thing and it's not. His power and sheer physicality wears his opponents down. At times it's a detriment to have power because you become so enamored with it that you'll wait on it looking for the perfect shot. All while you could be losing rounds. Berto's style is to fight and score points at the same time wear his opponent down and maybe score a KO. It's the perfect way to fight.

I uderstand that you think he'll get knocked out because of his defense. But realisticly he's no fool he knows what he's doing. If he were in with a greater puncher he would definitely make a stronger effort to be more careful in there.

i couldnt agree more with every word....

the only reason hes negated his defence, is because his opponent didnt legitimitally threaten him... and that rivera knockdown was a flash... he wasnt hurt

[Scott9945]

i couldnt agree more with every word....

the only reason hes negated his defence, is because his opponent didnt legitimitally threaten him... and that rivera knockdown was a flash... he wasnt hurt

While I agree about his defensive flaws being exaggerated, I thought Berto was hurt real bad against Rivera and may have been saved by the bell. His body language was terrible when he got up.

[Kobe Bryant]

i couldnt agree more with every word....

the only reason hes negated his defence, is because his opponent didnt legitimitally threaten him... and that rivera knockdown was a flash... he wasnt hurt

That's whay I'm saying. For any doubts of Berto's toughness please go back and watch the Estrada fight. Who a lot of people thought Berto would lose to. His combinations were great and his timely body shots were even better. He's here to stay.

I can't believe how a guy who is so tough with as much heart isn't renowned on this board.

[THE REED]

While I agree about his defensive flaws being exaggerated, I thought Berto was hurt real bad against Rivera and may have been saved by the bell. His body language was terrible when he got up.

i strongly disagree... it was a flash knockdown... he stumbled for 2 seconds and then was completely fine... he looked more surprised cuz it happened then anything

2:40

[Gareth Ivanovic]

I agree Berto's defense isn't as bas as some think. Yes it isn't his strongest point, but he's capable. Against Rivera he got dropped because he didn't use much movement and wasn't using the jab, he was basically looking for the KO and got dropped himself, but still won rather easily. Then against Estrada I felt he did really well, yeah he got hit a few times, but he pretty much dominated and wore down Estrada and got a pretty good KO in the end. I agree that the WW divsion is so tough right now that if he stepped up to the elite he probably would get beat. Is he unbeatable no, but IMO he's gonna be a force in the division.

[beauty]

Berto has a lot of potential. I think he needs polish but I think he has the tools to refine himself. I don't think his defense totally sucks.

[Scott9945]

[quote=ree****yaluss;3128539]i strongly disagree... it was a flash knockdown... he stumbled for 2 seconds and then was completely fine... he looked more surprised cuz it happened then anything

I didn't like Berto's body language at all when he was taking the count. His legs looked shaky. If there had been 30 seconds left in the round we would have known for sure I guess. Berto was loading up during that entire fight and I think he learned a good lesson from that though. His offense was much more composed in his last two fights.

[Gareth Ivanovic]

i strongly disagree... it was a flash knockdown... he stumbled for 2 seconds and then was completely fine... he looked more surprised cuz it happened then anything

2:40

Your right he might have been hurt for a couple seconds, but he recovered quick and looked more like he was upset that he let it happen.

[DrewWoodside]

there's really no reason to rush Berto right now. I think there will be more clarity in the WW division by the end of the year.. It's then that he can start seeing how he wants to attempt cracking into the elite. He's D was weak but he continues to improve and show confidence and savvy. The only danger is if he gets overconfident from all the hype he's recieving. I still believe he has the ability to be the future of the division as long as he doesn't take on too much too soon and believe his own hype too soon. He hasn't done anything to be dismissed as he is still green.. Baby steps for Berto.