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By T.K. Stewart - In a little less than two weeks, Andre Berto, the champion of the world welterweights according to the World Boxing Council, will step through the ropes and defend his title belt against New York City's Luis Collazo.
Berto is hoping that 2009 will be his breakout year and the year in which he steps in to fill the void of some sure to be exiting long-time stars.
While the 25 year-old from Winterhaven, Florida won the vacant WBC title in a bout against the unknown Miguel Angel Rodriguez last June and made one successful title defense against Stevie Forbes in September, he is angling for a place in the spotlight in a welterweight division that is chock full of big talent - and big names.
With current and former champs Antonio Margarito, Miguel Cotto, Joshua Clottey, Shane Mosley, Kermit Cintron and Carlos Quintana lurking in the dark corners of the top-10, 147 pounds can be a tough place to hang one's hat and forge out a career.
The compact and well-muscled Berto is an engaging fighter who always shows up in exquisite physical condition and he is ready to go from the sound of the first bell. He is moving along steadily in his pro career and he clams that his last bout against Stevie Forbes was his toughest so far. [details]
Berto is hoping that 2009 will be his breakout year and the year in which he steps in to fill the void of some sure to be exiting long-time stars.
While the 25 year-old from Winterhaven, Florida won the vacant WBC title in a bout against the unknown Miguel Angel Rodriguez last June and made one successful title defense against Stevie Forbes in September, he is angling for a place in the spotlight in a welterweight division that is chock full of big talent - and big names.
With current and former champs Antonio Margarito, Miguel Cotto, Joshua Clottey, Shane Mosley, Kermit Cintron and Carlos Quintana lurking in the dark corners of the top-10, 147 pounds can be a tough place to hang one's hat and forge out a career.
The compact and well-muscled Berto is an engaging fighter who always shows up in exquisite physical condition and he is ready to go from the sound of the first bell. He is moving along steadily in his pro career and he clams that his last bout against Stevie Forbes was his toughest so far. [details]
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