Andre Berto “The reason why Robert Guerrero has been overlooked is he does nothing to special”

By Mick Akers

After a series of events over the course of a year that could damage anyone’s mental well-being, Andre Berto seems to be in great spirits and fully focused on his next task at hand, taking on Robert Guerrero on November 24 at the Citizens Bank Arena in Ontario, Calif.

Instead of looking for people to feel sorry for him, Berto seems to want to put the mess of his injury and botched drug test behind him and turn that negative energy into positive energy once in the ring with Guerrero.

With a confidence that he can and will walk out of the ring victorious with the interim WBC welterweight title to his name, Guerrero may be in for the fight of his career next week.

Although being out of the ring for over a year may mean a slow start for Berto as he tries to shake off the ring rust. Berto staying in shape and training during the drug test debacle will make it easier for him to regain his feel for the ring quicker than most after a lengthy time off.

Although Berto’s judgment of Guerrero’s style are spot-on, he cannot go into the fight underestimating Guerrero’s skill set. Berto could find Guerrero’s “by the book” style frustrating to get his own fight plan going. But with his advantage in speed and power, on paper it seems like Berto should be able to overcome the textbook style Guerrero posses.

Guerrero has not won by knockout in five fights and has had 18 KOs in his 30 bouts. Compare that to Berto’s 22 KOs in 28 fights and the numbers clearly support Berto’s power claim.

If Berto can knock Guerrero off his fight plan and get him to open up more than usual, an early stoppage could very well be the case on November 24.

It will be interesting to see how Berto bounces back after his turbulent year, but if he is back to his normal self, he should continue his rise back towards the top of the welterweight division.