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Winter Haven's Berto Ready For Shot At Title

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By Eddie Daniels

Published: September 28, 2007

TAMPA - According to all the hype surrounding Winter Haven boxer Andre Berto, the 24-year-old is destined to get a title. Tonight at Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall, he gets that shot.

Berto (19-0, 16 KOs) will face Miami's David Estrada (21-3, 12 KOs) for the vacant NABF welterweight title in the co-feature of the bout between Jermain Taylor (27-0-1, 17 KOs) and Kelly Pavlik (31-0, 28 KOs). The fights will air live on HBO beginning at 10:15 p.m.

"It's a big opportunity. It's a dream come true that I'm able to be in the position I'm in," Berto said. "Every kid who starts out boxing is always looking for that chance and opportunity to be a world champion and I have it, so I just got to go in there and make it happen."

For the first time in his professional career, Berto left Winter Haven to train in South Beach. It provided a chance for him to escape the distractions at home, which had led to a lax sixth round in his July 27 fight against Cosme Rivera.

Rivera landed an uppercut, putting Berto to the canvas. Berto quickly got to his feet, finishing the round and later collecting a victory via unanimous decision.

"I think the knockdown was valuable for him, I really do," said Tony Morgan, Berto's trainer. "I'm glad that it came in the young part of his career. I think that you learn from that and I think he showed championship qualities when he got back up and finished harder than what he would have before he got knocked down."

While in Miami, Berto trained with several boxers, including welterweight Ed Paredes and the bigger middleweight, Quentin Smith.

"We've had a very good amateur career, we've established his name in the amateurs and it's been a long hard road, but this is what you strive for," Morgan said. "Now it becomes your business, now it becomes your livelihood. This is what pays your bills."

When asked how it would feel to be called NABF welterweight champion, Berto couldn't hide his enthusiasm. He quickly answered: "Man, that sounds wonderful to me. I'm trying to make it happen. I'm trying to go home Sunday being called that."

Reporter Eddie Daniels can be reached at (813) 948-4214 or edaniels@tampatrib.com

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