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Berto Expects A Test

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By EDDIE DANIELS, The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 9, 2008

TAMPA - When Winter Haven's Andre Berto steps into the ring tonight against Germany's Michel Trabant, he isn't bringing the Welcome Wagon. He'd rather send Trabant back to Europe unhappy and empty-handed.

The two will square off tonight at Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, Calif., for Berto's NABF welterweight title. The fight, which airs live on HBO at 9:45 p.m., is on the undercard of the Paul Williams-Carlos Quintana bout.

"I've seen a few of his fights, a few of his opponents," said Berto (20-0, 17 KOs), the WBC's No.1 welterweight contender. "He's fought all of his fights over in Germany and has just had a different caliber of fighter he's been fighting. So he's really going to see the difference once he gets to the States."

Though not lacking confidence, Berto does not dismiss the ability of Trabant (43-2, 19 KOs), fighting in the U.S. for the first time, saying he will be a tough competitor.

Berto's trainer, Tony Morgan, expects his fighter to come away with his record intact, but is naturally guarded in his optimism.

"Beyond a doubt, he's a tough guy, You don't get a 43-2 record from not being a tough guy. I don't care where you've fought," Morgan said. "On the same note, I don't think he's faced the caliber of Berto. I think Berto's just going to be too much. I'm not saying we're looking to stop him, but if he stands there too long, I see him getting stopped."

AT A GLANCE

WHAT: HBO's Boxing After Dark

WHERE: Pechanga Resort and Casino, Temecula, Calif.

WHEN: Tonight, 9:45

FIGHTS: Welterweight: Winter Haven's Andre Berto (20-0, 17 KOs) vs. Germany's Michel Trabant (43-2, 19 KOs), 10 rounds for Berto's NABF belt; Paul Williams (33-0, 24 KOs) Vs. Carlos Quintana (24-1, 19 KOs), 12 rounds for Williams' NABO belt

Eddie Daniels

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

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