Former IBF super middleweight champion Alejandro “Naco” Berrio, the Colombian power puncher now living in New Jersey and fighting for Boxing 360, fought last Saturday night for the first time in North American since losing his title in 2007. Berrio (32-5, 29 KOs), who has won his last six fights, stopped 3-time world title challenger Antwun “Kid Dynamite” Echols (32-16-4, 28 KOs) in the third round of their fight in Grand Island, Nebraska.
“We believe Alejandro Berrio can become world champion once again,” Boxing 360 Founder and CEO Mario Yagobi said. “This was the next step for him on his way back to the top. We want to keep him busy and move him into a world title shot position.”
Berrio’s most notable victories came against previously unbeaten and present WBO titlist Robert Stieglitz four years ago by third-round TKO for Stieglitz’ IBF belt, and then 22-0-2 Yusaf Mack – fighting Otis Griffin March 4 in an IBF light heavyweight elimination bout — who Alejandro put to sleep in the sixth round nearly five years ago. Berrio also sent 2-time world title challenger Syd Vanderpool into retirement via a ninth-round stoppage in 2005.
Berrio’s first title defense against 20-0 Lucian Bute in the challenger’s backyard, Montreal, was unsuccessful. “I wasn’t properly prepared to fight Bute that night,” Berrio noted. “I’m coming back strong and want another shot at him or any of the other champions.”
Boxing 360 director of boxing Bob Duffy added, “Berrio is back on the right track. He’s living and training in New Jersey with a new lease on his boxing career. A few more fights and he’ll be ready to fight any super middleweight in the world.”
