A report on TheSweetScience.com, citing an unnamed source, says that Floyd Mayweather vs. Andre Berto is on for September 12th. The story indicates that Mayweather vs. Berto would be broadcast on CBS, rather than on pay-per-view.
Just days ago, we forecasted the top potential Mayweather opponents, and Berto’s name did indeed make the cut. Currently squeezing into our welterweight rankings at #10, Berto has name appeal, physical talent and unique attributes which when at his best make him difficult to deal with for most.
Berto had this to say on the rumors:
“I’m happy to be in the running for this fight and am definitely up for the challenge. I know it will be a great fight if it happens.”
Of course, Mayweather isn’t like most fighters, and one figures that he would have a field day picking apart Berto’s defensive liabilities. He may even have the opportunity to score the rare stoppage victory.
Still, when matched with somebody who can keep up with his hand speed, such as Zab Judah, Mayweather has run into tough stretches in the past. It at least adds an element of intrigue to the fight.
Berto has won two fights in a row, most notably scoring a stoppage over an out-gunned Josesito Lopez in March. This after a stretch in which he lost his unbeaten ledger, and altogether lost three out of four fights.
The slide began with dropping a decision to Victor Ortiz in a thrilling fight. He then won another fringe title against Jan Zaveck, before getting battered by a stronger than expected Robert Guerrero, and then stopped by Jesus Soto-Karass in the 12th round of their contest, as he struggled with a shoulder injury and couldn’t keep the rugged fighter off of him.
For now though, Mayweather vs. Berto is still a rumor. We’ll keep you posted with any further news or updates as we get them.
