TysonJones

Andre Berto Interview 3/24/08

Hey, how are you doing?

Berto: I’m good man, just got done watching a movie.

Oh yeah? What movie?

Berto: Any Given Sunday with Jamie Foxx and Al Pacino. Good Movie.

That is a good movie. But lets move to the real questions from your fans.
When do you plan on stepping up in class against the likes of a zab judah?

Berto: I actually had hoped to fight him sometime this year but I’m not sure if he really wanted to fight. I see that he’s fighting Shane Mosley now. Maybe after Shane gets rid of him, He’ll except my offer again.

So I take it that you favor mosley in that fight?

Berto: Definently.

So besides Judah, is there any one fighter at the moment that you would like to fight?

Berto: I’m not much for calling out people. I’m still an up and coming fighter. So whoever they put in front of me. I plan to knock em out.

Whats the highest you plan on going up in weight in your career?

Berto: Im pretty comfortable at 147 at the moment. I’ve had a few fights at around 154 at the beginning of my career so I feel I can fight at that weight once I capture a title at 147. Making Weight isn’t a problem right now.

What do you think of the 135 pound British Prospect Amir Khan?

Berto: I saw him a few years back on the undercard of Joe Calzaghe vs that Manfredo dude from the contender. He looked to have good handspeed and power. Being a fan of boxing I stay up with all the fights. He may eventually be a threat to the current 135 pounders. We’ll all have to see though.

I agree. What areas do you feel you need to improve most on?

Berto: Obviously my defense is something I’ve been working on. I do get hit a lot but I feel the fans like that aspect of the sport. But It is something I’m working on because I know once I start facing bigger punchers, I won’t want to get hit as much.

Kind of like David Estrada?

Berto : He had a pretty good punch, and he was tough as nails, but I have faced fighters who hit harder.

So you are working on lateral movement and defense in training camp?

Berto: Always man.

We hear alot about how your dad pushed you as a kid, things like driving his car behind you as you did your roadwork. Do you feel that this helped in your boxing career?

Berto: Definently, My dad was very hard on me. He pushed me to the limit, but that’s what it takes. And I feel it helped me become a better fighter and a tougher person.

When do you plan on fighting for a world title?

Berto: I’m really in no hurry at the moment. You have guys like mayweather, cotto and shane mosley who are all the top of the welterweight division and even though I’m ranked number 1, I’m in no hurry. They know I have a chance to take their title so they may be a little reluctant to fight me just yet because I don’t bring in the big money, but I feel by the beginning of 2009, I’ll be ready.

What are your thoughts of Floyd Mayweather?

Berto: He’s the best in the world right now. What can I say.

I've seen recent pictures of you and Floyd Mayweather. Are you guys good friends and do you see yourself fighting him in the future if he's still around?

Berto: We’ve talked a few times. He was at the same club as me one night and we talked a little and that was that.

What did you guys talk about?

Berto: He really just wished me luck in my career and to stay away from the clubs as much as possible.

Sounds like he’s a good guy.

Berto: Oh yeah, real nice guy.

So how many fights do you have planned for 2008?

Berto: Well we planned on having a fight on the Taylor Pavlik II undercard but that got scrapped by lou. Im hoping to get at least 3 in. But Don’t worry I’m in camp just about every day.

Are you interested in avenging your box-off losses to Vanes Martirosyan and Juan McPherson?

Berto: Ya know, I get asked this a lot. I never really even thought about it until people started asking me. I kind of just let it pass ya know, don’t get me wrong man, I would mind fighting them in the pro’s but it really doesn’t matter to me.

What are your thoughts on Vanes Martirosyan?

Berto: He’s becoming a decent prospect. So as long as he keeps winning, we may be on a collision course sometime in the future.

We hear that alot of boxers don't lift weights because its said to hurt speed and stamina. Do you lift? If so, what kind of numbers do you put up?

Berto: Yeah, I’ve lifted ever since I played Highschool Football. I was a lot more muscular back then. I weighed around to 175, 180 pounds. I had a lot more extra weight on me as well if you know what I mean.

Fat?

Berto : Haha yeah, I was a chubby kid. I love to eat man.

So do you feel lifting has affected your handspeed any?

Berto: What you think?

I think you have some of the fastest hands in the business personally, I was just curious as to your thoughts on that subject.

Berto: I just lift to keep my body in good shape, I gotta look good for my fans man. I don’t think it affects me good or bad. But I think people are drawn to a muscular guy over a guy that looks like he’s never picked up a weight in his life.

I agree 100 percent. Hmmm…..

Berto: That it?

That’s all I had planned, I really don’t know what else to ask. Good luck in your next fight and everyone at boxing forum thanks you for this. Anything to say to your fans?

Berto : Just keep on supporting me and I’ll keep doing my thing.

You got it! Oh and when was your next fight again?

Berto: June 14th on HBO.

Thanks again man.

Berto: No problem.

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