By Jimmy M.: The highly anticipated fight, Berto versus Ortiz 2, will happen on February 11, 2012. This fight is extremely important for both fighters. Andre Berto, (28 (KO 22), 1, 0), has been patiently waiting for this opportunity since losing to Ortiz last year in April.

Victor Ortiz, (29(22), 3, 2) is trying once again, to regain the public’s approval. Last year’s fight between these two very entertaining fighters was more than what fan’s expected. It was a brutal, punch for punch kind of fight. But this time around, I am not sure if it will be the same telephone booth fight. These fighters have a lot riding on 2/11/2012. One mistake can make a huge difference. Although I still think it will be an entertaining fight, it’s going to have its cautious moments. Let’s take a look at Andre Berto as he is the one that needs to make huge changes. Because they already fought once before, I am going to base my predictions off from the first fight and maybe some previous fights. Enjoy!

Andre Berto showed a lot of heart in the Ortiz fight. He came in there thinking that he was going to win and had a sudden change of mind set in the first round. This time around, he knows what to expect. In his second chance against Victor, Andre has to shoot first and not try to wait and counter. Berto has a Cuban’s jab. He uses it as a form of measuring his distance. This is fine, but against Ortiz it won’t work well. Ortiz likes to go straight forward and an arm extended outward won’t keep Ortiz at bay. He has to use that jab like a whip and follow up with some punches. Berto is a head hunter and needs to go to the body more, preferably hooks to the rib, to take some steam away from Ortiz. He can’t rely on knocking Ortiz out with one punch. Ortiz likes to keep his hands to his chin, so a jab, right, hook to the rib should bring those gloves down a bit in the later rounds. The Florida Native has to improve a lot on the little defense he has, beginning with his foot work. Throughout the first fight, South paw, Victor Ortiz, had his right foot on the outside on Andre’s left foot. This made it easier for Victor to come in from the side while still landing blows. Berto was being spun around like a salsa dancer. In this fight, Berto has to make sure that his left foot is on the outside of Victor’s right foot. This is extremely important, because if he can do this and fire off first, he will take control of the fight. It seems that Berto doesn’t do well against south paws as seen in his fight with Ortiz and Collazo. He needs to adjust his footwork, pointblank. Andre NEEDS to lead in this dance. If he finds himself moving straight back, he needs to realize that and take a step to the left and rotate around and follow up with counter punches. Andre also has to work on his punches. Show some angles with them. Andre is a bulky guy and bulky guys have only two punches; jab and straight right/left. But Andre, although bulky, has speed. This is a key element in his arsenal. Andre needs to start his punches with a quick double jab. He barely uses his jab more than once before following up with a combo. Berto has the potential to use his jab like a machine. A quick jab to the chest to bring Victor’s gloves down followed with another quick jab and a straight right to the face. But once again, Berto’s footwork needs to help him. If you notice, Berto rarely comes in with the jab. He uses it as a measuring tool (which isn’t bad), all the while in the same spot and doesn’t come in. This makes it easier for Victor to attack. All Victor has to do is wait for a weak jab to come his way, block it and attack. So Berto has to work on doubling up on his jab (while stepping in of course) and follow up with punches. A good combination will be the one mentioned earlier in the article and a jab, hook off the jab followed by straight right ( all the while moving to the side, if you can somehow imagine that).

Well I am going to stop here, although there’s more to talk about. So let’s recap.
Andre Berto has to improve on his; ability to fire first and not wait to counter, jabbing utilizations, footwork and combinations. Berto can’t afford to wait for Victor. He needs to shoot, beginning with his jab and NOT head hunt. Andre Berto should use his jab as more than a measuring device. The jab can be used to set up punches and keep opponents at bay. Berto tends to forget this and just uses it to measure distance. But what’s the point of doing that if you’re just going to wait? So he needs to double up or more on the jab (with whipping effects). Probably THE most important part of his game is footwork. Berto shows little side movement and goes either back or follows lets his opponent spin him around. Andre should keep his left foot on the outside of Victor’s leading foot and pivot or take a step to the left. Andre leading the direction of the fights is CRUCIAL. Last but not least, combinations. Start with using a double jab and follow up with hooks and rights, all the while keeping Ortiz moving around or back. Thank you for reading, I really hope you enjoyed!