Andre Berto looking for a new trainer

By Boxing News - 02/27/2013 - Comments

berto233By Allan Fox: Former IBF/WBC welterweight champion Andre Berto (28-2, 22 KO’s) has reportedly split with his long-time trainer Tony Morgan, and is currently looking to replace him with someone still to be determined. Berto, 29, has lost two out of his last three fights, and he’s now little more than a fringe contender at 147 at #15 WBC.

Berto is going to need to really improve if he’s going to remain as a top tier welterweight because he’s now on the verge of slipping from the top tier. In his last fight against Robert Guerrero last November, Berto made the disastrous decision to try out the shoulder roll defense made famous by Floyd Mayweather Jr, and he fought poorly throughout using this style.

Guerrero ended up giving Berto a real pounding in winning by a 12 round unanimous decision. But beyond the problems on defense, Berto fought like an old man, staying on the ropes the entire 12 rounds, and looking too tired to fight in the middle of the ring like he used to when he was a younger fighter.

Berto is only 29-years-old, but since his fight against Victor Ortiz two years ago in 2011, Berto has needed to fight with his back against the ropes instead of being able to fight in the center of the ring. His fighting style is very similar to how older fighters use in their 40s, and it’s very strange that Berto can’t fight in the center of the ring like he used to years ago.

Berto can get a new trainer, but unless he makes major changes to how he fights by opting to stay in the center of the ring and NOT using the shoulder roll, then it’s pointless for him to find someone else. He’s not going to be able to turn his career round if he doesn’t get back to the way he used to fight in the past.



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