By Alex Aviles: My first real exposure to Andre Berto (27-0, 21 KO’s)was in June 2008 on HBO’s Boxing After Dark card where he won the vacated WBC Welterweight title, since then Berto has been on the rise to stardom… and is still on the rise nearly 3 years later. His most notable victory comes off the very close (yet controversial) decision versus Luis Collazo. The opportunity for stardom was inevitable and a shot against a world renowned fighter was on the horizon. After defeating Juan Urango in May 2009, the stage was set for him to face “Sugar” Shane Mosley. Ultimately, the bout set for January 2010 fell through after a massive earthquake had hit the country of Haiti just 2 weeks prior of the fight, forcing Berto to pull out due to emergency stemming from the earthquake.

Since then Berto has had 2 fights. One a TKO victory over Carlos Quintana and most recently a first round KO over Freddy Hernandez. Boxing fans have pondered ever since “When is Andre Berto going to have his coming out party”. In other words, when is Berto going to have his first ‘big name’ fight? He has been very vocal at attempting to land a big fight with Manny Pacquiao, which subsequently went to Shane Mosley. Berto’s promoter Lou DiBella has been trying to get Berto that first big fight and pay day ever since the offer to fight Miguel Cotto, which Top Rank declined.

So what does Berto need to do to prove himself to the boxing community in 2011? With Mosley, Pacquiao, Cotto booked,Top Ranks refusal to co-promote, and with Mayweather’s legal troubles, the only options are in the 140lb division. The likes of Khan, Maidana, Bradley, Alexander, and Ortiz leave Berto no shortage of possibilities at Junior Welterweight. The fights would generate immediate interest among boxing fans, and will help gain the respect that Andre Berto so desperately needs at this point in his career. While still young at age 27, he is probably the most ready he’s ever been for that defining moment. But for now the question will remain of what does Andre Berto need to earn the respect of his fans and peers.