By Payman Kohan: Many boxing fans and critics alike have agreed that professional boxing has produced its fair share of stars propped up and backed by big name promoters and news media. It’s only when those fighters are faced against opposition noteworthy of true high rank status, that the validity of their champion becomes certain.
After Andre Berto’s performance last night against Jesus Soto Karass, it is apparent that the spotlight is on him and his potential of reclaiming “stardom” or fading into the dark.
After a career having defeated some no name competition and a few that only true boxing aficionado’s would rank C at most, Andre Berto climbed his way up the Welterweight Division’s proverbial ladder, and became known as a dangerous rising star. To his credit, his determination in the gym, along with his great physical appearance and athleticism propelled him to rack up victories with a high KO percentage and gave excitement to boxing fans. Although after years of wins and no losses, he hadn’t beaten a true champion. It wasn’t until he faced his first C class opponent, Victor Oritz, back in April 2011, when he became exposed and suffered his first loss. He followed up with another loss to a game B class opponent, Robert Guerrero, back in November 2012.
After his 2 losses in 3 fights, trainers, boxing fans, reporters, and critics all took a stab at where Berto was lacking. He soon became known as the stepping stone to Floyd Mayweather Jr. After last night’s loss to Jesus Soto Karass, more chinks in Berto’s armor were apparent. A very lackadaisical defense, poor ring generalship, and clumsy footwork are only a few of the flaws Berto has displayed against merely average foes. It is these keys to professional boxing that has allowed fighters like Andre Dirrell and Timothy Bradley to become true champions of the sport, two guys Berto defeated in the amateurs.
I take nothing away from the heart of Andre Berto as it is shown in each of his fights. At this point of his career, I don’t see him standing much of a chance against the top guys, Keith Thurman, Floyd Mayweather, Timothy Bradley, Juan Marquez, Devon Alexander or even smaller Adrien Broner. It goes to show that boxing promoting in itself is a business inside of a business and sometimes we as boxing fans pay for the hype more than what’s real. It’s a wonder how a guy with so many flaws was even considered to challenge the above named, no more than being boxing next “star”.
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