After about a million years of speculation, Floyd Mayweather officially announced that his next opponent will be Andre Berto.
The two are set to face off in a 12-round Welterweight fight for Mayweather’s WBC and WBA titles at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, and will headline a Showtime pay-per-view event.
There had been rumors for months about the opponent and the where the fight would be televised.
Some speculated that it would take place on a PBC on CBS card, but it is now clear that it will be on Showtime PPV and not on CBS.
Mayweather (48-0, 26 KOs), 37, is coming off his unanimous decision victory in the less-than-stellar but eagerly-anticipated super fight against Manny Pacquiao.
“I’m ready to get back in the ring on September 12 and prove again to the whole world why I’m ‘The Best Ever,'” said the native of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
“I always bring my A-game and this fight against Andre Berto is no exception. He’s a young, strong fighter who is hungry to take down the best,” said Mayweather about Berto, who is steadily trying to rebuild his career after his TKO loss to Jesus Soto Karass in 2013.
Berto (30-3, 23 KOs), 31, has only fought twice since the TKO loss, but is going to make the most out of an opportunity that hardly anyone thinks he deserves.
“I’m coming to kick Floyd’s ass on September 12,” said Berto.
“Best believe that I plan to bring it to Floyd and I’m not concerned about what 48 other fighters have been unable to do. Somebody is getting knocked out and it won’t be me,” said the native of Winter Haven, Florida.
The undercard will feature two fights for world titles, while a fourth fight has yet to be announced.
In the co-main event, Roman Martinez and Orlando Salido will fight for Martinez’s WBO Junior Lightweight title.
The second pay-per-view fight will feature Badou Jack in the first defense of his WBC 168-pound title against George Groves.
For our readers, what do you think about this pay-per-view?
Is Berto a worthy opponent? Can a stacked undercard make the fight more appealing?
Let us know in the comments section.
