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Photo courtesy of Premier Boxing Champions
Andre Berto and Josesito Lopez are entering this fight equally confident they will beat the other. During the media conference call in anticipation of the PBC bout, Berto gave some insight on his expectations of the fight, as well his how he expects fans to receive his performance against Lopez:
[otw_shortcode_quote border=”bordered” border_style=”bordered”]“At the end of the day we want to come out with a win. The most important thing right now is just to make sure to get the win and look spectacular doing it…I think in time you’re going to be able to see a complete fighter in Andre Berto.”[/otw_shortcode_quote]
This is a rather hopeful tone, one that contrasts a more somber Berto who admitted just a few years ago (via Fight Hub TV) that boxing wasn’t as fun for him as it used to be. But Berto seems to have had a change of perspective after overcoming obstacles including a shoulder injury that required surgery and chaos in his corner.
Unlike Lopez’s last fight that he treated as a sparring match, he understands that Berto is the biggest fight of his career, and he has declared he is coming to fight (via ESPN):
[otw_shortcode_quote border=”bordered” border_style=”bordered”]“I’m getting prepared for the best Andre Berto that I’ve seen. He’s a great fighter and a great ex-world champ. But I think the bigger difference in this fight is not exactly what Berto is going to bring to the table but what I’m going to be able to bring…I think most importantly I have to dictate the pace. I have to control the fight. If I can do that, I can come away with the victory.”[/otw_shortcode_quote]
By bring to the table, Lopez means the pressure and intensity that is characteristic of a natural-born fighter. One thing is for sure, Berto and Lopez know the impact of this fight’s outcome to the future of their careers, and neither one of them is backing down or shying away from the challenge.
