Editorials

Andre Berto vs. Josesito Lopez | Preview & Prediction

Andre Berto and Josesito Lopez will come face-to-face in a bout scheduled for 10 rounds tomorrow night on Spike TV–at 9:00 pm, EST. Check out Merissa Dyer’s in-depth preview and prediction for this bout.

Weaknesses for Each

Andre Berto

BertoSotoKarass7 Photo by Naoki Fukada

It is no secret that Andre Berto does not have the greatest defense, and for this fight it matters that he is the most vulnerable on the inside. This is mainly because he cannot hold his opponent that well and his body positioning is very square. When you are literally toe-to-toe with an opponent, you put yourself at a greater risk of being tagged by hooks to the head and body, and uppercuts.

On the inside you want to make your opponent uncomfortable, eliminate as many targets on your body as possible (using your gloves to protect your head, elbows and forearms to protect your body), and disable at least one of your opponents’ fighting hands when necessary, by placing your body against theirs strategically.

Lopez has a more thorough command of these tactics than Berto. Berto can get away with his fighting style if he quickly gets in and out of inside exchanges. However, Berto may be in for some trouble if Lopez keeps the fight on the inside and is not afraid to counter his attacks.

 

Josesito Lopez

Josesito Lopez Canelo Alvarez - Josh Hedges Getty Images North America Photo by Josh Hedges/Getty Images North America

I believe it will be difficult for Josesito Lopez to not brawl with Andre Berto—it’s simply in his DNA. Lopez may try to box initially, but he usually retreats to boxing when he’s forced to (i.e. when he’s hurt).

When it comes to boxing, Berto has Lopez beat, especially with a brain like Hunter’s in his corner. So if Lopez instigates a brawl, Berto can engage or toy with him on the outside using the jab and the right hand. If Lopez wants to box, Berto can break him down easily.

Except when fighting on the inside, Lopez naturally tends to back up, even when circling, which is a style of movement that is not conducive for fighting someone like Berto. Retreating backwards will give Berto the confidence he needs in between exchanges to stalk to Lopez, and therefore control him. Unless Lopez has recently refined his style, that kind of movement will not take him out of Berto’s line of fire.

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