Photo by Stephanie Trapp/Showtime
In his first fight after a 14-month layoff due to a torn tendon in his right shoulder, Andre Berto (28-3, 22 KOs) scored a unanimous decision victory over Steve Upsher Chambers (26-4-1, 6 KOs) at the U.S. Bank Arena, Cincinnati, Ohio.
The ten-round fight was the first televised bout of a triple-header presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Showtime Sports.
Berto used a powerful jab to set up straight right hands, left hooks, and uppercuts throughout the fight, while an outgunned Upsher did his best to survive, even landing several punches on an unfazed Berto.
All judges scored the bout 99-91 for Berto.
Berto was quick and active in his first fight after his shoulder injury, but he showed defensive flaws against an opponent he was expected to dominate thoroughly.
Berto easily dominated the fight when he threw first, but there were many times that Upsher’s punches, when thrown in earnest, would find a home.
Despite his slight defensive trouble, Berto seems to have leanred alot from his new trainer Virgil Hunter, who became Berto’s trainer shortly before his fight against Jesus Soto Karass
“It feels great. I’ve been working with Virgil [Hunter]. He’s been making sure my jab is on point, making sure my boxing skills are on point,”
Indeed, despite losing to Soto Karass under Hunter’s tutelage, his time with Hunter since the loss has had an apparent impact, as Berto’s jab was an important factor in the fight, landing 126 out of 284 of them.
“We’re going to continue fighting. I’ve always had power, I’ve always had speed, but he’s definitely making me stick to the boxing a little bit more,” said Berto.
When asked about possible opponents in the future, Berto was reluctant to give any names, but it is clear that he realizes he needs a lot of work as he makes his return to the Welterweight division.
