By Lyle Fitzsimmons - Forty-eight hours past the biggest win of his career, Andre Berto was still throwing combinations.
After hesitatingly claiming a place among the welterweight elite Monday using the word �young?as a qualifier, the powerful 25-year-old Floridian replied to a follow-up query with an unmistakable view of where he truly fits in.
�Yes, I think I am the best welterweight out there,?said Berto, who defended his WBC share of the 147-pound title for the first time with a wide points win over Steve Forbes Saturday night.
�I believe it, and I know that in due time I�ll be able to prove to everyone else that I�m No. 1.?br />
Flicking jab. Straight right hand. I�m the best.
Mssrs. Margarito, Cotto and Williams?deal with it.
�I think I have the total package when you combine speed, power, agility and the ability to adjust to any sort of style from the opposition,?he said. �I�m the first of the new breed of fighter in this weight class and I�m eager to make big fights with the rest of the big names out there.?br />
A convincing winner over Miki Rodriguez to win the Mayweather-vacated crown in June, Berto improved to 23-0 in a four-year career with verdicts of 118-109, 118-109 and 116-111 against Forbes - who got the shot as a reward for a game effort against Oscar De La Hoya in May. [details]
After hesitatingly claiming a place among the welterweight elite Monday using the word �young?as a qualifier, the powerful 25-year-old Floridian replied to a follow-up query with an unmistakable view of where he truly fits in.
�Yes, I think I am the best welterweight out there,?said Berto, who defended his WBC share of the 147-pound title for the first time with a wide points win over Steve Forbes Saturday night.
�I believe it, and I know that in due time I�ll be able to prove to everyone else that I�m No. 1.?br />
Flicking jab. Straight right hand. I�m the best.
Mssrs. Margarito, Cotto and Williams?deal with it.
�I think I have the total package when you combine speed, power, agility and the ability to adjust to any sort of style from the opposition,?he said. �I�m the first of the new breed of fighter in this weight class and I�m eager to make big fights with the rest of the big names out there.?br />
A convincing winner over Miki Rodriguez to win the Mayweather-vacated crown in June, Berto improved to 23-0 in a four-year career with verdicts of 118-109, 118-109 and 116-111 against Forbes - who got the shot as a reward for a game effort against Oscar De La Hoya in May. [details]
Comment