By James Slater: It has been confirmed that Andre Berto, the former WBC welterweight champion, will challenge current IBF 147-pound ruler Jan Zaveck on September 3rd. According to promoter Lou DiBella, who spoke to Dan Rafael, the date is set and only the venue has still to be arranged (the fight will go ahead in the U.S).
Back in April, would-be star Berto lost his belt and unbeaten record in that thrilling 12-rounder with “Vicious” Victor Ortiz. The 27-year-old was understandably upset at losing that fight but he has not had to wait too long for a chance to get his hands on another major belt. Berto insists the loss to Ortiz was a mere blip, and that his great fights still await him. If he can defeat the once-beaten, never-stopped 35-year-old from Slovenia, Berto will have picked up a useful win.
Zaveck, 31-1(18) is a good fighter, but he has never faced anyone the class of Berto before and he has never fought in America before. Boxing mostly in Germany (where he is based) and Slovenia, Zaveck has beaten decent names such as Isaac Hlatshwayo, Rafal Jackiewicz (who he also lost a previous meeting with) and, last time out, Paul Delgado. Having now retained his title three times, Zaveck will be in no mood to lose it in his U.S debut. Berto is sure to present the IBF boss with problems he has never encountered before, however.
For example, can Zaveck cope with Berto’s physical strength and power? Also, will the magnitude of the event faze the defending titlist? A loss is unthinkable for Berto and his team, and all the pressure will likely be on the challenger’s shoulders as a result. With many U.S fans not knowing too much about Zaveck, an impressive, perhaps stoppage win will be expected of Berto. But Zaveck can punch himself, as his 18 KO’s show. Zaveck has also been active and busy lately, with his confidence at an all-time high.
Berto should win this one in my opinion, but a quick win does not look likely. Zaveck has a good chin, a good pedigree and he is up for this fight. Will Berto be as pumped up? Having said that, Berto seemingly has all the advantages: he is younger, taller, he hits harder and he will be boxing at home. No doubt, it will be a big upset if Zaveck goes home with his belt intact.
I go for Berto to win inside the distance. Wanting to make an “I’m back” statement, the Floridian will jump right on the champion as he does his best to show him he is the boss. Zaveck will fight back as best he can, maybe even taking advantage of Berto’s over eagerness and winning himself some rounds – before Berto gets the stoppage he is looking for around the 8th or 9th-round. What we cannot expect, however, is a fight that is half as good as Berto’s last rumble.