After catastrophic year, Haiti looks to U.S.-born boxer in Olympics
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti -- After a catastrophic year that brought a bloody rebellion, a foreign military occupation and deadly floods, Haitians hope an American-born boxer will win some Olympic glory to help them forget their troubles.
Andre Berto has never even set foot in the impoverished Caribbean country. Now, between practice and weigh-ins, he's learning the French words to Haiti's anthem -- and hoping to bring home the nation's first Olympic medal in 75 years. Born in the United States to Haitian parents, Berto was a finalist for the U.S. Olympic team but was disqualified when he threw boxer Juan McPherson to the canvas during a February fight in Mississippi, injuring McPherson's neck.
It was a hard blow for Berto, who had dreamed of going to the Olympics ever since he watched Oscar de la Hoya win a gold medal at the 1992 Barcelona Games. "But I found a way to get in. They couldn't stop me," the 20-year-old said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press from his home in Winter Haven, Fla.
Because Berto holds dual citizenship, the Haitian Olympic Committee agreed to have him represent Haiti, which is sending 10 other athletes to Athens. Committee President Jean-Edouard Baker said Berto, ranked as the world's third-best welterweight, and two others have solid chances at winning a medal. His first fight is scheduled for Aug. 15. Although Berto grew up in a Haitian Creole-speaking household and understands French, he has never met his four grandparents or his half-sister Naomi, the only one of his six siblings who has not moved to the United States.
DATE: January 23, 2009
World Champion Andre Berto Honored by Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez at Haitian History Month Ceremony
(WINTER HAVEN, FLA.) – WBC Welterweight World Champion Andre Berto (Winter Haven, Fla.) will received a special proclamation from Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez at the Fourth Annual Haitian History month ceremony on January 27.
The event, which took place in the heart of Downtown Miami, celebrated the closing of the Haitian Independence and History Month. Berto was presented with a proclamation in honor of his contributions to both the sports world and the community. The month-long celebration of Haitian history is an important part of Miami-Dade County’s Initiative to create understanding and appreciation among different cultures and traditions.
Berto, the son of two Haitian immigrants, represented Haiti in the 2004 Olympic Games as a one-man boxing team. He recently joined the Board of Directors of the Carma Foundation, an organization founded by Melky Jean, the sister of music superstar, Wyclef Jean. The organization works to improve the health of the poor and vulnerable women and children in Haiti. The Carma Foundation has chosen to spearhead several small projects addressing the needs of education, skill development and job creation of women and children in Haiti.
In addition to his efforts outside the ring, the 25-year-old is coming off his second successful title defense over former world champion Luis Collazo. Already being touted as a legitimate “Fight of the Year” candidate, Berto’s unanimous decision win over Collazo moves his record to a perfect 24-0 with 19 victories coming by knockout.
DATE: March 25, 2009
Andre Berto Journeys to Haiti to Bring Charitable Aid to his Family’s Homeland
(WINTER HAVEN, FLA.) – Welterweight World Champion Andre Berto (Winter Haven, Fla.) joined several family members and the Carma Foundation, including organization founder, Melky Jean in a humanitarian visit, March 16-18 to Port Au Prince, Haiti. He was joined by his parents, brothers Cleveland and Edson as well as younger sister Revelina on the inspirational journey.
The group made several stops during their short trip to the island, distributing shoes to needy children, visiting a local orphanage as well as meeting the local mayor. Berto and Jean enjoyed the opportunity to speak with and provide inspiration to many of the local citizens, both young and old. In addition, Berto took time out to give many of the students a quick boxing lesson. The young people enjoyed the chance to meet the World Champion so deeply that they chased him through the streets, reminiscent of Muhammd Ali in Africa.
In addition to the charitable aspect of the trip, Berto enjoyed the chance to meet several family members, including his older sister, for the first time. Berto plans to make this inaugural trip, the first of many charitable visits to the Island nation which he represented in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece.
The 25-year-old World Champion has now returned to his home in Winter Haven, Fla., and will soon start preparing for his next fight, which is slated for May 30. Berto joined the board of the Carma Foundation in October of 2008 to support the organization in its mission of improving the health and lives of the poor women and children in Haiti.
Andre Berto and Melky Jean
Musician Melky Jean Get's Inspired
I sat in my bed at my new apartment in Miami, and watched a boat load of Haitian refugees attempt to come into the country. I watched as people jumped in the water and tried to make it to shore. How the boat even made it was a miracle to me. I started to think about all the people who didn’t survive, and this Haitian American girl became emotional. I picked up the phone and called my brother. I don’t even know if he remembers what he told me. But in true big brother fashion, he told me to Do Something.
Champion Andre Berto Gets Inspired
“I am extremely excited and proud to have the opportunity to partner with an organization like the Carma Foundation,” Berto said. “The struggles of the Haitian people obviously hit very close to home for me. I had the opportunity to represent Haiti in the 2004 Olympic Games, and want to do everything that I can to help the Haitian people.”
– Welterweight World Champion Andre Berto (Winter Haven, Fla.) joined several family members and the Carma Foundation, including organization founder, Melky Jean in a humanitarian visit, March 16-18 to Port Au Prince, Haiti. He was joined by his parents, brothers Cleveland and Edson as well as younger sister Revelina on the inspirational journey.
