Andre Berto is More Than Just a Boxer

Already known as one of the good guys of boxing, Andre Berto is making a difference both in and out of the ring. Recently, cameras followed him as he made good on a promise. Berto always told Citrus Center Boys and Girls Club Chief Professional Officer Walt Hall that he would return to the club that had given him so much during his developmental years. At 25 years of age, Berto went back to the Boys and Girls Club in his hometown of Winter Haven, Florida to give a Pride Talk, in which he talked about the importance of staying focused on dreams, and he donated $10,000 to continue the many enriching efforts of the club. He also promised that this would not be his last gift.

As a young child there were many deterrents that could have taken Berto off track, but helping his parents keep him on the straight and narrow was the Boys and Girls club that gave him an alternative to doing bad things. Countless times he watched others give what were called “Pride Talks.” These talks from prominent leaders in the community encouraged and inspired the next generation with messages that said “I was in the same shoes as you are in and look at me now.” The speakers were literally visuals of success that the children could see and feel.

Just who is this new vision of success? Andre Berto is one who was always destined for greatness. Growing up in a highly athletic family, it was always a given that Berto would excel in sports. His brother Edson competes in mixed martial arts while his brother Cleveland is a former Florida Wrestling champion. His sister, like Berto, followed their father, Dieuseul’s lead into the realm of boxing as an Ultimate Fighter. Revelina made her debut at the Real Fighting Championships. At the age of 10 years old, Berto took up the art of boxing at the urging of his father, who saw Berto as a child with bad behavior. His willful attitude would change once he started liking the sport. In a short time period the amateur boxer had blossomed into the World Boxing Council’s Welterweight Champion. He credits his very first world title to be the highlight of his career. Since Berto has both speed and power in combination with his focused training method, he is a rarity in the boxing arena and that is what makes him a champion. Currently undefeated, he has won 19 of his 25 bouts with knockouts since going pro in 2004.

Even bigger than his statics is his heart for charity. Besides supporting the children at the Boys and Girls Club in Winter Haven, FL, Berto wants to help children worldwide. As a former obese child he often speaks to youth about battling obesity and encourages them to become healthier individuals. The passage of the newly created Physical Guidelines for Americans Act that helps to ensure that Americans get the proper amount of exercise was supported by Berto and other professional athletes when they joined United States senators and congressional members to present the act. Spreading his reach internationally, Berto is helping the children of his native Haiti by being on the board of the Carma Foundation. The foundation helps to improve the lifestyles of women and children living in Haiti. Berto said, “I am extremely excited and proud to have the opportunity to partner with an organization like the Carma Foundation. 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.” Since his appearance at the games, thousands of Haitians admire him and many of the children have taken an interest in boxing. Berto hopes to build boxing gyms in Haiti to further develop their interest in boxing and other sports.

As far as the next time Berto will step into the ring, that is undetermined. However, there are talks in the boxing world that his next bout could send him to Turkey to fight Selcuk Aydin or stay in the United States to fight Shane Mosley or Luis Collazo but that is all speculation. It depends on the “Benjamins.”