Andre Berto

Winter Haven, Florida

WBC Champion
2004 Haitian Olympian
25-0, 19 KOs

Born: September 7 1983
Birthplace: Miami, Florida
Resides: Winter Haven, Florida
Weight: Welterweight
Dominant Hand: Right

An accomplished amateur, Berto has enjoyed a quick ascent to the top of the professional boxing world, culminating in his first World Championship title on June 21, 2008. Berto sent the previously unstoppable Miguel Angel Rodriguez crashing to the canvas in the seventh round to claim the WBC Welterweight title, vacated by Floyd Mayweather, Jr.

Berto has made three successful title defenses since winning the WBC strap, defeating Steve Forbes, Luis Collazo and Juan Urango to move his record to a perfect 16-0. Despite the quick rise to the top of the sport, Berto isn’t satisfied with simply winning a world title, he plans to take over the sport of boxing with his rare blend of speed and power.

His entertaining style and charisma has already made Berto a staple on HBO and with each knockout he adds to his resume, his fan base continues to grow.

The 25-year-old took up the sport of boxing as a chubby 10-year-old in Winter Haven, Fla., encouraged by his father, Dieusuel, an Ultimate Fighter. Combat sports have driven the Berto family since they were children and their passion continues today. Andre’s older brother, Edson, competes in Mixed Martial Arts , sister Revelina recently made a successful professional MMA debut at the Real Fighting Championships and brother, Cleveland, is a former Florida Wrestling Champion.

The outlook didn't look as bright for Berto when he was young. The future boxing phenom quickly built a reputation as the problem child. His father responded by taking the 10-year-old with him to the gym. Although the sweet science didn't originally pique his interest, it wasn't long until Berto began training as a boxer. From the beginning, he displayed the power and strength that he is still known for today, winning his first several bouts on early stoppages. He went on to represent his family’s native Haiti in the 2004 Olympic Games, serving as a one-man team for the Island nation. Berto was the first ever boxer to represent Haiti in the Olympic Games, but has carved large footsteps for those following behind him. Haiti has fielded teams for every major international competition since 2004 and qualified a light heavyweight for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China.

From the time that he and his brothers were small, their father pushed them to their limits, making them box for hours in the kitchen or punishing the kids with 500 squats and push-ups. Work ethic was instilled in him as a child, as he ran through the streets of Winter Haven, Fla., with his father following him in his car, nudging his son with the vehicle if his pace slowed. Although it wasn't always easy for Berto, the discipline and focus instilled by his dad have shaped him into the well-tuned boxer and role model that he is today.

Berto prides himself on being a positive example for youth, battling obesity in the United States and taking time to mentor the young people in his community. He recently joined United States senators and congressman as well as fellow professional athletes in presenting the Physical Guidelines for Americans act, created to ensure that Americans get the proper amount of exercise.

He added another charitable organization to his resume in October, joining the Board of the Carma Foundation. Berto has joined founder and younger sister to superstar Wyclef Jean, Melky Jean, in supporting the organization and its mission of improving the health of poor and vulnerable women and children in Haiti.