Andre Berto to Defend WBC Title November 27 Against Freddy Hernandez

After remaining idle since April , WBC welterweight titlist Andre Berto (26-0, 20 KOs) will face Freddy Hernandez (29-1, 20 KOs) on November 27.

Berto had been deadlocked with HBO over the last several months to find an acceptable opponent. Shane Mosley was the preferred opponent, but Mosley balked when Berto demanded a 50-50 split of the purse. The pair was originally signed on to fight in January, but Berto withdrew after losing nine family members in Haiti’s devastating  January earthquake.

With the welterweight divison losing Miguel Cotto, Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, Berto is the only name fighter in the division that holds a title. His short list of potential opponents included the aforementioned Hernandez, Jo Jo Dan and Sebastian Lujan.

The 31-year-old, 5’10 Hernandez raised his profile considerably this year with knockout victories over DeMarcus Corley and Mike Anchondo. He’s competed as high as middleweight, but has fought his last four bouts at welterweight.

The fight will take place on HBO’s undercard for Juan Manuel Marquez vs. Michael Katsidis.

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This is a decent fight which is right where it belongs on the undercard. Berto’s been a pro for six years and made four defenses of the welterweight title. If he ever wants to make a name for himself, the time is now.

Earlier this month Berto called out Shane Mosley and Miguel Cotto as potential next opponents. At this point he needs them more than they need him. Berto’s been treading water career-wise for some time and essentially wasting his prime years fighting overmatched opponents.

Freddy Hernandez isn’t going to do much to dispel that stigma. After this fight, Berto better swallow his pride and push hard for a Mosley or Cotto bout, even if that means moving up to junior middleweight. He’s in desperate need of a big name fight, because as of now he’s become an afterthought when discussing the top guys at 147 and 154.