Andre Berto tops Jan Zaveck
Andre Berto, right, lands a punch that sends Freddy Hernandez, of Mexico, to the mat during the first round of their WBC welterweight championship boxing match Saturday, Nov. 27, 2010, in Las Vegas. Berto won the bout. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken) Credit: AP Photo/Isaac Brekken
Andre Berto was looking for a big win against IBF welterweight champ Jan Zaveck on Saturday night at the Beau Resort and Casino in Biloxi, Ms. He was looking for the type of victory that would put his name back in the mix for a big payday.
He got what he was looking for as Zaveck (31-2) failed to answer the bell for the sixth round to give Berto (28-1) the win via TKO. The fight featured a lot of action with both fighters sharing combinations. Berto landed the crisper body shots and Zaveck ended up paying the price.
Zaveck’s right eye was completely closed after the fifth round and the fight was stopped on the advice from the ringside doctor. It wasn’t just the right side effecting Zaveck. His left eye was also giving him problems.
The win should do a lot for Berto, who is still looking for a bout with some of the sport’s big names. The win notwithstanding, Berto was critical of himself in his post-fight interview with HBO. “I think it was so-so,” said Berto. “It was my first fight coming back.”
Berto looked in prime condition and thanked his family and his training team for supporting him.
“Within the last few months I was stuck in a cave staying focused,” said Berto, who grew a goatee during his training camp. "I want to thank my man Victor Conte as well who helped me with my conditioning."