Andre Berto To Make Boxing Debut On Friday Night Fights

ByBoxing Press

When promoter Lou DiBella signed Olympian Andre Berto a little over a year ago prior to his pro debut, the president of DBE called the Winter Haven, FL native his “most hotly recruited fighter coming out of the 2004 games.” Recalls DiBella: “I spent more time scouting Andre than any other Olympian.”

The knockout artist Berto has delivered the goods, and then some, reeling off ten consecutive victories as a professional, including eight by way of knockout.

Berto shoots for eleven in a row in his ESPN2 Friday Night Fights debut when he steps back into the ring to face a stern test against Horatio Garcia (14-6-1, 9 KO’s) at the Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage, CA. Airtime is at 9:00 PM ET/6:00 PM PT on Friday, April 14th.

“Everyone should stayed tuned because you are going to see a glimpse of the future in boxing,” said Berto. “It’s great to have the opportunity to showcase my talents to the country on ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights.”

“I thought from the beginning he would be an outstanding pro,” said Friday Night Fights commentator Teddy Atlas, who covered Berto during the Olympics for NBC Sports. “He has a pleasing style, is strong, and likes to come forward. I am looking forward to Friday’s broadcast.”

This will be the second straight national television appearance for Berto. He last fought on February 3rd on ShoBox against the then undefeated Jonathan Tubbs at the Northern Quest Casino in Spokane, Washington. Berto’s combination of speed and power overwhelmed Tubbs as the former Olympian kept his perfect record and torrid knockout rate in tact, stopping Tubbs in the third round.

Previously competing on the undercard of Taylor-Hopkins II at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas on December 3rd, the Winter Haven, Florida native put forth another brilliant performance, demolishing Taronze Washington (8-2, 4 KO’s) with a knockout at 2:50 of the first stanza, his third straight opening round KO.

Tickets for Berto vs. Garcia, which is the televised co-feature to the Heavyweight clash between Audley Harrison and Dominick Guinn are priced at $150 (Ringside), $80 (Floor), $50 (Lower Bleachers) and $35 (Upper Bleachers) and may be purchased at the Agua Caliente Casino Box Office located at 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270, or by calling 1-760-321-2000.