Long Island Boxing: Andre Berto looking to move on and chase for gold with a win over Devon Alexander

One of the most dominant welterweights in boxing today appears to be in some sort of limbo state. Since losing to Floyd Mayweather in 2015, Andre Berto has been on a quest to get back into title contention. It has been a long road, but he may finally get his opportunity by beating a man on his own, interesting path, Devon Alexander.

It all takes place tonight, August 4, inside the Nassau Coliseum.

A former WBC and IBF Welterweight champion, Berto (31-5) lost his last fight to Shawn Porter via TKO inside the Barclays Center back in April 2017. It was disappointing to him after coming back from the Mayweather loss and beating Victor Ortiz in 2016. Now at 34, he may be getting one final shot at a title opportunity.

At the pre-fight press conference this past week, Berto discussed all that he has done to improve for this fight. He also went on to talk about his opponent, and whether or not Alexander will actually be prepared to go to war or not.

“I’m going to push Devon. I don’t think he’s fought any that brings what I do since he came back from his layoff. We’re going to see if he’s back. If he’s not ready, then I’m going to make it a long night for him.”

Alexander (27-4-1) suffered a majority decision draw against Victor Ortiz back in February. He was working a two-fight win streak following a unanimous decision victory over Walter Castillo. A former IBF Welterweight champion himself, he is 2-3-1 in his last six fights. A major rebound win would definitely help his cause and calm any detractors.

Just like Berto, Alexander understands the situation both men are in. Going back to their amateur days, it has all led up to this. Said Alexander:

“Andre Berto was a great champion and I definitely respect what he’s done in this sport. Both of us need this win badly though and I’m sure neither of us will look to take a step back on our way to a victory.”

Both are at a crossrhodes that is common in the world of boxing. A win by either men could put them in position to fight against IBF champion Errol Spence Jr., WBA champion Keith Thurman or the WBC champion, whether that is Danny Garcia or Shawn Porter. With 24 wins via KO, Berto is looking to showcase his power over a mixed bag in Alexander, who has won 14 fights via KO and 13 via decision.

Nothing is guaranteed in the world of boxing as we all know, so they will both have to put on one heck of a performance to impress their peers.

Prediction: Berto via eighth round KO 

The Berto v. Alexander fight can be seen on FOX and the FSGO app at 7:30 p.m. ET. Other fights on the card include Peter Quillin v. J’Leon Love and Long Island’s Alicia Napoleon defending her WBA Super Middleweight Title against Hannah Rankin. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com, the Nassau Coliseum box office or by calling 1-800-745-3000.