Berto survives Collazo in Biloxi

by Scott Christ on Jan 17, 2009 11:31 PM EST in Boxing Results and Post-Fight Analysis

WBC welterweight titlist Andre Berto came into the Beau Rivage Casino in Biloxi, Miss., to face the toughest test of his young career. Former welterweight titleholder Luis Collazo made the fight live up to that hype.

Berto was able to adapt and overcome just enough to squeak out a tight unanimous decision victory over the somewhat snakebitten Collazo, who is now 0-3 against perceived elite opposition. He was robbed, some would say, against Ricky Hatton, and when he fought Shane Mosley, he got hurt. This time, the 12th round was the difference, as the stronger Berto fired on a winded Collazo for the entire three minutes, sealing the victory.

Official scores were 116-111 and two cards of 114-113. Berto had a point deducted in the fourth round for repeated holding. The scorecards reflected what I saw, which was the fight being up for grabs in the 12th and final round, which Berto unquestionably dominated.

It was a hell of a good fight that boiled down to a few bullet points.

At distance, Collazo was no match for Berto. Berto's natural athletic gifts were too much for Luis, who had to rely on timing and wits in those situations. In those instances, it sort of resembled Yuriorkis Gamboa's fight against Roger Gonzalez last week.
Inside, Berto was outgunned by the rugged, steel-chinned Collazo. Collazo did a ton of body work meant to slow Berto down, which worked beautifully. When he got him in close quarters, he took Berto's rhythm completely away.
It was a fight with great ebb and flow. And it was a hell of a battle that will unfortunately be semi-forgotten, I assume, as the year rolls on and bigger fights litter the landscape.

After the bout, Berto said he'd "love to" give Collazo a rematch, who said he'd gladly take one. Collazo also took the loss in stride, though he did rightly question the rather absurd 116-111 Berto card, which means that judge thought Berto won 9 of 12 rounds, a ridiculous idea. HBO's Harold Lederman scored it 115-112 for Collazo, and Bad Left Hook had it 114-113 for Berto.

I don't think Collazo was robbed, but as we said in the comments during the live coverage, it was tough not to feel for him. He fought his heart out, but frankly his conditioning seemed to leave something to be desired. He gave away two rounds in the middle of the fight, and essentially gave away the 12th due to an empty gas tank, too. That's a problem, and it's why he lost the fight.

A Berto rematch is the only big fight for Collazo. He's too good for a lot of guys to risk since there's really no money in his name. He's a lot better than a gatekeeper, but he's a notch below the truly top guys. Berto could fight anyone right now, though I suspect if he doesn't fight Collazo again straight off, he might look for a softer touch to continue building his record and his highlight reel. And by "he," I mean his handlers. I think Berto would fight anyone.

We discussed a Berto-Josh Clottey fight, where I think after tonight I'd pick Clottey, another guy that likes to mix it up inside. Berto has a lot of Shane Mosley in him. Despite great natural skills, he's just wired to go any way the fight takes him. If it's a brawl, he'll brawl, even if that's against his better idea.

For now, though, it's worth it just to bask in the glow of what was a hell of a good fight and the best win of Andre Berto's career. For Luis Collazo, it's another tough pill to swallow. Sadly, as I said, I really think he has mostly himself to blame.

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Comments

The thing that I liked about Berto this fight

was he went out in the last round and tried to take Collazo out. He knew it was a close fight and he dominated the end. Collazo kept throwing punches but had nothing left. Berto was throwing bombs.

Also I agree with SC Berto just goes with the flow. He could of had a easier time if he kept distance but turned it into a brawl. Hopefully he can learn how to keep distance bc if he does he will be something special.

by TXroyal on Jan 18, 2009 11:05 AM EST reply actions

Berto does some crazy stuff to keep his stamina up

I’ve heard he does 100 laps in a pool at the beginning and the end of his workout, just to make sure he has enough stamina to go as long as he needs to.

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Jan 19, 2009 5:00 AM EST up reply actions

Berto does not impose his will on the fight even with his physical talents. He made it harder on himself.

by Zocalo on Jan 18, 2009 6:31 PM EST reply actions

berti

should be seen as a legit champion now that he has a win over someone that is title worthy.

"After this, I'm gonna kick Bob Arum's ass."
-George Lopez

by Eddie Gonzalez on Jan 18, 2009 7:39 PM EST reply actions

Probably, but

There are still quite a few guys better. This makes him a legit top 7 guy.

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Jan 19, 2009 5:01 AM EST up reply actions

What was really sad...

Berto Celebrating a win that was actually a lost. Jesus… not even DLH or Chavez Jr. for that matter generated such effects.

Watching Manny Pacquiao fight live--great...
Watching Manny Pacquiao shadow boxing on the roof of an abandoned building--priceless

by CRAZEDANG1280 on Jan 19, 2009 12:15 PM EST reply actions

I had it six round to six ...

…with the deduction for holding being the deciding factor.

Collazo should have carried the day. That said, it’s kind of his own fault for taking the 7th, 8th, and 10th off. Mugging with your hands down doesn’t inspire the judges.

Although detractors decry (MMA) as a brutal, bloody form of human cockfighting, aficionados know it is a brutal, bloody, totally fucking awesome form of human cockfighting. -The Onion

by The Kittitas Kid on Jan 19, 2009 6:05 PM EST reply actions

Berto has the tools...

But, he needs to be able to control distance, on the inside, Collazo took him to school, he has to keep the fight outside. But at the same, you need to be able to hold your own to some extent on the inside, which he really can’t. I think Clottey would be too much for Berto.

by MatM on Jan 20, 2009 12:23 PM EST reply actions

Agreed

Berto should probably take a step back, if anything. Fight a couple of guys like Lujan or Delvin Rodriguez – tough hombres who will let him get in rounds, but who just aren’t on the same level he is. There’s still quite a bit he needs to work on before he jumps to the next level.

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Jan 21, 2009 10:43 AM EST up reply actions