Andre Berto-Danny Garcia negotiations in "beginning stages"

Many boxing fans anticipate that Danny Garcia will be making the first defense of his WBC welterweight title against Andre Berto sometime in the near future. And although that fight has yet to solidify, Berto does admit that the sides are currently in negotiations. But as reported by RingTV.com, both sides are still negotiating the preliminary details of a prospective fight later this year.

"Nothing is finalized," Berto said in a phone interview. "We're still in negotiating mode. We've been hearing a lot of different things. Sept. 24 or October (15) — we're still in the beginning stages actually, so nothing is solid. If it's him or someone else, we're ready to go and we're looking forward to collecting these titles — this year hopefully."

Berto has been busy training in his home state of Florida as he anticipates his next fight to take place in the Fall. And if his next fight happens to be against Garcia, he believes he'll bring something to the table that Garcia has yet to face.

"I'm a big puncher," Berto said. "I have speed. I have power. I have a lot of athleticism. And that's something we believe that Danny has never really faced. He's either fought one or the other. With (Lucas) Matthysse, it's just a lot of power. Lamont Peterson had a little more athleticism. He hasn't really faced a true '47-pounder with power and speed and explosiveness and athleticism. I definitely believe if the fight is made I'll be the new WBC world champion."

Andre Berto is most recently coming off a knockout win over Victor Ortiz this past April and is eager to find his way back to the top of the division. Danny Garcia, on the other hand, hasn't fought since winning a decision over Robert Guerrero for the vacant WBC welterweight title at the top of the year. And at this point it's looking like he may only fight once more before the calendar year is over.