Former two-time World Champion Andre Berto (Winter Haven, Fla.) has chosen to part ways with his long-time trainer Tony Morgan, ending a nearly 20-year partnership that resulted in two world titles and a berth on the 2004 Haitian Olympic Team. The 29-year-old Berto has worked with Morgan since his time as a young amateur in central Floria, but has made the very difficult decision to move in another direction in his training.
"Tony and I had a great ride together from the amateurs to two professional world championships, and he will always be a very important person in my life," Berto said. "He taught me a lot and I am grateful to him for that, but this is a decision I had to make at this point in my career."
Berto is currently in the process of selecting a new trainer to guide him as he and team identify a timeframe for his next fight. He is currently residing in the Los Angeles area and looks forward to stepping back in to the ring and entertaining his fans with the unique blend of excitement and explosive power that he became famous for earlier in his career.
"I'm still in the gym on a regular basis and getting my body in great shape. Boxing is the sport that I love and I can't wait to get back in the ring and perform again soon," Berto said. "I want to remind everyone why they love to see me fight. You will see a new and improved Andre Berto here soon."
In addition to regular gym sessions, Berto has staying connected to the sport through his amateur roots both in the United States and his family's homeland of Haiti. A 2004 Haitian Olympian, Berto and his father, Dieuseul Berto, are currently working with the Haitian National Team in the hopes of having a Haitian boxer follow in his footsteps and compete in the 2016 Olympic Games.
He is supporting American amateurs as well, recently funding the travel costs for 11-year-old boxer Ernesto Mercado to compete in the National Silver Gloves Championships, a tournament Berto competed in as a youngster. Mercado made good on Berto's investment, winning a national championship and the outstanding boxer award.
Berto will travel to Miami this weekend to support younger sister and fellow fighter, Revelina, at CFA 10, a mixed martial arts event on the University of Miami campus.