While it's a little disheartening to hear that the self-proclaimed best fighter in the world is in need of a tune-up, after a 15-month layoff, it's certainly understandable. Still though, is it a wise decision for Floyd Mayweather Jr. to make his return to the ring against an opponent that's not considered to be a top 10 fighter? Choosing a tune-up for his comeback bout will prove to be a tricky task for the retired pound-for-pound king. What if he doesn't look spectacular in his performance? Even worse, what if he struggles in a lackluster affair that ends up going the distance? Obviously the performance would be chalked up to ring rust, but how would that impact his leverage at the negotiating table when it's time to sit down with a Pacquiao, Mosley, Marquez or Hatton? With very few recognizable names to choose from in and around the welterweight division, in my opinion, I think Floyd should jump right in and test the waters with another undefeated fighter...current WBC welterweight champion Andre Berto!
No disrespect to Andre Berto, but I think he's the perfect opponent for Floyd to make his return to the ring against. If the eventual goal is to face Pacquiao, Mosley, Marquez or even Hatton, I think Berto has the right set of tools to give Floyd the look he needs to shake off the ring rust, get his timing back and prepare for another clash against one of the world's top pound-for-pound fighters. While he's not the slickest boxer on the planet, Berto is definitly no plodder as he does possess a good set of skills and decent movement. He also has excellent hand speed...maybe not quite as fast as a Pacquiao or Mosley, but definitely faster than your average welterweight. Furthermore, he's beatable! Yeah...that's right...I said it...Andre Berto is beatable!
In his last fight, Berto struggled with Luis Collazo (29-4, 14 KOs), getting badly rocked in the first round and just barely winning a decision against the slick southpaw. That's not to say Collazo is a bad fighter, but he's certainly no Floyd Mayweather Jr...at least not the Floyd Mayweather Jr. that retired in 2007. He also had rocky moments against the likes of David Estrada (22-6, 13 KOs) and Cosme Rivera (31-12-2, 22 KOs), ultimately winning, but having a tough time in doing so. Steve Forbes (34-7, 10 KOs) also had moments against Berto as he frustrated him at times with his defensive skills and counter-punching abilities. Again, no knock on any of those fighters, but Money Mayweather will be the first to tell you that they're nowhere near his level. Despite the 15-month layoff, some things that just can't be forgotten and Mayweather would have far too many tricks up his sleeve for the young Berto to handle.
Most importantly, a fight with Andre Berto gives fans a real reason to tune in and it practically ensures Floyd Mayweather an opportunity to look spectacular. I'm sure fans will be excited to see Floyd Mayweather Jr. back in a boxing ring, but exactly how many people are going to be eager to see him face Rafal Jackiewicz (34-8-1, 18 KOs), Jackson Osei Bonsu (30-2, 23 KOs), Jan Zaveck (25-1, 14 KOs) or Yuriy Nuzhnenko (28-0-1, 13 KOs)? Fans have been waiting a long time to see Floyd fight the best of the best, or the creme de la creme as he would say, and coming back to fight anything less could work against him. Despite some of the technical flaws that Berto possesses, he always produces an exciting fight because he's not afraid to come forward and, in doing so, he provides an easy target at times. Also, keep in mind that the WBC title that Berto now owns is the very same WBC title that Mayweather relinquished upon his retirement. The storyline is practically already written. HBO could even squeeze in a 24/7 series if they so choose. "Mayweather's back and he wants his old strap! Don't miss Mayweather/Berto 24/7 Sunday nights at 8:30 PM ET!" Besides, how often has a fighter chosen a young, undefeated world champion as a tune-up? Now that right there is flashy and flamboyant...something that has Floyd Mayweather Jr. written all over it!
Currently, WBC welterweight champion Andre Berto is tentatively scheduled to face IBF jr. welterweight champion Juan Urango on May 30. Say what? Juan Urango? Jr. welterweight? Yeah...like I said...Andre Berto is the perfect tune-up for Floyd Mayweather Jr.!