MIAMI -- Eleven months ago, Andre Berto stepped into the ring at Hard Rock Live Arena in Hollywood, Fla., ready to defend his welterweight title against Juan Urango and enhance his stock in the talent-rich welterweight division.
Berto defeated Urango to retain his World Boxing Council belt, but instead of keeping a busy fight schedule, he has remained inactive. The lengthy separation between fights finally ends Saturday night when Berto makes the fourth defense of his title against Puerto Rico's Carlos Quintana at BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla.
A vital reason for Berto's inactivity stems from the earthquake that struck Haiti on Jan. 12. Born in Miami to Haitian parents, Berto became deeply involved in the earthquake relief effort, forcing the postponement of his bout against Shane Mosley on Jan. 30.
"I was training for the biggest fight of my life," Berto said. "We tried to stay in the routine a couple of more days. As soon as (the earthquake) happened, it affected me greatly."
Berto had reason to worry: His sister lives in Haiti, and the family didn't know of her whereabouts for days. They finally received news that she and her daughter were safe.
But the joy of learning of his sister's survival turned to despair when Berto's uncle and his family died as a result of the earthquake.
HOMEWARD-BOUND
Although Berto, 26, grew up in Miami and later moved to Winter Haven, Fla., he never disconnected from his Haitian roots. Before the earthquake, Berto made humanitarian trips to the island nation, especially visiting children in schools and orphanages. Not surprisingly, Berto flew to Haiti soon after the postponement of his fight with Mosley.
"It was just a different place from what I had seen before," Berto said. "You smelled a lot of pain, smelled the death. There was a just a lot of tragedy.
"Everybody was in a frenzy, scattered around. Schools crushed to the ground. The children we went to see (in previous trips) were gone. But, at the same time, I saw a lot of strength. (People) were still trying to make something out of nothing. I saw people singing Haitian spirituals and hymns. Hope was also present."
After his return from Haiti, Berto found a new fight date and opponent. With Mosley choosing to face Floyd Mayweather Jr. on May 1, Berto will fight Quintana, a Puerto Rico native and former welterweight champion.
"It's been a while since I've been in the ring, but I've had tremendous sparring," Berto said. "We are ready to go."
Berto's promoter, Lou DiBella, said he understood Berto's decision to withdraw from the Mosley fight.
"Before the earthquake, he was in great shape. It was a good time to get Mosley," DiBella said. "Andre wasn't prepared mentally after the earthquake. With your sister and niece missing, you are obviously not going to be completely focused. Once he was ready, he wanted a big fight. We got him the best welterweight available. This is the fight that can vault him to an attractive fight."
Berto (25-0, 19 KOs) said he won't be consumed by the Haiti crisis once he gets in the ring against Quintana (27-2, 21 KOs). But Berto knows that Saturday's fight will provide a platform to assist Haiti. In fact, the card is billed as "Fighting for Haiti," and proceeds will benefit the Haiti earthquake relief effort.
"Everything happens for a reason," Berto said of his inactivity and his new opponent. "I believe everybody's been reading and hearing what's been happening for months.
"There is also anticipation because I have been gone for a while."
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