Andre Berto

With laser quick hands and thundering power, Andre Berto is one of the biggest names in boxing. Known for his aggressive style and exciting fights, Berto continuously draws viewers every time he steps in the ring. A former WBC and IBF welterweight world champion, Berto consistently provides some of the most crowd-pleasing fights in the sport and is known as one of boxing' great action fighters. Outside the ring, Berto prides himself on his philanthropic efforts and is an advocate for relief efforts in his native Haiti. The 33-year-old created his own foundation, The Berto Dynasty Foundation, in February of 2010 and plans to be a long-term presence in Haiti to help rebuild the proud island nation. He travels to Haiti regularly with other charitable organizations and his family to provide inspiration and any assistance possible. He also works closely with other philanthropic organizations to make a difference in Haiti and other impoverished countries. His work has included meetings with global leaders, including the grandsons of the late Nelson Mandela, the son of Bob Marley, as well as former and current professional athletes and entertainers at the United Nations for a critical discussion of how to assist struggling nations. Berto joined forces with elite boxing trainer Virgil Hunter since 2013 and compares his training sessions with his coach to going to school. While the Florida native now calls Los Angeles home, he spends much of the year in the Bay Area training with Hunter to fine tune his boxing skills. He avenged the first loss of his professional career in 2016 with a fourth round knockout win over Victor Ortiz and plans to be back in the ring for his next fight in the spring of 2017. The outlook didn't always look as bright for Berto when he was young. The future boxing phenom quickly built a reputation as the problem child. His father Dieuseul, a strict disciplinarian and Ultimate Fighter, responded to the consistent calls from his son's school by taking the 10-year-old with him to the gym. Although the sweet science didn't originally pique his interest, it wasn't long until Berto began training as a boxer. From the time that he and his brothers were small, their father pushed them to their limits, making them box for hours in the kitchen or punishing the kids with 500 squats and push-ups before skill. Work ethic was instilled in him as a child, as he ran through the streets of Winter Haven, Fla., with his father following him in his car, nudging his son with the vehicle if his pace slowed. Although it wasn't always easy for Berto, the discipline and focus instilled by his dad have shaped him into the well-tuned boxer and role model that he is today. A standout amateur and the first Haitian Olympian in boxing, Berto made his highly anticipated pro debut in December of 2004. Since that time, he's built a highly successful professional career, winning the WBC title in 2008 and claiming the IBF crown in 2011. A celebrity favorite, Berto enjoys a wide network of celebrity friends who can be seen ringside at his fights.