Jesus Soto Karass upset Andre Berto on Saturday night (Photo: Naoki Fukuda)
By Chris Robinson
On Saturday night, Showtime Championship Boxing delivered an action-packed triple header filled with back-and-forth action, knockdowns, and plenty of high drama.
In the evening’s main event, Sinaloa’s Jesus Soto Karass scored a mild upset with a 12th round TKO victory over former welterweight titlist Andre Berto.
It was another disappointing defeat for Berto, who is just 1-3 in his last four fights, dating back to his high-pitched brawl with Victor Ortiz in April of 2011.
Berto appeared to injure his right shoulder around the fourth round, yet he fought on valiantly as the action wore on, electing to utilize his left hand as best he could.
And despite scoring a knockdown in the eleventh round with a left to Karass’ body, Berto himself was floored with a counter left in the final round, as referee Jon Schorle chose to call a halt to the action.
Speaking with Showtime’s Jim Grey after his loss, Berto confirmed his injury.
“I think I tore out a socket early, like the fourth round,” Berto claimed. “My right shoulder; that’s why I kept using my left. I couldn’t really use it. But, like I said, I’m a warrior at the end of the day. No matter what happens.”
As far as the stoppage of the fight is concerned, Berto does feel that Schorle was a little too quick to pull the trigger.
“I at least deserved an eight count,” Berto stated. “But I’m [going] to go out on my shield regardless, man.”
The last few years have been frustrating from Berto, from his punishing defeats to testing positive for norandrosterone prior to his then-scheduled rematch with Ortiz.
Nearing 30 years old and having aligned himself with a new trainer in Virgil Hunter, Berto’s future seems uncertain at this point.
Still, if anything, he has endeared himself to many by pushing forward in the face of adversity in recent contests, even when coming up short, and that seems to be something he is taking solace in.
“I want to thank all the boxing fans around the world for supporting me,” said Berto. “Every time I step in here, I put it all on the line.
“At the end of the day, I show that warrior spirit all the time,” Berto added. “Whether I messed up my shoulder or not, I’m going to go put it all on the line.”
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Chris Robinson can be reached at Trimond@aol.com