The pressure of being Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s next and possibly final opponent is tough, especially when everybody thinks there are more deserving boxers out there; and that is what Andre Berto is facing as of the moment.
Berto will be the 49th man who will try to end the unbeaten streak of the number one pound-for-pound boxer at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Sept. 12.
The 31-year-old is riding a two-fight winning streak heading to the bout against Mayweather, although he is 3–3 in his last six fights for a 31–3 record.
Berto is a two-time welterweight champion and is the reigning World Boxing Association (WBA) Welterweight Interim Champion.
Despite all those achievements, still he is being regarded as an easy fight for Mayweather's potential final curtain call.
In an interview with BoxingScene.com's Radio Rahim, Berto spoke about the criticisms he is receiving and defends the title shot that was rewarded to him.
"I was probably a little surprised that [the criticism] came like it came. Everybody knows that I always show up and I always fight my ass off. I've given my whole life to this sport and to these people," Berto said.
He added that at the end of the day, it is not all about money but performing for the people, unlike Mayweather who he said does not care if the fight is entertaining or not since he is all about getting his paycheck.
"That ain't never been me and everybody knows that and everybody sees that in my fights. That's why I'm surprised with a lot of the criticism," Berto exclaimed.
Mayweather said Berto is an exciting fighter who gives his 100 percent every time and is deserving of a title shot. That is why he was the one chosen among a list of top contenders that include the likes of Amir Khan, Manny Pacquiao, Kell Brook, and Keith Thurman.
