2006 ESPN prospect of the year Andre Berto steps up against the toughest fighter he has ever faced in top 20 Welterweight Cosme Rivera on ESPN Friday Night Fights. Sportsbook.com has Andre Berto a steep -1300 betting odds favorite.

Star quality is written all over the 23 year old Hatian Andre Berto, 18-0,16 KO’s. Top 15 contender Andre is the complete package showcasing great strength, power in both gloves, lightning quick hand speed and all-around boxing ability. Berto is a 5'8 1\2" Boxer\Puncher who likes to work the body or box behind a stiff jab to set up his combinations.

Mexican Cosme Rivera, 30-10-2, 21 KO’s, has been tried and battle tested against top fighters from around the world. Cosme at 5'11" can box effectively from the outside with his long arms but is most effective when he can press his attack with heavy punches and wearing opponents out. Rivera is a tough S.O.B who has some holes in his defense and only average hand-speed.

Rivera, 31, has been out of the ring for 9 months but looked great in his last fight against Joel Julio, 32-1, 30 KO’s. Rivera lost a close split decision but dropped Julio in the last round of a 12 round classic latino war. This is a terrific matchup but in the end Berto’s blessed natural ability will out-shine Rivera’s guts and experience. Andre’s the star fighting on promoter Lou DiBella’s card so every advantage should go his way in this one. I see this as an 80\20 fight favoring Andre Berto.

Sportsbook.com has posted Boxing betting odds for Andre Berto vs. Cosme Rivera

Andre Berto -1300

Cosme Rivera +700 

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