The 31 year-old, who has been ridiculed since Mayweather first mentioned his name two months ago, says he is back to his best shape following a period of injuries and wants to prove his worth as he attempts to take the pound for pound king’s WBC and WBA belts.
“Two years ago I was in the hospital bed having surgery on my shoulder and not knowing if I could come back from that. At the end of the day it was a blessing. We stayed focused and now we’re here,” said Berto.
“I know I’m going to come in there fast and strong. I’m 152 pounds right now. At the end of the day you’re going to see a kid who’s had his highs or who’s had his falls. And now we’re right back to making it happen.
“This is a fight that I felt Floyd still wanted to make happen. Him coming off of the Pacquiao fight, of course it’s easy for people to downplay me. I can’t worry about that and I’m not worried about that.
“Have you ever seen a boring Andre Berto fight? At the end of the day we work our butt off, I’ve been working for a long time. Right now, the harvest is coming. We sowed the seeds and the time is now.
“I bring that rare combination of speed, power and explosiveness to the table. The last person he bought with that combination was Zab Judah. I’m younger, I’m hungry; I’m strong and fast. I’m focused on what I’m coming to get,” he added.
At 38, Mayweather is ready to hang up his gloves once the final bell tolls next month, although there are plenty of sceptics who believe a 50th fight will happen in 2016, possibly in a rematch against rival Manny Pacquaio during the second part of the year.
