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Danny Garcia and Andre Berto in talks to meet Sept. 24 or Oct.

Danny Garcia. Photo: Tom Casino, Showtime
Fighters Network
28
Jul

Danny Garcia is in talks to defend his WBC welterweight title against Andre Berto either on Sept. 24 at Barclays Center or on a date in October, Showtime boxing head Stephen Espinoza told RingTV.com on Thursday.

While the fighters are in the midst of discussions and nothing has been agreed upon, Espinoza described Berto as “probably one of the best if not the best option” for Garcia at this point, given the lack of other possibilities for the fall at welterweight, he said.

“It’s a little bit of a challenge for Danny because he’s a little off track with the other welterweights, who all have fights lined up or are coming off fights,” Espinoza told RingTV on Thursday before a press conference for Leo Santa Cruz’s title fight with Carl Frampton Saturday at Barclays Center on Showtime. “The options are limited. (Garcia and Berto) are still in discussions from what I understand.”

Garcia (32-0, 18 knockouts) hasn’t fought since January when he won a decision against Robert Guerrero. Former titleholder Berto (31-4, 24 KOs) was last seen trading knockdowns and stopping Victor Ortiz in April. While Berto is no longer at his physical peak, he is a true welterweight and will be just the third fighter at 147 pounds that Garcia has faced if the fight happens. Espinoza framed a bout between Garcia and Berto as a sort of stopgap before a welterweight unification showdown between WBA champ Keith Thurman and Garcia is targeted for the first quarter of 2017.



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