MANILA, Philippines ? Younger, faster and stronger.
Those are that traits why unbeaten Andre Berto believes he deserves the chance to face Manny Pacquiao than Shane Mosley and Juan Manuel Marquez.
?People want to see somebody like me,? Berto told the Bulletin Tuesday morning from Orlando, Florida.
Berto is considered a long shot to win the Pacquiao sweepstakes even though he is the reigning World Boxing Council welterweight king since he is not as marketable as Mosley and Marquez.
After mauling Antonio Margarito, Pacquiao is set to fight again April 16 next year.
Top Rank chief Bob Arum has made known his preference for Mosley but said Pacquiao will eventually decide who to face in his much-awaited return to the bright lights of Las Vegas.
Still, Berto, 27-0 with 21 knockouts, is hopeful that Pacquiao gets to make the right decision so he could please the fans.
?I am the youngest of the bunch,? said Berto, taking a dig at the advancing ages of Mosley and Marquez.
Mosley is pushing 40, while Marquez is turning 38 in August 2011.
Berto bragged that ?among them I pose the biggest challenge but let?s see what happens (in the negotiations).?
Arum has in his possession the offer sheets of the three and will present them to Pacquiao during his six-day visit to the country starting Dec. 14. Arum plans to have a deal in place by the time he heads back to the US on December 19.
?I have a great team. It depends on them trying to agree on all the terms. I would love to do that fight with him. My team negotiate with them,? said Berto, declining to provide specifics regarding the proposal that his promoter Lou DiBella submitted to Arum.
Berto is coming off a first-round demolition of Mexican Freddy Hernandez and has started to get back in the gym ?to get a sweat? just in case he gets the call from Arum.
Berto even has a message to Pacquiao.
?Come on, Manny. Let?s get it on. Let?s get ready to rumble.?
