The Money Mondays Podcast Summary: Episode E123 Featuring Andre Berto
Release Date: May 26, 2025
Introduction
In a special edition of "The Money Mondays," host Dan Fleyshman steps out of the usual RV motorhome setting to join Andre Berto, a renowned figure in the boxing world, from a studio near the W Hotel in Hollywood. This episode delves deep into Berto's journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a two-time boxing world champion, alongside discussions on making money, investing, and philanthropy.
Andre Berto's Background and Boxing Career
[00:50]
Andre Berto opens the conversation with a succinct biography, highlighting his achievements and the roots of his boxing career.
"I am a 2004 Olympian, two-time boxing world champion. I've been smacking people for a very long time." – Andre Berto [00:50]
He shares insights into his tumultuous youth, influenced by his Haitian immigrant parents who, due to their demanding work schedules, left him and his siblings with ample time outdoors—time that often led to trouble. His natural aggression became a challenge until his father, an MMA fighter, introduced him to boxing as an outlet.
"My parents gave us a lot of time to be outside and get in trouble. I was just a very aggressive kid." – Andre Berto [01:43]
Making Money as a Boxer
Transitioning into the financial aspects of boxing, Berto discusses the economic challenges faced by amateur boxers. Unlike professionals, amateurs often juggle multiple jobs to fund their training and participation in local tournaments.
[02:08]
"As an amateur, I had to mow yards, do car washes, just to get a dollar to move around and go to these local tournaments." – Andre Berto [03:08]
He emphasizes that while his journey to professionalism was somewhat fortified by his Olympic exposure and connections with prominent promoters and managers, many aspiring boxers lack such advantages. The financial strain of training—covering trainers, coaches, nutrition, and gym time—necessitates a robust support system or personal hustle.
Transitioning from Amateur to Pro
Berto elaborates on the critical role that managers and agents play in a boxer's professional ascent. While it's feasible to go pro independently, having an established manager with industry connections vastly improves a boxer's chances of securing lucrative fights and sponsorships.
[04:14]
"Boxing doesn't have a union, so you really can turn pro if you want to, but most likely, you're fighting in local bars for 200 bucks." – Andre Berto [04:14]
He mentions key figures in boxing promotion, such as Bob Arum and Oscar De La Hoya, and discusses the rise of new promoters like Turkey Alisherov, who are reshaping the industry's landscape.
Leveraging Social Media in Boxing
The advent of social media has revolutionized how boxers promote themselves. Berto advises young fighters to harness these platforms to build their personal brands, engage with fans, and attract sponsorships.
[05:35]
"With social media, you need to document everything. Let people see who you are. Pick up that phone and make sure you talk to them about your story." – Andre Berto [05:42]
He cites Ryan Garcia as a prime example of a boxer who effectively uses social media to amplify his presence, blending athletic prowess with personal storytelling to captivate a global audience.
The Mental Game of Boxing
Boxing is as much a mental sport as it is physical. Berto delves into the psychological challenges fighters face, using examples like Ryan Garcia and Ronda Rousey to illustrate how mental resilience—or the lack thereof—can significantly impact performance.
[07:23]
"The fight game is so mental. After my first loss, I questioned my confidence to walk in the ring again." – Andre Berto [07:23]
He shares personal anecdotes about overcoming setbacks and underscores the necessity of maintaining mental fortitude to persevere through defeats and continue striving for success.
Upcoming Fights: Canelo vs. Crawford
Berto provides his take on the highly anticipated matchup between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford, analyzing the strategic challenges Crawford faces when moving up weight classes to contend with a seasoned champion like Canelo.
[10:45]
"Canelo fights at 168 and is very settled in that weight class. If Crawford can't withstand Canelo's power, the fight could look ugly." – Andre Berto [10:45]
He highlights the importance of adaptability and physical conditioning, questioning whether Crawford can maintain his performance against Canelo's established prowess.
Influence of Influencers in Boxing: The Case of Jake Paul
The integration of influencers like Jake Paul into boxing has sparked both interest and debate. Berto views Jake Paul's involvement as beneficial for the sport's visibility and revenue, especially among younger demographics.
[12:27]
"Jake Paul is a great addition to boxing. He's bringing in a lot of eyes and a younger demographic. He's serious about training and building his career." – Andre Berto [12:27]
However, he expresses skepticism about Paul’s ability to compete against elite boxers like Canelo, emphasizing that while Paul generates significant interest and financial influx, the competitive edge remains uncertain.
Transitioning After a Boxing Career
Discussing life after boxing, Berto acknowledges the difficulty athletes face when retiring from the sport. He stresses the importance of building business ventures and cultivating a diverse professional identity to ensure continued relevance and financial stability.
[17:43]
"It's extremely hard to transition. Even with a great business network, stepping away from the ring to focus on new ventures is tough." – Andre Berto [17:43]
He shares his own experiences of shifting focus from the ring to business endeavors, highlighting the supportive role of a strong network and continuous learning.
Staying Relevant Post-Retirement
Maintaining public presence post-retirement involves active engagement with media and ongoing personal development. Berto emphasizes his commitment to media interactions and expanding his business interests as strategies to stay relevant.
[19:04]
"I've always loved media and building a network across different fields. I don't see myself just as a fighter, but as a multi-faceted individual." – Andre Berto [19:04]
He contrasts this approach with many athletes who fade from the spotlight after retirement, advocating for a proactive stance in personal branding and business expansion.
Importance of Charity in Athletes' Lives
Berto underscores the moral responsibility of successful athletes to give back to their communities. He views philanthropy as a way to utilize their platforms for broader societal impact and personal fulfillment.
[23:05]
"Athletes are blessed to be admired and should use their platforms to give back and spread positivity." – Andre Berto [23:05]
He believes that charitable efforts not only benefit communities but also provide athletes with a sense of purpose beyond their sports careers.
Financial Legacy and Inheritance
In a candid discussion about his financial legacy, Berto considers how he plans to structure his inheritance to ensure his children are both supported and motivated to achieve their own success.
[24:16]
"I might leave 50-60% through an extensive trust with requirements, ensuring my kids work for what they receive and grow as individuals." – Andre Berto [25:00]
He emphasizes the balance between providing financial security and encouraging personal responsibility, aiming to foster independence and continued growth in his heirs.
Conclusion: Open Discussion About Money
Wrapping up the episode, Dan Fleyshman reiterates the podcast's mission to normalize conversations about money, advocating for open dialogues to alleviate societal stress and promote financial literacy.
[26:16]
"We need to change the sentiment around money discussions to educate people and alleviate financial stress." – Dan Fleyshman [26:16]
He encourages listeners to engage in honest discussions about finances with their communities to foster a more financially informed and resilient society.
Closing Remarks
Andre Berto concludes by inviting listeners to connect with him across various social media platforms, promoting ongoing engagement and participation in his upcoming mental health event in Boston.
"Follow me on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok—everything at Andre Berto. We got a lot going on. I'm excited." – Andre Berto [26:03]
This episode of "The Money Mondays" offers a comprehensive look into the multifaceted life of Andre Berto, blending his experiences in boxing with insights on financial management, personal growth, and societal contribution. It's a valuable listen for anyone interested in the intersection of sports, finance, and philanthropy.