Andre Berto to undergo surgery for torn shoulder tendon

Andre Berto (left) tore his shoulder during his July 27 loss to Jesus Soto-Karass. (AP)

Former welterweight titleholder Andre Berto, fresh of a knockout loss to Jesus Soto-Karass, will undergo surgery to repair a torn tendon in his right shoulder. Berto (28-3) tore the shoulder in the second round of the fight with Soto-Karass. He is expected to be out until 2014.

“I threw a punch in the second round and when Soto-Karass blocked it, my right upper arm connected with his and it felt like fire shot through my arm,” Berto said. “I had no power at all in that right arm and couldn't hold it up to defend myself. I kept trying to use it, but midway through the fight I realized I couldn't and just tried to work my left hand and throw jabs.

“I threw it instinctually in the heat of the battle later in the fight and yelled from the pain shooting through my arm. I could see that Soto-Karass and the referee heard me, and the referee and doctor kept coming to the corner between rounds to check on the injury but there was no way I was going to quit.”

After waiting a week for the swelling to subside Berto -- who ruptured his left bicep muscle last year -- consulted with two orthopedic physicians, who recommended surgery. Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who assisted Berto with his recovery from the bicep injury, will perform the surgery on his shoulder.