By Radio Rahim

Former WBC/IBF welterweight champion Andre Berto (30-3, 23KOs) is surprised with the heavy criticism over being selected as the final career opponent for Floyd Mayweather Jr. (48-0, 26KOs) on September 12th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Fans were expecting either Amir Khan or Keith Thurman, but Berto was largely unexpected. Although Mayweather mentioned him as a frontrunner in June, the statement was widely assumed as a mirage to disguise the name of the actual opponent.

One Berto's name was revealed last week, the fans and media members were blasting the decision in full force on the social networks.

"I was probably a little surprised that [the criticism] came like it came. Everybody knows that I always show up and I always fight my ass off. I've given my whole life to this sport and to these people. At the end of the day, yeah the money is good but I got into this game as a fan and wanting to go and perform for the people. Then you have guys like Floyd who comes in, and [takes the approach of 'I don't care] whether it's boring or not - as long as I get my check.' That ain't never been me and everybody knows that and everybody sees that in my fights. That's why I'm surprised with a lot of the criticism," Berto told BoxingScene.com.