As an amateur, Berto won a bronze medal in the 2003 World championships. He was also a two-time U.S. National Golden Gloves champion, a two-time National PAL champion, a three-time U.S. amateur championship medalist, and won 22 state titles in Florida. Prior to the 2003 World championships, Berto defeated future world title challenger Andre Dirrell, and future three-weight world champion Timothy Bradley twice.