Professional boxer gives back to Winter Haven residents

WINTER HAVEN (FOX 13) - One of Winter Haven's hometown heroes was back in town on Wednesday, handing out hundreds of turkeys.

"[I want to] let people know I am still real. [I can] come back and be able to touch the people and inspire," said professional boxer Andre Berto.

Berto, who trained under his dad in Winter Haven since he was a child, just fought World Welterweight Champion Floyd Mayweather. Berto lost the fight, but walked away with $4 million.

"He has been blessed, so now he is blessing us," said resident Mary Smith.

Pamela Miler left with a turkey and her Thanksgiving menu all planned out.

"I am going to have some collard greens. I am going to have sweet potato pie. I am going to have some beans. We're going to have a whole spread," Smith told FOX 13. "But I appreciate the turkey, because I didn't have one."

On Friday, Berto will be sponsoring a free family festival called the Turkey Bowl. There will be bounce houses, face-painters and football games. The event will be held at the NorthEast Recreation Center in Winter Haven from 3 to 7 p.m.