WINTER HAVEN, Florida (CMC) – Haitian world welterweight boxing champion Andre Berto has made a brief humanitarian visit to his native country, to the adulation of his many fans.

The Florida-based World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight king was joined by his parents, brothers Cleveland and Edson as well as younger sister Revelina on the trip to the birthplace of his parents.

The group made several stops during their short trip to the island, distributing shoes to needy children, visiting a local orphanage as well as meeting the local mayor.

“I am happy that I finally have the opportunity to go to Haiti and make an impact on the lives of the people there,” Berto said.

Berto even took time out to give many of the children a quick boxing lesson.

The young people enjoyed the chance to meet the world champion so deeply that they chased him through the streets.

“I’ve been very blessed and I’m now able to share my success with others. I look forward to making many future trips to Haiti and hope to touch the lives of as many people as possible,” Berto said.

Berto, who represented Haiti at the 2004 Athens Olympics, has a perfect 24-0 record as a professional.

He won the vacant WBC title in June last year when he defeated Mexican Miguel Angel Rodriquez and had successful title defences against Americans Steve Forbes and Luis Collazo in September 2008 and January 2009, respectively.

Berto is booked for a third title defence against the Colombian southpaw Juan Urango on May 30