On September 26, 1939, Berger won over Leonard Del Genio in a crowd pleasing eight round points decision at the New York Coliseum in the Bronx. He had lost to Del Genio on November 11, 1936 in an eight-round points decision at the New York Coliseum. It was a close bout and many in the crowd of 7000 were displeased with the verdict which ruined Berger's nearly perfect win record. Del Genio had an edge in the infighting which was noteworthy since he had a disadvantage of several inches in reach.