Door opened for Mosley-Mayweather

By Dan Rafael


Overwhelmed by family loss in the Haiti earthquake, welterweight titleholder Andre Berto withdrew on Monday from his scheduled unification fight with Shane Mosley on Jan. 30 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

The cancellation of the fight could lead to Mosley instead defending his title against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in the spring.

"Since the 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti on Tuesday evening, I have been focusing on my family and the Haitian people who are facing an inconceivable battle for survival while still trying to continue to prepare for an opportunity I have dreamt of since childhood," Berto said in a statement. "I lost several family members to the earthquake and, after two days without word, was relieved to learn that my sister, Naomi, and her daughter, Jessica, survived, but were left homeless. I have seen the pain in my parents' eyes as they attempt to understand what has happened to our homeland and recognize a place they once called home.

"As a result of this disaster, I am mentally and physically exhausted and, therefore, I have no choice but to withdraw from my bout on January 30."

Berto lost at least eight family members in the disaster.

Berto's parents were born in Haiti before emigrating in 1980 to Winter Haven, Fla., where Berto grew up and still lives. Berto (25-0, 19 KOs) also represented Haiti in the 2004 Olympic Games and has done charitable work there for the past several years.

"Throughout the past six days, I have received an incredible outpouring of support, and I sincerely appreciate everyone's prayers for the people of Haiti," Berto said. "I hope that everyone will continue to keep the Haitian people in their thoughts and prayers as we work to rebuild this proud nation. The rebuilding of Haiti is not something that will happen overnight, but I am fully dedicated to helping the Haitian people recover from this catastrophic event."

Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer, who promotes Mosley, said he told Mosley (46-5, 39 KOs) about the cancellation of the fight, and he was understanding.

"It's just a very unfortunate situation," Schaefer said. "This is unbelievable. Everyone has seen the pictures from Haiti and followed this devastating situation. We all feel very bad for Andre. We know where his focus needs to be and that is with his family and his people. I talked to Shane. Obviously, he shares the sentiment. He feels bad for Andre and understands. But at the same time he is disappointed because he is in amazing shape with two weeks to go, and now this fight fell out. He is not happy about it, but he fully understands the situation. We just wish the best for Andre Berto."

The cancellation of the fight may open another door for Mosley. With the Manny Pacquiao-Mayweather fight falling apart and Pacquiao moving on to face Joshua Clottey at Cowboys Stadium on March 13, the date Pacquiao-Mayweather was supposed to take place on, it left Mayweather without an opponent.

Schaefer, who promotes Mosley and is working with Mayweather, had announced that Mayweather would also fight on March 13 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on a pay-per-view that would compete with Pacquiao-Clottey.

However, behind the scenes, plans were being made for Mayweather to go on an alternative date. Now, Mayweather could wind up challenging Mosley for his title on May 1, a date Golden Boy has been holding for a pay-per-view event at the MGM Grand.

"That is a super fight, and now my next order of business -- to see if we can put [Mosley-Mayweather] together," Schaefer said. "That is what I am going to be doing in the coming hours. The sooner the better if we can get this potential fight done. With Shane now being available and Floyd being available, that's a fight all fight fans and sports fans would embrace. This would be a huge showdown. Shane has wanted that fight for awhile. That's what I am going to try to do."

Berto's schedule will remain up in the air while he deals with his family loss. He had stormed through his professional career to win a vacant 147-pound title via seventh-round knockout of Miguel Angel Rodriguez in 2008 and has made three defenses against Steve Forbes, former titleholder Luis Collazo and junior welterweight titlist Juan Urango. But the showdown with Mosley was by far the most significant bout of his career and a way to stamp himself as a star with a victory.

But the family tragedy was too much for him to continue training for the bout.

"I think he made a correct decision for himself," said Lou DiBella, Berto's promoter throughout his professional career. "Your mental health and physically health are more important than one fight. I know that Andre has been in agony since this happened. He has been really struggling. He is mentally and physically exhausted and I don't think he's been sleeping. He's been torn about whether to fight and had to make this decision. I think he's going to go to Haiti next week.

"It's the right decision. It's impossible to watch those pictures from Haiti even if you're not Haitian. But he and his family and his parents are suffering. It hits very close to home. How could any human being focus under those circumstances? I'm glad for Andre that he made this decision for himself."

The entire Jan. 30 card has been called off. The undercard included several notable bouts, including Glen Johnson against Yusaf Mack in a light heavyweight title eliminator, former junior welterweight titlist Vivian Harris facing Lucas Matthysse and former junior middleweight titleholder Sergio Mora ending a year-plus layoff to fight Jason Naugler in his first fight since signing with Golden Boy Promotions, which promotes Mosley.

Schaefer said he would huddle with matchmaker Eric Gomez to notify the fighters that the card was off and to discuss alternatives.

DiBella said everyone involved in the show, from his staff to Golden Boy to HBO, which was to launch the 2010 season of "World Championship Boxing" with the fight, was supportive of Berto's decision.

"Not one person involved in the promotion had any negative response to this decision," DiBella said. "Everyone empathizes with Andre and his whole family. The young man's well-being outweighs any one fight."

HBO's Kery Davis echoed DiBella.

"Andre Berto is a terrific athlete and an even better person," Davis said. "We can only imagine the pain the earthquake has caused the entire Berto family. Our thoughts and prayers are with Andre and we hope to have him back on HBO when he is ready to return to the ring."

Shane Mosley vs. Andre Berto: A Chess Match?

By Mike “Mykers” Boehm - In recent years, boxing has silenced all critics who say, “it’s a dying sport.” More specifically, the welterweight division has proved this alone with the fierce competition that has evolved from a day to day basis. Consequently, these allegations are constantly up for debate on cold hard facts; in which everyone has their immediate rendition. However, patience is a virtue…and with this, there is no question that we have quite the chess match in boxing at the end of this month.

Eagerly, we wait with anticipation for the great unification welterweight battle between Shane Mosley and Andre Berto on January 30, 2010. The beginning of this year promises to become another great year for boxing, and so it goes. The breakdown itself of the welterweight clash is an interesting one. There is so much speculation of who will leave the ring victorious and who won’t. Each fighter has plenty of magical tricks that will no doubt prove who’s the better man. However, let’s try to suppress some of the speculation by looking at the advantages and disadvantages of the art of war..

The community has become all too familiar with Shane Mosley and his rise. The stunning welterweight has reeked havoc on the sport since February of 1993.The road to welterweight supremacy was indeed a tough, yet arduous journey for Mosley. Ultimately, the years of experience, combined with the increased work rate has cemented Mosley’s place in the welterweight division. However, is this enough for the older fighter to conquer the speedier fighter in Andre Berto? More importantly, is age going to finally become a factor for Shane Mosley in his upcoming bout?

Speed has always been a huge factor in a fight. Just ask Andre Berto! The majority of the time, the young fighter in Berto, constantly outworks his opponents by landing the cleaner more effective punches. Hence, the undefeated record that Andre Berto strives to protect. However, when Andre Berto fought Luis Collazo we saw Berto in a bit of hot water. Both fighters were able to stun each other, and Collazo was able to catch Berto coming in. No doubt, Andre was the busier fighter in the bout, but weaknesses did seem apparent on Berto’s behalf. If Andre Berto expects the same treatment and power from Shane Mosley, it could become an early night for Andre Berto.

Age has become an interesting factor as well. Take fighters like Bernard Hopkins and Evander Holyfield; these might not be the best examples, but there decent enough to stake a claim. The two fighters in Hopkins and Holyfield have proved that there is life as an aging boxer. The age factor should not become an immediate disadvantage for Mosley, as proven in his recent bought with Antonio Margarito. Mosley managed to blast Margarito across the canvas throughout the fight and end with a ninth round TKO victory. Shane has proven his speed is apparent, and his strength has not diminished at all in recent bouts. Of course, with age comes experience. Shane Mosleys’ experience and fast adjustment rate should prevail over Andre Berto.

The work rate of Mosley will become an ultimate factor for Berto. Most likely, Berto will remain cautious, picking his shots with Shane. More specifically, Andre Berto has much more to protect; which is apparent in his undefeated record. Mosley on the other hand, will stalk, trap, and land several hard shots when the chance permits. Indeed the chess match seems logical. The only difference is Shane Mosley has been in numerous chess matches where the opponent has fallen short. Therefore, for the sake of this bout, age is just a number, and hopefully will remain suppressed until the end of the match up.

Personally, one of my major concerns is Andre Berto himself. That is, how Berto will fair in the ring. In Berto’s most recent match with Juan Urango, he was repeatedly criticized for punching Urango and falling into a clinch. Following this, Andre was repeatedly told by the referee to stop holding. Luckily for Mosley, he knows the advantages and disadvantages of this tactic, along with breaking through the defense of recent opposition.

Both fighters possess decent defensive skills. Although, at times; Shane Mosley is intent on using his chin for a defensive tactic. However, in Andre Berto’s recent matches against Luis Collazo, and Juan Urango; his chin has proved quite rock steady. But then again, no other welterweight hits like Mosley, and no other welterweight has the capabilities, and adjustment ratio like Shane. Either way, both fighters have a decent defensive game, but Berto’s seems more extensive with the speedy footwork.

While the public tends to slightly overlook each of the two fighters, it’s the ultimate anticipation that has nabbed our thoughts and speculations. Shane Mosley’s presence is stellar, constantly supported, honored, and appreciated in the sport of boxing. Andre Berto has quickly become a fierce opponent in the welterweight division and looks to make his mark on the sport. Nevertheless, Andre Berto looks to improve his unblemished records against one of the best welterweights in Shane Mosley. Ultimately, the unification bout will set the standards for the welterweight division, and possibly entice the next best thing to happen. That is, one of the two fighters to land a checkmate bout against Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Watch Live Shane Mosley vs Andre Berto Fight

by: eastsideboxing

It began as a war of words fought on internet websites and on Saturday, Jan. 30, welterweight superstars Sugar Shane Mosley and Andre Berto will take their dispute from cyberspace to the ring at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nev.. The 12-round bout will air live on HBO's World Championship Boxing and will determine once and for all the King of the 147-pound weight class.

"Andre Berto's a good young fighter but he's bitten off more than he can chew with all the talking he's been doing," said WBA Welterweight Super World Champion Mosley. "I've forgotten more about the fight game than he knows and the world will see that in January.."

Berto, the WBC Welterweight World Champion commented, "This is the fight I've waited my whole career for and now it's finally a reality. Shane Mosley made me chase him for a while, but he won't be able to run when we get into the ring on January 30, and I can't wait."

Mosley vs. Berto, a 12-round welterweight bout, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and DiBella Entertainment. The bout will air live on HBO's World Championship Boxing from the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, beginning at 10 pm ET / 7 pm PT.

Tickets priced at $300, $200, $150, $100 and $50 are now on sale and available for purchase at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith's Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino). Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (702) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mandalaybay.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

President of Golden Boy Promotions, Oscar de la Hoya said, "Mosley-Berto is the first big fight of 2010 and it's the perfect way to kick off the boxing year. Mosley fights his best when the challenge in front of him is greatest. Berto is one of the most talented fighters in the world, so I expect Mosley to be at his very best in a great fight on January 30."

"This is one of those can't miss fights in terms of action and Berto and Mosley won't have to look too hard to find each other in the ring," said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. "I think this fight represents the passing of the torch from the old lion in Mosley to the young lion in Berto and I'm expecting an early Fight of The Year candidate. With respect to a first ballot Hall of Famer, the Shane Mosley era ends on January 30."

Richard Sturm, President of Sports & Entertainment for MGM MIRAGE, said, "We are proud to kick off 2010 with Golden Boy Promotions, DiBella Entertainment and HBO Sports and welcome the return of both Shane Mosley and Andre Berto to Mandalay Bay. This will be an exciting fight for not only our customers, but boxing fans around the country."

Kery Davis, senior vice president of programming of HBO Sports said, "Beginning the new season of HBO's World Championship Boxing with Shane Mosley vs. Andre Berto is a spectacular way to start the year. Boxing fans need to mark down January 30 right now on their calendars."

A future Hall of Famer with five world titles to his name, Sugar Shane Mosley (46-5, 39 KO's) has ruled the lightweight, welterweight and junior middleweight divisions over his storied 16-year career. However, at 38 years old, the Pomona, Calif. native seems to be getting better and better as the years pass. Winner of seven of his last eight fights dating back to 2005, Mosley has defeated the likes of Fernando Vargas (twice), Luis Collazo and Ricardo Mayorga, but his most recent victory also was one of his most spectacular -- a ninth round stoppage of Antonio Margarito in January 2009 to win the Welterweight World Title for the third time.

One of boxing's top young stars, 26-year-old Andre Berto (25-0, 19 KO's) first made his mark on the worldwide sports scene as a member of the 2004 Haitian Olympic team. However he already has surpassed those accomplishments as an unbeaten professional and world champion. The owner of wins over Cosme Rivera, Michel Trabant, Steve Forbes, Collazo and Juan Urango, the Winter Haven, Fla. native won the WBC Welterweight World Title in June 2008 with a seventh round stoppage of Miguel Angel Rodriguez and has since defended his crown three times. No victory would be bigger than one over Mosley on January 30.

Watch Live Shane Mosley VS Andre Berto Free

by: eastsideboxing.com


It began as a war of words fought on internet websites and on Saturday, Jan. 30, welterweight superstars Sugar Shane Mosley and Andre Berto will take their dispute from cyberspace to the ring at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nev.. The 12-round bout will air live on HBO's World Championship Boxing and will determine once and for all the King of the 147-pound weight class.

"Andre Berto's a good young fighter but he's bitten off more than he can chew with all the talking he's been doing," said WBA Welterweight Super World Champion Mosley. "I've forgotten more about the fight game than he knows and the world will see that in January.."

Berto, the WBC Welterweight World Champion commented, "This is the fight I've waited my whole career for and now it's finally a reality. Shane Mosley made me chase him for a while, but he won't be able to run when we get into the ring on January 30, and I can't wait."

Mosley vs. Berto, a 12-round welterweight bout, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and DiBella Entertainment. The bout will air live on HBO's World Championship Boxing from the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, beginning at 10 pm ET / 7 pm PT.

Tickets priced at $300, $200, $150, $100 and $50 are now on sale and available for purchase at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith's Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino). Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (702) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mandalaybay.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

President of Golden Boy Promotions, Oscar de la Hoya said, "Mosley-Berto is the first big fight of 2010 and it's the perfect way to kick off the boxing year. Mosley fights his best when the challenge in front of him is greatest. Berto is one of the most talented fighters in the world, so I expect Mosley to be at his very best in a great fight on January 30."

"This is one of those can't miss fights in terms of action and Berto and Mosley won't have to look too hard to find each other in the ring," said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. "I think this fight represents the passing of the torch from the old lion in Mosley to the young lion in Berto and I'm expecting an early Fight of The Year candidate. With respect to a first ballot Hall of Famer, the Shane Mosley era ends on January 30."

Richard Sturm, President of Sports & Entertainment for MGM MIRAGE, said, "We are proud to kick off 2010 with Golden Boy Promotions, DiBella Entertainment and HBO Sports and welcome the return of both Shane Mosley and Andre Berto to Mandalay Bay. This will be an exciting fight for not only our customers, but boxing fans around the country."

Kery Davis, senior vice president of programming of HBO Sports said, "Beginning the new season of HBO's World Championship Boxing with Shane Mosley vs. Andre Berto is a spectacular way to start the year. Boxing fans need to mark down January 30 right now on their calendars."

A future Hall of Famer with five world titles to his name, Sugar Shane Mosley (46-5, 39 KO's) has ruled the lightweight, welterweight and junior middleweight divisions over his storied 16-year career. However, at 38 years old, the Pomona, Calif. native seems to be getting better and better as the years pass. Winner of seven of his last eight fights dating back to 2005, Mosley has defeated the likes of Fernando Vargas (twice), Luis Collazo and Ricardo Mayorga, but his most recent victory also was one of his most spectacular -- a ninth round stoppage of Antonio Margarito in January 2009 to win the Welterweight World Title for the third time.

One of boxing's top young stars, 26-year-old Andre Berto (25-0, 19 KO's) first made his mark on the worldwide sports scene as a member of the 2004 Haitian Olympic team. However he already has surpassed those accomplishments as an unbeaten professional and world champion. The owner of wins over Cosme Rivera, Michel Trabant, Steve Forbes, Collazo and Juan Urango, the Winter Haven, Fla. native won the WBC Welterweight World Title in June 2008 with a seventh round stoppage of Miguel Angel Rodriguez and has since defended his crown three times. No victory would be bigger than one over Mosley on January 30.