NOTHING BUT EARTHQUAKE RELIEF ON BERTO’S MIND
San Francisco, CA– Unfortunately for fight fans anticipating a big match up at the end of the month, it has been reported that Andre Berto (25-0 19 KOs) has decided to withdraw from his career defining welterweight (147 lb.) unification bout with Shane Mosley (46-5 39 KOs). Understandably Berto has been through a lot in the past week as a he is of Haitian descent. Many Haitians have suffered tremendous loss in the wake of a 7.0 magnitude earthquake which has killed thousands and left many more without proper medical support or food. Berto has reportedly lost relatives and knows of more who have been left without a home. Despite his tragedy, he has been actively involved in relief efforts. With his focus now on his homeland and people it appears Berto has chosen a different fight that hits much closer to home. But as Berto exits, enters the opportunity for Mosley to get the fight he really wants.
FLOYD IS THE REAL SUGAR TO MOSLEY
Although it was thought of as a bout that could happen down the line, it had already been reported that Mosley was being considered an option for Mayweather when Richard Schaffer made the suggestion in the fallout of the Manny Pacquiao bout. Now that Mosley has been cleared of his obligation to face Berto and Floyd Mayweather (40-0 25 KOs) is out of an opponent (Pacquiao) for March, the stars have aligned for the best possible scenario for both men. And with Mayweather reportedly having mutual interest it’s not a stretch to expect this fight to be made. It’s the biggest and most important fight that Mayeather can make sans Pacquiao. It appears plan B may have worked out for Both Mosley and Mayweather for the time being.
FLOYD TO DEMAND STEROID & EPO TESTS?
Although talks have reportedly just begun one can’t help but to wonder how smoothly negotiations will go with Mosley-Mayweather. I would assume that a 50/50 split would not be an immediate consideration by Mayweather as Mosley has practically begged for this fight as recent as September after Mayeather’s victory over Juan Manuel Marquez. Floyd will clearly be the bigger draw in this equation and will probably assert this advantage as much as humanly possible. Shane’s star power has been eclipsed by the more flamboyant Mayweather for years now and Mosley and PPV aren’t generally mentioned in the same sentence. But the interesting thing is the fact that Mayweather may now need Mosley a little more than ever, now that the biggest fight of his career has crumbled. Speaking of which, another issue to consider in making this fight is steroid testing. Mosley has admitted to using EPO and a steroid called “the cream” and “the clear” in his second fight with Oscar De La Hoya and I would assume that Team Mayweather would not simply take Mosley’s word that he is now clean. Ironically it was Mosley and his team who caught Antonio Margarito attempting to cheat by loading his gloves in his last bout. Let’s hope those things are in the past and the future of boxing includes Floyd Mayweather vs. Shane Mosley sometime in the spring.
Jarrad Woods