Berto out of Mosley bout

Exhausted Andre withdraws as family members die in Haiti

Last updated: 19th January 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Berto out of Mosley bout

Berto: left exhausted

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.

Andre Berto
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Andre Berto has pulled out of his showdown with Shane Mosley after losing family members in the Haiti earthquake.

The WBC welterweight champion confirmed the double world-title tussle would not go ahead on January 30th, after 'several' relatives lost their lives in last Tuesday's disaster.

It has led to the postponement of one of the most eagerly-awaited meetings in boxing but for Berto, an agonising week has taken its toll.

"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," he 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 30th.

"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. 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."

The postponement meanwhile has opened up the possibility of three-weight world champion Mosley being lined up to face Floyd Mayweather.

Both are represented by Golden Boy Promotions and with Mayweather's proposed clash with Manny Pacquiao not happening now, he needs a top-notch opponent to keep in shape for when the battle of the best boxers in the world does go ahead.

And Mosley would relish the chance to take another high-profile scalp having beaten Antonio Margarito in his only bout of 2009.

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Comments (3)

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Pete Mcdine says...

It is unfortunate that this fight is not going ahead but understandable. Sugar Shane deserves a big fight. He has come back in great form over past few years. If anyone deserves a go at Mayweather now its him. Let hope he gets his chance

Posted 13:45 19th January 2010

Mike Akpati says...

This is one story that touches the soul. A high sense of patriotism, dedication to the family and extreme desire to help by any means. My spirit goes with Berto. May God remember all Haitians in this moment of extreme need.

Posted 11:40 19th January 2010

Adam Whiteley says...

it is a shame that this bout wont go ahead, i for one was really looking forward to it, but the fact remains, even a primed fighter, who has put his life on hold to prep for a big double belt title defence and doing what he does and loves the most, just has to put his family and those close by him first, it is a tragic occurence and i send my condolences to berto and his family and close friends in this difficult time, this fight will happen one day i bet, just not yet

Posted 11:26 19th January 2010
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