It looks like WBA welterweight champion Shane Mosley has finally found an opponent. According to reports, a deal is tentatively in place for Mosley to face former champion Joshua Clottey at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California on December 26th, just one day after Christmas.
Thus far, Shane Mosley has been unable to secure a marquee name as an opponent since his TKO victory over Antonio Margarito back in January. With Floyd Mayweather Jr., Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto unwilling to face him, Mosley was left scrambling to find a dance partner. To his credit, Clottey has been ready, willing and able to step up to the place to face Mosley. In fact, Clottey had agreed to the initial contract that was offered, but it was Mosley who was searching for a more "suitable" opponent to face.
Although there were talks of a possible clash with Joshua Clottey several months ago, Mosley had shown little interest in facing the former champion. Instead, Mosley set his sights on a unification bout with WBC welterweight champion Andre Berto, but the lack of funds to satisfy both parties prevented that fight from becoming a reality. Even as late as Sunday, Zab Judah's name came up as a possible opponent when it is revealed that Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer offered him a chance to face Mosley for nearly $500,000 plus 5% of pay-per-view, not to mention a 24/7 series documentary leading up to the fight. Judah, however, made the mistake of miscalculating his own worth and ultimately scoffed at the offer, turning it down and opening the door back up for Clottey.
Fortunately, thanks to Zab Judah, boxing fans will be spared a holiday pay-per-view as the bout between Mosley and Clottey is scheduled, for now, to be broadcast on HBO World Championship Boxing. Mosley decision to face Clottey probably had something to do with Zab Judah's sudden change of heart and his willingness to face Antonio Diaz on the Mayweather vs. Marquez. Sources say it may be too late for Judah, however, as the brass at Golden Boy Promotions is not pleased with Judah's latest actions.
At least Mosley now has an opponent and another fight lined up before the year is out.
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