"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," stated WBC welterweight champion Andre Berto as he revealed the news that he would be withdrawing from his January 30th showdown with WBA welterweight champion Shane Mosley due to the loss of family members in the recent earthquake that hit Haiti. Discussions are already taking place regarding the possibility of Mosley facing undefeated multi-division Floyd Mayweather Jr. instead. According to reports, both sides want the fight and it's only a matter of deciding the date.
Obviously, HBO would still prefer to participate in Manny Pacquiao's March 13th title defense against Joshua Clottey, however, sources say that both Mayweather and Mosley are hoping to return to the ring sooner rather than later, particularly Mosley, who's nearly completed an entire training camp already only to find out that he'll now have to wait even longer before facing an opponent. It's unclear as to whether or not Mayweather still plans on going head-to-head with Pacquiao on the March 13 date, however, if he does, a clash with Mosley will make a strong statement if they indeed decide to move forward with the bout. Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer recently confirmed that they are indeed working out plans to put the fight together and an official announcement regarding both fighters' next moves will be coming shortly.
Check out Berto's entire statement.
"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. 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.
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."
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