Door opened for Mosley-Mayweather

[JonLP24]

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.

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[H2O Man]

1. Unlikely.

While it's possible, there is some bad blood between the two. Earlier, when Mosley was on top, he refused five offers to fight Mayweather. Now that he can't get a bog money fight with anyone else, Mosley has been challenging Floyd.

It's possible, of course, that Floyd would take Shane to stay active. That could happen if the proposed fight with Kermit Cintron falls through.

Styles make fights, and Mosley would prove a much easier opponent than Cintron. Mosley has no jab to speak of -- he paws with it -- and you can't hit Floyd with anything if it isn't off the jab. Cintron, I have long believed, would be Mayweather's toughest opponent. He's a good bit bigger, has a very good jab, and his only two loses have been called into question (due to Margarito's handwrap controversy).

[H2O Man]

2. Somewhat less unlikely ......

I was informed by someone that I respect that Floyd may opt to fight Mosley on May 1 in Vegas. While an earlier date would benefit Mayweather, that would still be a good date. (Mosley prepared extremely well for the Bert fight. It can be difficult for an older fighter to either maintain or again reach peak condition in these situations. The classic example was when Liston prepared for the rematch with Ali. Liston got into what was recognized as the best shape in his career. Then, Ali got the hernia. The bout was postponed. Liston was not able to maintain or again reach that physical peak; Ali easily got back in top shape. Older fighters, especially ones who have engaged in as many tough fights as Shane, have to pace their career in a very different manner than young fighters, much less those in their prime.