LOS ANGELES/NEW YORK (January 18, 2010) – WBC Welterweight World Champion Andre Berto stated in a personal press release earlier today that due to the catastrophic earthquake that struck Haiti and deeply affected his family who resides there, he is physically and emotionally unable to prepare for his Saturday, Jan. 30 bout with WBA Welterweight World Champion Sugar Shane Mosley and, as a result, will withdraw from the bout. Given the close proximity to the date of the event and the difficulty in finding a suitable replacement for Berto, the event will be cancelled entirely.
Mosley commented from his training camp in Big Bear, Calif. and said, “I’m disappointed that the fight has been called off, but I understand that Andre is going through a very difficult time. My heart goes out to him, his family and the people of Haiti during the aftermath of this terrible tragedy. I’m sorry for the losses that Andre and all of the Haitian people are suffering. I have everyone in my prayers.”
All tickets previously purchased for the Mosley-Berto fight can be refunded at the original point of sale.
The thoughts and prayers of Shane Mosley, Golden Boy Promotions, DiBella Entertainment, the MGM MIRAGE family, HBO and the boxing world are all with Berto, his family and the people of Haiti as well.
Please note that all scheduled media events in connection with Mosley vs. Berto will be cancelled.