By Rick Reeno
BoxingScene.com was advised by a source close to the situation that negotiations for Shane Mosley vs. WBC welterweight champion Andre Berto are still ongoing, but the amount of money going to Berto and the likely possibility of being stripped by the WBC, may keep the deal from being completed.
When WBA champion Antonio Margarito turned Mosley down, Berto became the “plan B” opponent for Mosley’s HBO return date of January 24. Margarito was being offered $2 million for the fight, which he saw as a bit low. The "Tijuana Tornado" was not exactly happy with the way the money was being split between him and Mosley [50-50], especially when you consider that Mosley’s last ring appearance [against Ricardo Mayorga] in his hometown of California produced very poor ticket sales.
Berto is still under a mandatory obligation to defend his title against Luis Collazo. Lou DiBella told BoxingScene.com on Wednesday that he reached a deal in principle with Don King for Berto to defend his title against Collazo in the early part of next year - and then the Mosley opportunity came about. Something may have to be worked out with Collazo.
Based on what I’ve heard, some of the early numbers being thrown around would make Margarito‘s purse look very attractive right now. Considering the gap in experience, the amount of money being offered and the possibility of losing the title, the fight makes absolutely no sense for Berto to take. Most, if not all, of the risk involved is being placed on Berto's shoulders. Talks will continue as both DiBella and Richard Schaefer [CEO for Golden Boy Promotions] are in Las Vegas for Hatton-Malignaggi.
