MIAMI, Florida, CMC – Distraught Haitian world boxing champion Andre Berto has pulled out of his scheduled month-end title defence against American Shane Mosley following the catastrophic earthquake in his Caribbean country.
Florida-based Berto, holder of the World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight title, announced in a press release Tuesday that he is “physically and emotionally unable to prepare” for his clash with Mosley and has withdrawn from the January 30 main bout in Las Vegas.
The entire card, which should have also featured Jamaican light heavyweight Glen Johnson against American Yusaf Mack, has been cancelled.
Given the close proximity to the date of the event and the difficulty in finding a suitable replacement for Berto, promoters abandoned the entire card.
Johnson and Mack should have clashed in an Inter-national Boxing Federation (IBF) title eliminator, the co-feature on the card.
The undefeated Berto announced that he is focusing on his family and the Haitian people, who are facing an “inconceivable battle for survival” and had no choice but to withdraw from the bout.
“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,” Berto said.
“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,” added Berto, who became world champion in June 2006 when he defeated Mexican Miguel Angel Rodriquez to lift the vacant WBC 147-pound crown.
Berto boasts an impressive record of 25-0 with 19 knockouts.
Mosley expressed disappointment over the cancellation but accepted the Haitian’s decision.
“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,” Mosley said.
“I’m sorry for the losses that Andre and all of the Haitian people are suffering. I have everyone in my prayers,” Mosley added.
A 7.0 magnitude earthquake crippled the northern Caribbean nation last Tuesday, causing millions of dollars in damage and widespread loss of life, expected to be tens of thousands.
