Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer has arrived in New York to conduct some business. He met with promoter Lou DiBella to discuss the possibility of putting together a unification bout between welterweight champions Shane Mosley and Andre Berto for December 5 on HBO.
The meeting went well – but BoxingScene.com was advised that there may not be enough money in the pot to make the fight happen in 2009. The first quarter of 2010 is more likely, at least at this point.
There are several problems. HBO is offering $3.2 million, a figure that doesn’t satisfy the financial needs of both boxers. From what I was told, a Los Angeles venue is not available for the date. The parties looked at the possibility of staging the fight in Las Vegas. The problem with Vegas is the site fee money. Because the date falls at the end of the year, and the date is only a few weeks after the Pacquiao-Cotto mega-show, the promoters are able to secure a much bigger site fee if the fight is staged in early 2010.
There could be hope for Mosley-Berto if the proposed middleweight fight between Kelly Pavlik and Paul Williams falls apart. Pavlik-Williams [being offered $3.75 by HBO] falling apart would potentially leave more money in HBO’s budget to bump up the offer for Mosley-Berto.
If the financial issues for Mosley-Berto are not resolved, look for both boxers to take fights before the end of the year to build up a meeting in 2010. Mosley has the December 5 date and two names being thrown around for opponents are Kermit Cintron and Joshua Clottey. Berto may opt to unify with IBF champion Isaac Hlatshwayo.
