BOXING

• Earthquake forces Berto to withdraw from bout against Mosley

  
  

  Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - WBC welterweight champion Andre Berto announced he is withdrawing from his January 30 fight against Shane Mosley due to the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti.

  Berto, who represented Haiti at the 2004 Olympics, was due to fight Mosley at the end of this month in a title unification bout at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

  "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." The 26-year-old Berto became the WBC welterweight champion by scoring a seventh-round technical knockout of Miguel Rodriguez in June 2008.

  He's successfully defended the title three times, all via 12-round unanimous decisions, the latest being one over Juan Urango last May.

  Because of the cancellation, Mosley, the WBA super world welterweight champion, could take on Floyd Mayweather Jr. He was supposed to fight Manny Pacquiao March 13, but that bout was scrapped due to disagreements over drug testing.

  "I'm disappointed that the fight has been called off, but I understand that Andre is going through a very difficult time," Mosley said in a statement from his training camp in Big Bear, California.

  "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."

  01/18 20:22:59 ET