Earthquake in Haiti Forces Andre Berto Withdrawal from Bout with Shane Mosley

As the rest of the world focuses on the tragic earthquake to recently rock Haiti, so too will Andre Berto.

Today, in a prepared statement by the team of Berto (25-0, 19 KOs), it was announced that the WBC Welterweight Champion would no longer be taking on "Sugar" Shane Mosley (46-5, 39 KOs) on Jan. 30.

Born in Miami, Berto was granted citizenship in Haiti, as he represented them in the 2004 Summer Olympics.

His professional career began late in 2004 when he scored a third-round TKO win over Michael Robinson in Arkansas.

Over the course of the next four years, Berto would remain unbeaten and land a bout with Miguel Angel Rodriguez for the vacant WBC welterweight title. Berto would stop Rodriguez in seventh round, thus becoming the new WBC welterweight king.

Despite holding a belt, Berto lacked big names on his resume. That started to change as he went on to defeat Steve Forbes, Luis Collazo, and Juan Urango in this first three title defenses.

A win over Mosley might have been what Berto needed to reach the next level of stardom on the squared circle.

His statement is as follows:

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. 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 Jan. 30.   

Throughout the past six days, I have received an incredible outpouring of support, and I sincerely appreciate everyone’s prayers for the people of Haiti. I hope that everyone will continue to keep the Haitian people in their thoughts and prayers as we work to rebuild this proud nation. The rebuilding of Haiti is not something that will happen overnight, but I am fully dedicated to helping the Haitian people recover from this catastrophic event.

Bleacher Report would like to extend its sympathies to all who have been affected by this terrible tragedy.

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