By Jorge Lugo: On January 30th, 2010 Andre Berto will take on Shane Mosley in what is a unification bout for the World Boxing Council and WBA welterweight titles. Mosley, the WBA champion is a boxing legend who is recognized for his fast and heavy handed punches. Berto, the WBC champion is known to be the “future” of the sport, his signature right hook and powerful right hand are worry for any top fighter.

Now, although the fight will surely be a test for Mosley and Berto respectfully, one has to think. What happens to the Berto-Mosley winner? Mosley, the hands on favorite, has been calling out Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr for a long time. Everyone knows that if he gets passed Berto, his bark will only get louder in his quest to face either of the “p4p” fighters. Now, if the Mayweather and Pacquiao fight actually does get made then Mosley(if he wins), would have to wait atleast 6 months after his fight with Berto to even have an ATTEMPT to try and CONVINCE the Pacman-Floyd winner to face him.

I am no rocket scientist but, IF Mosley does win and considering his fashion of beating Berto, I doubt highly that Mayweather or Pacquiao would be so anxious to get him in the ring. Fortunately in this scenario for Mosley, the truth would be all too simple. At that time, Mosley’s (*Again, IF he wins) argument for a fight, would be too hard to ignore for anyone claiming to be the best! Mosley and Mosley alone has a stake in the legacy’s of both Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. It is how badly Mosley wants to be recognized as one of the best that determines his possibilities of being the “third wheel” in the Mayweather-Pacquiao drama.

If Berto wins on the first month of the new year, then he will be doing a gracious favor for both Pacquiao and Mayweather. Regardless of how the fight is won, he will have single handlely picked away a MAJOR concern and worry as both Mayweather and Paquiao can say they dont have to fight Mosley. Mosley, if he loses, surely would be back tracked and probably would still try to get a fight from Pacquiao or Mayweather. However, his reach for history will be long gone as I am cofident Mayweather or Pacquiao wont fight him once/if he loses.

Therefore, Shane Mosley has a lot on his plate coming into the new year. He has the chance to not only make history but to erase the plans of “P4P” for either Pacquiao or Mayweather Jr. Berto who is by no means an easy fight for any fighter, will be stepping into the ring to make a statement. If he wins, I doubt Pacquiao and Mayweather will fight him as I can see them saying his record is too young and he needs more experience to be considered a liable opponent. However, a win over Mosley is surely a good look and major step for Berto’s career as he can make even bigger fights and get more notice down the road. Given Berto’s God given ability, he can very well be victorious. Make no mistake, this is not an easy task for Mosley or for Berto.

On January 30th, 2010 I guarantee you that regardless if a Mayweather-Pacquiao fight does get made, both fighters will be watching Berto-Mosley, and If I had to make a bet. I would undoubtedly say both Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. will be hoping Berto gets the “W.”