Berto faces Sugar test

Mark Lamport-Stokes

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Five–time world champion ‘Sugar’ Shane Mosley will return to the ring against fellow American Andre Berto in a non–title welterweight bout after Christmas.

Mosley, 38, has not fought since he claimed the WBA welterweight crown with a stunning ninth round stoppage of Mexican Antonio Margarito in Los Angeles 10 months ago.

Since then, he has tried without success to secure bouts with high–profile boxers such as Floyd Mayweather Jr, Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto.

"I am so excited to be back in the ring again," Mosley told reporters at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino after organisers announced the 30 Januaryfight. "It’s going to be a tremendous bout.

"I’ve forgotten more about the fight game than Berto knows and the world will see that. He’s a good fighter but he’s bitten off more than he can chew."

Mosley, (46–5, 39 KOs), said he had quickly come to terms with his failure to get other leading welterweights into the ring.

"I was trying to get the big fights, I was trying to get the fans what they wanted. But these other guys don’t want to fight me because I am the most gifted. I am the best.

Berto last defended his WBC welterweight title against Juan Urango in Florida in May.

"This is the fight I have waited my whole career for and now it is finally a reality," said Berto, 26, who has an unbeaten record of 25–0 with 19 knockouts.