Arum, Mosley Trade Jabs

Sunday morning, Bob Arum counterpunched.

Shane Mosley had charged after his Saturday night fight against Raul Marquez that there is an additional $4 million to $5 million available for a Mosley-De La Hoya rematch, money Mosley claims “Arum wants to get ... for himself.”

Arum’s response: “This kid is totally delusional. Since when did he become a mathematician?”

Arum also said that while he may backtrack on his threat to withdraw a $4.25-million offer to Mosley, he might reduce that offer following Saturday night’s disappointing fight at Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay Events Center, which ended in the third round with a no-decision verdict after two accidental head butts left Marquez unable to continue.

“I may only pay Mosley $3 million now,” said the promoter.

Arum and Mosley’s promoter, Barry Frank, had reached a tentative agreement several months ago for De La Hoya-Mosley II. Mosley won the first match, in June 2000, by split decision. The $4.25 million offered, however, was $250,000 less than Mosley was guaranteed in the first match. Mosley initially agreed to it, but has refused to sign the contract.

“Mosley also said after Saturday’s fight, his first at 154 pounds, that he didn’t get enough work in the abbreviated match and wants to fight again in May before facing De La Hoya on the proposed Sept. 13 date.

Arum publicist Bill Caplan is proposing a May 3 doubleheader. De La Hoya is scheduled to fight Yory Boy Campas that night at Mandalay Bay. Mosley would be added as the second fight, setting up the Sept. 13 collision with De La Hoya.