De La Hoya Digs Deep, Sweetens Pot for Mosley

Oscar De La Hoya, trying to salvage a Sept. 13 rematch against Shane Mosley, called the Pomona fighter directly Thursday and offered to put $500,000 from his purse into a winner-take-all pot.

Mosley has been dissatisfied with an offer of $4.25 million compared to the $12 million De La Hoya would earn for the bout. The Mosley offer is $250,000 less than his purse for their first fight in June 2000, a fight won by Mosley on a split decision.

“I think Oscar took a tremendous step forward by making this offer,” said Richard Schaefer, De La Hoya’s business advisor. “That shows good faith on Oscar’s part. He told Shane, ‘Don’t be concerned what other people make. Be concerned with what you make. If you feel so strongly that you are going to win, you’ll get an extra half million out of my share.’ ”

Said Jack Tiernan, Mosley’s agent: “Shane recognizes and commends Oscar for the good faith he showed in making the phone call. He respects Oscar as a friend as well as a foe.

“Shane and his wife [Jin] are discussing the offer and he will let everyone know his decision shortly.”

Bob Arum, De La Hoya’s promoter, had given Mosley a deadline of last Monday to sign the contract after Mosley had initially agreed to the original terms several months ago. Mosley refused to meet the deadline, asking instead for more money. De La Hoya and Schaefer say now that there is no hurry.

“These self-imposed deadlines are not necessary,” Schaefer said. “I don’t understand why we need to be in a rush. We will be ready to close a deal when the deal presents itself.

“Shane is a smart guy. He knows what this means. He knows public opinion, the opinion of network executives and even that of his own promotional organization is that he should take this latest offer. It would be such a big mistake if he did not.”