Champ Winky Wright was working on a bout with Felix Trinidad until Shane Mosley invoked a clause from their title-bout contract.
By JOHN C. COTEY
Published April 16, 2004
Shane Mosley said Thursday that he will invoke a contract clause requiring a rematch with champion Winky Wright, most likely spoiling a big-money fight with Felix Trinidad for the St. Petersburg fighter.
"The contract (with Trinidad) is done except for the money," said Wright's trainer, Dan Birmingham. "But if Mosley is going to enforce his rule, then we have to fight him, I guess."
Mosley's lawyer, Judd Burstein, said he has been authorized by the boxer to secure a date for an HBO telecast of the bout.
Birmingham said Wright, who won a unanimous 12-round decision over Mosley last month to become the undisputed 154-pound champion, was disappointed in Mosley's decision.
"Wink will do what he has to do," Birmingham said. "We'll go back to camp, train hard and beat Mosley again."
Birmingham said he believes Mosley turned down a monetary offer to step back and let Wright fight Trinidad. There remains a chance a better offer could entice Mosley to step aside.
It would be Wright's first fight under his new promoter, former HBO boxing executive Lou DiBella. Birmingham said Wright is no longer promoted by Roy Jones Jr. and has signed with DiBella Entertainment.
Mosley would be fighting for the first time without his father as trainer. Jack Mosley was dismissed after the loss to Wright. Joe Goossen has taken his place.
"I want to let the public know that I intend to avenge my defeat and show the world the true Sugar Shane Mosley next fall," Mosley said. "I am tremendously excited about training with Joe Goossen, and have no doubt that the result of the next fight will be completely different."
