11 Comments

Sweet Redemption For Mosley Is A Distinct Possibility

Based on the recent performances of each fighter, I overstand why many pundits have Antonio Margarito (37-5-1 NC, 27 KOs) listed as a comfortable favorite over "Sugar" Shane Mosley (45-5, 38 KOs) when they meet at the Staples Center on Saturday, January 24 for the WBA welterweight title. However, I am not so sure.

Before you call me crazy, hear me out.

Recent Performances
Here, Margarito has an advantage, but not by much. Margarito most recently lost a close decision to the freakishly tall Paul Williams; destroyed the over-matched Golden Johnson (a fighter Mosley destroyed earlier in his career); knocked out Kermit Cintron for the second time, and walked down Miguel Cotto.

Over roughly the same time period, Mosley flattened the bigger Fernando Vargas; decisioned slick southpaw Luis Collazo; lost a close decision to Miguel Cotto, and starched Ricardo Mayorga in the final round of their fight.

Both fighters have gone 3-1 in their past four bouts, but Margarito’s overall competition level was slightly higher. More importantly, however, he defeated Miguel Cotto and Mosley did not. That should say it all, right?

Well, only if boxing were so simple. Styles make fights. Even though Cotto was defeated by Margarito, he showed some keys to defeating Margarito. He kept Margarito at bay with his hand speed and movement for a good portion of that fight, two areas where Mosley should trump Margarito. Two things that Cotto did not do enough of - body-punching and punch-blocking, are two areas where Mosley is superior to him (Cotto) and will be well-served to remember both tactics against the relentless Margarito.

You know what? I probably hyped up Shane Mosley fans and almost convinced myself that Mosley is going to win this fight, but I’m still going with Antonio Margarito. I didn’t mean to lead you on, but Margarito will prove too long and too strong for Sugar Shane, especially at this latter stage of Mosley’s career. It’ll be close though, maybe even a controversial decision in Margarito’s favor.

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Comments
Already 11 responses to this article
  1. junior said on January 11th, 2009

    Margarito clobbers Mosely. Even in his prime (Mosely) this would have been a near impossible fight. Now, as a fighter who is well past his prime…Margarito will destroy him. Mosely will dance for a few rounds and show his still pretty quick hands but Margarito has nothing to fear and will be all over Mosely. Mid round KO for Margarito…if it goes longer…Mosely is going to face some serious damage!

    Reply
  2. Ja Dawson said on January 13th, 2009

    I am picking what big boxing matches are on the horizon, sorry if that is not good enough for you. You tell me who is going to win that UFC battle since I do not follow the sport that intently. Hopefully, I’ll get a guest blogger to post on MMA later this year…

    Reply
  3. iwebie said on January 23rd, 2009

    Two most popular and veteran welterweight division’s boxing champions Antonio Margarito and Sugar Shame Mosley is about to show some explosive fighting skills. Both the champions have great boxing records and are not going to give up the crown that easy.

    http://www.iwebie.com/antonio-margarito-vs-shane-mosley-live

    Reply
  4. Alex said on January 23rd, 2009

    mosley is going to win

    Reply
  5. Joe said on January 24th, 2009

    So, I’ve thought about it.

    Hmmmmmm….

    You are crazy.

    So is “Alex”

    Reply
  6. Orlando said on January 25th, 2009

    Ja, it looked like you wanted to pick Sugar Shane and couldn’t bring yourself to pulling the trigger. Shoulda gone with ya gut bruh.

    Reply
  7. Ja Dawson said on January 25th, 2009

    I also went with my gut and thought Cotto was gonna beat Margarito; didn’t wanna get burned twice. But this fight was eerily similar to Hopkins-Trinidad. The older fighter (Mosley, Hopkins) beat the living crap out of the younger up-and-comer (Margarito, Trinidad), and both losing fighters had to remove illegal “stuff” from their gloves/hand wraps. Tito was seemingly never the same after the Hopkins thrashing, will Margarito be altered in the same way?

    Reply
  8. Ja Dawson said on January 25th, 2009

    Joe, where you @? Somewhere eating crow? =) I am too, but you have an extra, double-large order!

    Reply
  9. david hodge said on January 25th, 2009

    @junior:
    Have you watched shane mosley box at all ? even in his prime ? you must be insane and know very little about boxing.

    Reply
  10. Joe said on January 29th, 2009

    Ok, I ate crow. I laid the juice on that one and lost.

    Reply
  11. Ja Dawson said on January 29th, 2009

    Props to you for manning up an admitting you erred homie!

    Reply
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