Sweet Redemption - A Distinct Possibility For Mosley
Published January 14, 2009 by Martin Bean
Article by Ja Dawson.
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 favourite 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 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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