By Yero Moody: As is my custom, I always do a follow up article after I give a fight prediction, win or lose. This is no exception. In my previous article entitled ” Mosley v. Margarito: The Analysis & Prediction” I took quite a bit of flack for predicting a possible TKO victory for “Sugar” Shane Mosley against Antonio Margarito. My critics stated that I must be crazy for making such a prediction. Margarito has never been knocked out. Mosley got beat by Miguel Cotto and Margarito demolished Cotto how is Mosley going to beat him?
The answer came in the ninth round of a one-sided demolition of the “Tijuana Tornado”. Margarito didn’t win a single round. He was outboxed from pillar to post just as I predicted. I admire the heart, the iron chin and most of all the warrior spirit of Margarito. Which is why I was thoroughly surprised to hear at the beginning and end of the fight that Margarito’s gloves had to be changed three times because he attempted to use an illegal substance that hardens like a piece of plastic when wet. This was confirmed by the state athletic commissioner. Yes, he attempted to cheat!
This brings serious questions to many of his victories. Was he doing this all the time? Mosley had better thank his lucky stars he had Nazim Richardson in his corner. For those who follow boxing as closely as I do, may remember that it was Richardson, who also trains Bernard Hopkins who discovered the controversial hand wrapping practices of Felix Trinidad before his fight with Hopkins. You may be asking why hasn’t anyone else discovered these types of incidents with Margarito? The answer is simple no one may have been as thorough as Nazim Richardson. It’s too much of a coincidence that the same man discovers this with two separate fighters. I, for one, do not believe that this was the first time Margarito has done this. Jim Lampley and Larry Merchant both commented on the fact that Margarito’s punches didn’t make the same thudding sound against Mosley like they made against Cotto. Hmmm…………
With this win Mosley is now back in the upper ranks in the welterweight division. I personally would love to see to Mosley v. Mayweather. It’s a fight that’s long overdue and I fight many fans, including myself have always wanted to see. In 2007 Mayweather wanted it and Mosley said no due to personal reasons. Then Mosley wanted it and Mayweather said no because he felt that Mosley should have taken the first offer. I say, who cares. Let’s get it on.
What’s next for the “Tijuana Tornado”? He will go on to fight Miguel Cotto in June as planned but this time I’m sure his gloves will be thoroughly checked and the results might be totally different. The blueprint for beating him has been laid out. When I pointed it out many years ago I was scoffed at and told I was a Margarito hater. I simply saw many chinks in a very porous armor. An armor which has even more chinks due to his attempt at cheating. I leave you with the immortal words of Denny Green (former head coach of the Minnesota Vikings), “They are who we thought they were”.
Thanks for reading and stay tuned for my next article. Questions or comments: e-mail yero_m@yahoo.com