by Julius Stecker: What a difference a year makes. If you would have asked pugilist experts last year what would have been the most explosive fight that could be made in boxing, 80 or 90% would have told you Manny Pacquiao-Shane Mosley. Now after Manny Pacquiao destroyed both Joshua Clottey and Antonio Margarito. And Shane Mosley looked sluggish in his performances against Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Sergio Mora. Most fight pundits are now turned off at the prospect of this fight. Count me out of that group who doesn’t want to see this fight. I still think it is a viable fight. Anyone besides Floyd Mayweather Jr has huge questions attached to their name as a prospective Manny Pacquiao opponent. I think the only boxer (besides Money Mayweather) who could actually give Manny a test, or at least the semblance of a test would be Mosley. Now for those of you who saw a gasping Mosley chasing around Sergio Mora in September, hear me out before you make a judgment on this possible match-up..
Styles Make Fights
Does a 39 year old Shane Mosley beat Manny Pacquiao? Quick answer NO. At least I don’t think he does. But I believe for however long the fight lasts, it will bring FIREWORKS. It is the best fight to be made at 147 besides Mayweather-Pacquiao. Simple reason why I like this fight still, Both Guys Come to Fight. People make the assumption that since Mosley chased around Sergio Mora for 12 rounds and only got a draw. (I thought he beat Mora) They believe Mosley will not last more than 5 rounds with Pacquiao because Pacquiao is far superior then Mora. But don’t forget, Mora is a 6 foot Middleweight who is a pure boxer who wants to make you look bad, Manny Pacquiao is a 5’6” all action fighter who wants to knock you out. Different fighters mean a different fight. In my mind, I don’t give the Mora fight much credence, first off I thought Mosley won, but Mosley had no business fighting Mora. It was a case of terrible matchmaking more than anything else. I think a prime Shane Mosley would have had trouble with Mora. But a prime Mosley probably would have found a way to get Mora out of there late.
Mosley, while past his best, still packs a punch and he brings a natural strength and a chin that would test Pacquiao. Don’t forget Mosley’s right hand too, it put Mayweather on notice. And for those clamoring for a 3rd Juan Manuel Marquez fight with Pacquiao. Just remember Mayweather did the same thing to both Mosley and Marquez, except for one big thing. In 2nd round of the Mosley fight, Mosley had Mayweather hurt, in the 2nd round of the Marquez fight Mayweather had Marquez hurt and down. Just some food for thought for proponents of a 3rd Marquez-Pacquiao fight. Also remember Mosley is a natural welterweight, and Marquez a natural Lightweight. That is important to remember because a proposed fight will be at 147, not 140 or 135.
And if you can’t buy into that point, watch both Mosley and Pacquiao destroy Antonio Margarito. And use your imagination.
Shane Mosley Not a Shot Fighter Yet
If I had a $20 for every time I read Mosley was a shot fighter, I would be a rich man. I remember in 2003 after Mosley had a no-contest against Raul Marquez, reading much about Mosley how he was a shot fighter. They were wrong. Before the 1st Fernando Vargas fight, he was said to be long gone and on his way out, he wasn’t. I read another article after the Ricardo Mayorga fight, where people worried about the safety of Mosley going into the Antonio Margarito fight. People actually felt Mosley was going out sent out on a stretcher.
Mosley is not what he once was. He is no longer the whirlwind of 2000 or 2001. But he still is good athlete who is always in good shape. Mosley is like a cat, every time someone says he’s done, he produces another good performance. But like with any older fighter, he runs hot and cold. He lacks the consistency he had at a young age, but on any given night, he could turn back the clock and give a great performance. Would it be enough against Pacquiao…NO, but I would watch, dang right I would.
Mosley is Best Option at 147 Besides Mayweather
Shane Mosley is more qualified and more suitable than any other opponent at 147…not named Floyd Mayweather Jr. Andre Berto, while talented and gifted, has shown a shaky chin, and he has not beaten a top flight fighter his entire career. It would be the equivalent of sending a Jr. High School Prodigy to the NBA. While it looks good on paper, I would like Berto to play college ball before he gets to the big leagues. The fight would end in disaster and a quick knock out in Pacquiao’s favor. Berto has a bright future in boxing, but I would hate to see him get destroyed by Pacquiao in a fight he is not ready for.
The other option is Juan Manuel Marquez, who to his credit is a fabulous future hall of fame fighter. Marquez is great technician, perhaps the sports finest besides Floyd Mayweather Jr. But the fact remains, Marquez is a lightweight. Manny Pacquiao is now a Welterweight. Yes, both of their previous fights were close at 130 and 126 pounds respectfully. But I don’t need to see Pacquiao knock out Marquez in the 1st or 2nd round in 147 pound contest for closure. I got all the closure I needed when I saw Pacquiao dominate Miguel Cotto, and Marquez failing to make a dent in Floyd Mayweather. If Pacquiao decides to fight at 140, then Marquez is his best option. But at 147 he is a distant 3rd, behind Berto and Mosley. Ask yourself this question experts; Does Juan Manuel Marquez beat Shane Mosley at 147? Be honest. No he doesn’t. For how great he is, he wouldn’t make it out of the 6 or 7th round against Mosley. He just isn’t big enough.
Now back to Mosley. Yeah he is 39, yeah he isn’t what he once was, yeah Mayweather made him look silly last May. But he is still Shane Mosley. The same guy who beat Oscar De La Hoya, Fernando Vargas, and Antonio Margarito. He is still the guy who won titles in 3 divisions. He is still going to the hall of fame. He is still a natural welterweight. I wouldn’t mind seeing him mix it up with Pacquiao in 2011.
In closing, someone please call Floyd Mayweather Jr, so we don’t have to argue any more. Pacquiao-Mayweather still is the fight we all want to see.