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.
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!
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…
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
mosley is going to win
So, I’ve thought about it.
Hmmmmmm….
You are crazy.
So is “Alex”
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.
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?
Joe, where you @? Somewhere eating crow? =) I am too, but you have an extra, double-large order!
@junior:
Have you watched shane mosley box at all ? even in his prime ? you must be insane and know very little about boxing.
Ok, I ate crow. I laid the juice on that one and lost.
Props to you for manning up an admitting you erred homie!
Manny vs Antonio this is a great challenge for the both of them. Both are at the peaks of their career. Antonio is good, but Manny has already proven that he is unbeatable, fearless, skillful and a great giant killer. Antonio is the last great Mexican world champion standing. When Manny beats Margarito like other great Mexican champions, he will be considered the best in the world. With this fight there is no question that Manny will shatter Oscars vs Floyd’s record ppv of 2.44 million. Its time to shock the world again. I would think that Pacquiao would take early rounds with his speed and proven ability to get inside bigger men with footwork and head movement. However Pacquiao has been hurt by fighters with far less power than Margarito like Juan Manuel Marquez and eventually Manny would slow down or Antonio would catch him and overwhelm the smaller man. I haven’t seen margarito fights but If he’s that good. I don’t think pacman will back down a fight against margarito. Pacquiao is the kind of fighter who likes to fight stronger opponents. He likes to be the underdog. Just like when he first fought barrera when he (barrera) was on his prime (2003).The challenge like this will make pacman more excited more motivated to train harder to become the best boxer that he can be.
Margarito needs to fight Paul Williams again if he wants to be considered great. Now, as much as me and Babyface are starving for that match, Margarito doesn’t have to fight PW right away. I can understand , if not condone, making as much money as you can in the sport. Even though Williams would give Margarito the biggest pay day of his career, if Margo beats Mosley and Cotto, and Williams beats Winks, that is the perfect marination for a salivating rematch between the two! I find it kind of sad that Williams won the first fight and now he needs a rematch to get recognition. It will all come down to the two guys fighting each other. Most likely at 154.
Now to Pacquiao vs Margarito I think Pac has got a shot of beating Margarito. They both have amazing stamina, but Manny has tons of speed. If Margo can land to the body early or mid fight Manny is in trouble. If Manny can mix it up and get in and out Margos loosing a decision. What about Pacquiao vs Paul Williams?? haha