Antonio Margarito vs. Sugar Shane Mosley

[REdRUM]

@ MR CLEEN: thanks for your input; haven't seen you much around the boxing threads, but it's good to have another perspective on a fight.

First, let me start with the Cotto/Mosley fight. I had it 7-5, in favor of Cotto, but I also had 3 rounds that I thought were very, very close, after watching a replay, and 2 of those I actually gave to Mosley. I thought Cotto won that fight, but really...nothing's to be gained arguing about it. I don't like Cotto, and have always liked Shane, but I thought that night Cotto won the fight. I'm not on this biased bandwagon you feel exists for Miguel Cotto, so I think my opinion on the fight is pretty accurate.

As far as a Margarito/Mosley fight...I wish this could happen in Mosley's prime, but unfortunately, that wouldn't be Margarito's best effort, and in the sport of boxing, many times, this is what you get. Mosley is far from washed up, but he's not the same "Sugar" Shane as 4-5 years ago. That Shane, IMO, would outpoint Margarito for a pretty clear decision, but I don't think even then he'd get a KO. Margarito has a stronger chin than De La Hoya and Wright, and I didn't see them hurt at all. I don't believe the effort against Mayorga is a fair representation of the talent Shane still has, but I think his confusion and timidness will carry into this fight, due to Margarito's hard punching and straight forward style. Margarito is a difficult matchup, IMO, and Shane will have his hands full. I think Margarito will, for a lack of better words, 'beat up' Shane. I don't like saying that, because I've always liked and respected Shane Mosley, but I think that, at this point in his career, Tony will be too much for Shane. Sure, he's there to be hit, but if Cotto and Cintron couldn't even slow him down, why would Shane? Shane has good punching power, but I don't think he has anything even close to being able to hurt Tony.

My two cents.

 

[Gueroloco]

Margarito by decision!

 

[2-0-Sixx]

After reports of this fight not happening, it is now official. Set for Jan 24th on regular HBO (NOT a pay per view).



Antonio Margarito-Shane Mosley Confirmed as Done Deal

By Robert Morales

Bob Arum on Monday confirmed that a last-minute deal has been reached for a Jan. 24 fight between welterweight champion Antonio Margarito of Mexico and "Sugar" Shane Mosley of Pomona, Calif.

It will take place at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

The accord came just days after the fight appeared dead in the water. Margarito was not happy with a 50-50 split of the purse and had rejected the fight.

But HBO stepped back up to the plate.

"They agreed to make an additional payment to Margarito through us on the basis that he is the champion and that solidified the deal," said Arum, who promotes Margarito under his Top Rank Inc. banner.

Arum said that Mosley and Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, have signed off on the deal. Arum said Margarito and his management team also have given their approval. Margarito hasn't actually signed the contract, but Arum said that would come "whenever we get everything ready. But it's done."

Arum said that this is going to be a good way to start off 2009, which, until this, had little in the way of big fights scheduled for the first quarter of the new year.

"It's good, competitive fight and that always helps boxing," Arum said. "And people don't have to go to their pocketbooks because it is not a pay-per-view fight."

Robert Morales covers boxing for the Los Angeles Daily News, ESPN.com, Long Beach Press-Telegram, and BoxingScene.com

 

[MOREBASS]

Sick! I was thinking that GBP wasn't going to go through with this because it would be competing with the Affliction MMA Card that they teamed up with Affliction for...but niiiice !

I'm glad the fight was made, and I'm glad that Tony had the balls to put his mega payday in jeopardy in order to fight Shane. Hmm, this is a tough one to call...I'll check back in the thread for a prediction.

 

[MOREBASS]

Plus its on HBO !

 

[Tony]

Margarito by UD.... he's too much for Moseley at this point in Moseley's career!

 

[2-0-Sixx]

Mosley didn't look good at all to me against Mayorga up till the very end, he looked old, so I think Margarito should have a relatively easy UD win.

 

[REdRUM]

I don't see any way Mosley wins this. He looked bad against Mayorga, and although I had him winning that fight (barely), he did get the knock out at the very end, but with Margarito's constant assault and pressure, he'll look even worse in this fight, IMO.

I would not be surprised to see Mosley lose by KO. First time in his career, I believe? I'm just saying...with the age, diminished reflexes, and the way he looked vs. Mayorga...either way, Margarito in an easy win.

 

[2-0-Sixx]

The Los Angeles Times reports that Antonio Margarito defense of the WBA welterweight title against Shane Mosley, scheduled for January 24, has moved from the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas to Staples Center in California. Promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank told the paper that both sides wanted to stage the fight on the hometown field of both boxers.

 

[Rumpelstiltskin]

I might go to this one, not sure yet...

 

[2-0-Sixx]

By Paul Strauss: Many experts feel that on paper Sugar Shane Mosley will win in his battle against Antonio Margarito on Jan 24th at the Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. But, before you place your bet, read the following exchange.

Sugar is more skilled, faster, hits harder and is just as tough, his fans believe. So he should win, right? But, he's 37 yrs old, and has fought many more rounds than Margarito, plus he's had some tough losses, the opposition contends. That's wear and tear on the body. Antonio's fans point out. Sugar's fans argue that he's always taken good care of himself, and is in excellent shape. He also prepares well for his fights. So does Margarito his fans counter, as they further point out his endurance is legendary.

Yes, but Shane's fans state their hero has had more big fights (21 title fights versus 15), and he is used to being part of the big show, and the accompanying glare of the spotlights and the distractions presented by the media. Margarito's fans dismiss that, and argue that it is Shane who might be distracted, because his testimony in the BALCO trial has recently been made public. In it he allegedly admits to having (unknowingly) injected himself with EPO, an illegal substance. Shane's fans say that's old news, and that he's been through extensive questioning about that before, and remains consistent with his responses.

Margarito's fans gleefully shout their fighter is an animal, and no one can withstand the pressure he applies. Shane's fans laugh away that point, countering with his loss to Paul Williams, and the tough time Joshua Clottey gave him before he hurt his hand(s). But, the Tijuana Tornado's fans explain that Antonio will beat Williams in a rematch, and the only reason he didn't beat him in the first fight was because he didn't start applying the pressure soon enough. He was capable of doing so, and he won't make that mistake again. As far as Clottey is concerned, they simply say Antonio beat him.

Shane's fans believe boxing fans and experts know he will prove to be the most complete package Margarito has ever faced. He will be elusive, but won't run and tire himself out. He will prove to be faster and hit harder than Antonio. Plus, he throws all of the punches well, and will effectively counter Margarito. Margarito's fans respond that almost all of his victims were faster than him, but it made no difference, because he applies too much pressure. He also has the ability to time speedier fighters, and throw counters in anticipation of what they plan to do. Plus, the sheer volume of his punches wilts the opposition.

Shane's fans explain that he will land good body shots early, especially the left hook, which will take some of the wind out of the Tornado. Margarito's fans maintain that Antonio is not that easy to hit. He covers his body well with his arms and elbows, and he turns or rolls properly at the right time. Even when he gets tagged, the power is dissipated.

Shane's just as tough as Margarito, his fans plead. They point out Shane has never been counted out. Margarito's fans say ditto, adding that their fighter has never even been in trouble like Shane was against Vernon Forrest and Ronald Winky Wright.

Shane's fans assert that Margarito is not going to enjoy a physical advantage like he normally does in his fights, and in fact that Sugar will have a slight reach advantage. Margarito's fans explain their fighter is a true welterweight, and on fight night, he will probably enjoy a ten pound or better weight advantage on Shane. They also remind Shane's fans that Shane has had trouble with taller fighters such as Forrest and Wright.

Shane's fans say Margarito takes too many punches, and won't be able to withstand Shane's power. Margarito's fans point out that he took everything Cotto had to offer, and at that time Cotto was undefeated and considered one of the best pound for pound fighters in the world. They also say he handled everything Clottey and Williams had to throw at him, and they are also two of the best. They add that Shane was out jabbed by Cotto, and has taken a lot of right hands over the years from fighters up to and including Mayorga.

Shane's fans say the trump card might be the addition of Nazim Richardson to the training camp. Nazim is highly respected, they point out, and considered one of the better people in the business, who consistently comes up with effective plans to deal with particular styles, tendencies (tells) and flaws in fighters. What flaws or tells might Margarito have his fans ask with incredulity! Shane's fans say he squares up too much, and provides too much of a target. He also makes himself vulnerable by leading with a decoy right, and then sliding to his left, and dropping his left shoulder while leaning down and in to land the left hook and uppercut. Shane's fans say Tony is wide open for the counter right. Margarito's fans claim he releases his shot before the counter right can be fired, and once his left lands, his opponent no longer wants to try the counter and expose himself to another painful shot to the solar plexus or liver.

Shane's fans believe that when he tags Margarito, he will stay on him and drive him back, overwhelming him, so much so that Tony will be pre-occupied with his own defense, and unable to mount his usual attack. Margarito's fans point out he is under-rated as an in-fighter, and that he has the ability to throw very short, but effective punches, including counters. Plus, they claim, he is very accurate. They offer as evidence the physical damage done to Cotto's face with short punches Tony administered when Cotto was sitting on the second strand of the ropes with gloves raised

Margarito's fans make one final argument, explaining that even if Shane proves to be faster, more skilled, and punches harder, it still won't be enough to win. The most talented fighter often does not win. There are numerous examples.

Regardless of who comes away with a victory, HBO has a winner for the fans with this matchup. Plus, they're rewarding their viewers with a non-PPV telecast. I can sense your blood pressure's up and the adrenaline is flowing in anticipation. It's going to be a sweet stormy night!

 

[Tony]

Vernon Forrest vs Shane Mosely all over again.... Vernon fights just like Margarito. He's going to give Sugar a tough time. Margarito by decision...

 

[T-Rip]

lol @ that picture showing Mosley being the same height as Margarito we all know thats not the case. Mosley probably get whooped, to me he hasnt had that hand speed since he got knocked out by Forrest.

 

[MOREBASS]

Hm, my head says Tony.

But my gut says Shane is going to pull out a classic performance, and put on a power boxing clinic, to everyone's surprise.

I know, not likely, but I'll be rooting for Sugar Shane.

Really like both guys though.

 

[REdRUM]

I'm a fan of both fighters, but I don't see any way that Mosley pulls this off.

Margarito wins.

 

[2-0-Sixx]

wish I was in LA, $25 tickets availible.



high ticket demand forces Staples Center To open Upper Concourse
STAPLES CENTER OPENS UPPER CONCOURSE TICKETS FOR JAN. 24 MARGARITO VS. MOSLEY BOUT DUE TO HIGH TICKET DEMAND TICKET PRICES STARTING AT $25


LOS ANGELES (January 6, 2009) - As a result of extremely high demand, STAPLES Center, Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions have released upper concourse tickets, reasonably priced starting at $25, to the January 24th World Welterweight Championship showdown between three-time welterweight champion ANTONIO MARGARITO and three-division world champion SUGAR SHANE MOSLEY.

Remaining tickets are priced at $300, $150, $75, $50, and $25 are on sale now at all TicketMaster outlets, by phone at 213-480-3232 and online at www.ticketmaster.com, and at STAPLES Center Box Office.

Margarito vs. Mosley is promoted by Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate. The 12-round world championship fight for Margarito’s World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight title takes place on Saturday, January 24 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and will be televised live on HBO’s World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

 

[TOKZTLI]

Margarito will knock the sugar off little shane.

 

[2-0-Sixx]

I hope Shane's corner brings a ShamWow to suck up all the blood

 

[TOKZTLI]

^^^ LOL shamwow

 

[2-0-Sixx]

Looks like the undercard to this is pretty weak (typical of Golden Boy right?), but at least The Ghost makes his return.


SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTS - 10 ROUNDS
Robert GUERRERO vs. Edel RUIZ
Gilroy, CA Los Mochis, MEX
22-1-1 (15 KO’s) 29-21-5 (18 KO’s)


JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS- 10 ROUNDS
Saul ROMAN vs. Jose VARELA
Tijuana, MEX Los Angeles, CA
29-5 (20 KO’s) 23-4 (16 KO’s)


LIGHTWEIGHTS - 8 ROUNDS
Juan Carlos SALGADO vs. Mickey BEY
Mexico City, MEX Cleveland, OH
18-0-1 (13 KO’s) 12-0 (7 KO’s)


FEATHERWEIGHTS - 6 ROUNDS
Jerry BELMONTES vs. Jesus HERNANDEZ
Corpus Christy, TX Riverside, CA
5-0 (1 KO) 2-3 (2 KO’s)


MIDDLEWEIGHTS - 8 ROUNDS
Craig McEWAN vs. Ivan STOVALL
Edinburgh, SCO Pomona, CA
12-0 (7 KO’s) 10-2 (7 KO’s)


SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS - 4 ROUNDS
Matvey KOROBOV vs. Jose FLORENTINO
Orotukan, RUS Indianapolis, IND
2-0 (2 KO’s) 3-3 (3 KO’s)


LIGHTWEIGHTS - 6 ROUNDS
Adrien BRONER vs. Jose LUGO
Cincinnati, OH Los Mochis, MEX
5-0 (5 KO’s) 10-6-1 (5 KO’s)
__________________