Catching Up on the Boxing Scene

It's been a while since I have hunkered down and written anything lately. It gets like that sometimes. I've been busy and just haven't had the time. There's been a lot going on in boxing too, some good, some not so good and some bad. It's time to catch up.

Genaro Hernandez Passes

First the bad, in this case, the tragiclly bad. As you no doubt already know, Genaro "Chicanito" Hernandez passed away earlier this month, on June 7, 2011. I know, I know, it's hard to believe. Hernandez was only 45 years old. Way to young.

Chicanito was a fan favorite due to his courageous style of fighting but it was his willingness to continue fighting after being struck in the throat by Azumah Nelson after the bell sounded to end the 7th round of their 12 round championship fight in 1997, that cemented this fact into the consciousness of fight fans when Hernandez chose to continue fighting, opting instead for a "true victory", rather than a win by disqualification. He would win that fight by a 12 round split decision. It was a gutsy and honorable move on his part.

"Chicanito" began his career with a 4 round decision win over  Dino Ramirez on August 27, 1984 at the Forum in Inglewood, California. He would end his career  on October 3, 1998, with a loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr. losing the fight and the WBC Super featherweight title in the 8th round when he could no longer continue. In between he fought the best in his divisions, including Jorge Paez, Carlos Hernandez and the afore mentioned Azumah Nelson. The only other lost on his record was his 1995 fight with Oscar De La Hoya, when he was unable to continue due to a severely broken nose.

He won his first title, the vacant WBA Super Featherweight Championship, on November 22, 1991 by stopping Daniel Londas in the 9th round of their fight at the Complex Sport le COMEP in France. Hernandez vacated his WBA super Featherweight title not too long after fighting Columbian boxer Jimmy Garcia. Ironically, Garcia died as a result of injuries in his next fight with Gabriel Ruelas in 1995. Hernandez moved up to challenge Oscar De La Hoya for his lightweight title. He won the WBC Super Featherweight with his split decision victory of Azumah Nelson.

On  personal note, I would see Chicanito and his brother Rudy, every so often back in 1993 at the Brooklyn Ave Gym in Boyle Heights, where I was taking my son Andrew at the time. He had a great work ethic in the gym. He had an easy going personality and was friendly with all the kids in the gym, including my son. A couple of years later I saw him fight Jorge Paez at the Anaheim Pond in Anaheim. Paez, always a game fighter was never really in the same league as Hernandez. The fight was stopped on cuts in the 8th round with Hernandez getting the win.

Genaro Hernandez was a class act, a champion in and out of the ring. Hernandez, a native of Los Angeles, was born on May 10, 1966 and died on June , 7, 2011. he died from a rare form of cancer, Rhabomyosarcoma, that attacks the muscle fiber connected to the bones. he is survived by his wife Lilliana, his son Steven, daughter Amanda, three brothers and two sisters, as well as his father. our condolences to the Hernandez family.
R.I.P. Champ!

Bernard Hopkins vs Jean Pascal II

A belated congratulations to the "Executioner" Bernard Hopkins on defeating Jean Pascal and winning the WBC, IBO and the Ring Light Heavyweight Championships on May 21 of this year, becoming, at 46, the oldest fighter in boxing history to win a major world title,  surpassing former Heavyweight Champ George Foreman, who won the heavyweight title from Michael Moorer way back in November of 1995. Those of us who saw the first fight between Hopkins and Pascal were convinced that Hopkins, regardless of what the judges said, won that fight. Hopkins, notorious for being a great but at times boring fighter has decided to fight with a "take no prisoner:" and plans on ending his career wit a bang. Here's hoping  the old man goes out the way he wants to,

Manny Pacquiao vs Sugar Shane Mosley

While Hopkins seems to be getting better with age, a few divisions south of the light heavies, Sugar Shane Mosley is struggling in his battle with Father Time. Mosley, for all practical purposes, put absolutely zero effort in his fight against Manny Pacquiao on May 7th. Mosley didn't outright  quit but he did quit tying and that amounts to the same thing. I ain't mad at him though, Mosley has been through some tough ring wars and has never given anything less than a 100% of himself in every fight he has been in. His fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. last year was a portent of things to come, so was his fight with Sergio Mora which ended in a draw. In the Mora fight Mosley probably should have got the win but a uninspired and lackluster effort by both men made the outcome a virtual "Who gives a crap?".

I don't think Mosley was conning us when he signed to fight Pacquiao I think time just caught up with him and he was caught off guard. he was sincere in his belief that he had the right stuff to beat him. I was really hoping to see Mosley come away with a victory. At one time maybe but not in 2011. Mosley has been one of my favorite fighters almost since he began his pro career but I can't imagine anyone willing to shell out the bucks for another PPV fight but who knows?

Manny Pacquiao? As far as I'm concerned a victory over an aged Shane Mosley amounts to nothing.

A Goodbye to Shirley O'Neill

Shirley O'Neill, the wife of Bill O'Neill was laid to rest on Thursday June 9th at the Memory Garden Memorial Park in Brea, California.. The funeral was a celebration of a life well lived and well loved. Testimonies by friends and family spoke of her generous and giving heart. After the funeral service, family and friends gathered at the Summit House in Fullerton for food, conversation and remembrances. Our thoughts and prayers are with the O'Neill family. R.I.P. Shirley.

Pacquiao vs Mosley: Tale of the Tape

Click on the photo for a larger view

Manny Pacquiao vs Sugar Shane Mosley

Photos Courtesy of Showtime Boxing

By Randy De La O

Years ago, when my father, the late great Andrew De La O was still alive, he would almost always answer the obvious questions with "It's possible but not probable". I have no doubt that would be his answer to "Hey Dad, do you think Mosley can beat Pacquiao?" It would be petty hard to argue with that. A decade ago I would probably say Mosley, without a doubt but it's not 2001, it's 2011 and Mosley is nearing 40 years of age. The odds favor Manny Pacquiao, big time..

That being said, if there is any fighter alive, in or around that weight class, that can find the possibility of beating Pacquiao, it's Sugar Shane Mosley. Manny is great, no doubt. I'm not convinced he can walk on water but he can fight, I''ll give him that. What makes it even microscopically possible is Manny's style and Mosley's quickness. Mosley is a pure fighter and is at his absolute best when the man in front of him chooses to fight. Mosley is still (possibly) quick enough to make that work for him.

I've been accused more than once of thinking with my heart when it comes to the fighters that I like. It's true, I'm not denying it but that doesn't necessarily mean I'm wrong. In this case my head knows better but my heart will still be pulling for Mosley. He's the underdog here and I love an underdog. Plus, Mosley is an L.A. area fighter, a hometown guy and he has a huge heart, maybe the biggest in the game today. I'm hoping to see Mosley win this one. He's what my old trainer Mel Epstein would call " a deserving guy".

When the fight was first announced I was dead set against it, It just seemed too much to ask of Mosley. The fight game can be cruel, crueler than most sports. The reward for a great career is to grow old and be pitted against a younger, stronger fighter than yourself. It's just the way of the sport. Think Muhammad Ali vs Larry Holmes in 1980, Sugar Ray Leonard's 1991 fight with Terry Norris or more recently Oscar De La Hoya's beat down by Manny Pacquiao in 2008 or any number of fights over the years. Very few escape it. Mosley is well aware of the risks. The decision was his to make.

Still, my hope, and it's a slim one, is that Mosley wins big and retires. I know, I know, I'm thinking with my heart again. I can't help it. But hey, anythings possible, right?

Sugar Shane Mosley will be challenging Manny Pacquiao for Pacquiao's WBO Weltereight title, May 7, 2011 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. The fight will be shown on Showtime PPV. As always, may the best man win.

Related articles

• Mosley sees no age, speed edge for Pacquiao (canada.com)
• Manny Pacquiao: Does Shane Mosley Have Any Chance at Beating Pacquiao? (bleacherreport.com)
• Manny Pacquia: Pacman Says Shane Mosley Will Give Him Trouble (bleacherreport.com)
• Manny Pacquiao Vs. Shane Mosley Talk, Boxing News With Scott Christ And Luke Thomas (sbnation.com)

Sugar Shane Mosley

Sugar Shane Mosley

Shane Mosley is an American professional boxer. He is the current WBA Super welterweight champion. Mosley gained popularity when he fought Oscar de la Hoya in June 2000 and emerged as winner in a 12-round split decision. Shane Mosley was the undefeated lightweight champion before moving up to two divisions to face Oscar de la Hoya for his welterweight title.

Mosley was born in Lynwood, California on September 7, 1971. He was married to a Korean woman and has three children and another son with another woman. Mosley has a professional boxing record of 52 fights, winning 46 and losing 5 with one no contest.

MAYWEATHER VS. MOSLEY POST FIGHT PRESS CONFERENCE

"Well, you know, I tried, but it was a good fight and I was that close; that close to getting him, but he's a hell of a fighter."..Sugar Shane Mosley

Floyd "Money" Mayweather Beats Sugar Shane Mosley

By Randy De La O

It’s an God awful thing to see a great fighter age in the ring, especially if it’s a fighter whose career has been based on speed, boxing ability, power and a huge heart. That was the case Saturday night at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas as Sugar Shane Mosley was reduced to a mere sparring partner by the faster, quicker thinking and (surprise-surprise) much more aggressive and perhaps, most importantly, a younger Floyd Mayweather Jr. You first began to get a hint of what was to come when Mosley’s trainer, Nazim Richardson began to wrap Mosley’s hand just minutes before he was to enter the ring. Mosley entered the ring dry. Not a good way to begin a fight.

The first round saw both fighters circling tentatively but Mayweather seemed much calmer much more relaxed. Mosley, on the other hand was fighting in an uncharacteristic manner; jerky, moving his hands needlessly, and with absolutely no fluidity . I had a bad feeling. When the second round came it looked like Mosley was going to take charge of the fight, he landed several crisp, hard right hands that seemed to hurt Mayweather. That second round proved to be his “Last Hurrah” at least as far as this fight was concerned. From the 3rd round on it was "Money" Mayweather taking the fight to Mosley. Each round became a carbon copy of the last , with Mayweather doing pretty much as he pleased with mosley.

At times Mosley appeared completely clueless, vague and befuddled, stopping at one point after a break, with his hands down and talking to either referee Kenny Bayless or Mayweather, just asking to be hit. That’s exactly what Mayweather did. It’s what he was supposed to do. Mosley never did get into the fight, physically he seemed weak and his punches lacked any real conviction. Mosley never committed his punches. Mentally,, as the fight wore on Mosley began to break down and round by round he went further into survival mode, something I thought I would never see. Mayweather had an answer and then some for everything Mosley did. It was tough for me to watch.

Maybe Frank Sinatra said it best in his song “That’s Life”

“You’re riding high in April
and Shot down in May”

Truer words were never sung.

While I’m not quite ready to agree with Mayweather that he is the best fighter of all time; better than Ali, better than Robinson, better than Duran or better than Leonard I will concede that he is one of two of the best fighters of his generation and I’m swallowing awful hard just saying that. Still, I have to give credit to Mayweather, I didn’t think he had it in him to stand up to Mosley but he did what he said he was to do. He out boxed and out fought Mosley and he made it look easy. I give him credit for his behavior outside of the ring. It would have been easy for Mayweather to continue to torment Mosley with well placed words but he chose not to. He showed some class last night. He also showed that he has more going on inside of him than I previously gave him credit for.

After Mayweather’s fight with Juan Manuel Marquez, Mosley jumped into the ring to challenge Mayweather and Max Kellerman, more or less, never really allowed Mayweather to enjoy his victory. It didn’t bother me so much then, in fact for that fight, and for that moment it seemed almost appropriate but last night it did bother me. Larry Merchant hammered him incessantly on the drug testing and Manny Pacquiao. Merchant should have just let Floyd revel in his victory. He deserved that much. Sometimes the Larry Merchants of the world need to know when to shut up.

The fight didn’t turn out the way I had hoped. My reasons for picking Mosley over Mayweather were sound and valid but as the afore mentioned Larry Merchant has said ad nauseam “Boxing is the theater of the unexpected” and last night proved just that.

So now we sit back and wait for Manny and Floyd to hammer out their agreement and make their fight happen. Hopefully before the end of the year. I’m figuring that after Saturday the odds may just favor Mayweather. I don’t expect Mosley to relent on the Olympic style drug testing or anything else for that matter. Like Ray Leonard and Oscar De La Hoya before him, he is a shrewd and tough negotiator. Let’s see how this plays out.

When Champions Meet….

By Randy De La O

There is something about two great fighters, at any weight, stepping into the ring to face each other that no other sport can capture. The weeks leading up to fight with two greats are filled with rumors and controversy but most fighters will just shrug it off and keep on training. The anticipation to a real fight fan becomes almost unbearable. You have your favorite, maybe you’ll place a bet or two, you’re convinced that your guy will win. Yet in your heart of heart, you really don’t know, at best you can only hope. You can’t step in the ring and fight their fight for them. It’s something a fighter must do on his own.

Sitting ringside or in front of your television, watching the fighters enter the ring, the excitement starts to build to a crescendo . The crowd begins to roar and as the fighters meet in the middle of the ring for the instructions from the referee electricity fills the air. If you’re sitting next to someone, you look at each other, hopefully, rubbing your fist together nervously in anticipation. It’s only a few seconds now and the bell sounds and the fighters leave their corner and meet in the ring. Those few seconds before they reach each other are what fight fans live for. Two great fighters meeting, two worthy champions squaring off and suddenly the fight begins.

This is the way it was when Alexis Arguello faced Aaron Pryor or when Muhammad Ali faced Joe Frazier for their first fight, aptly called the Fight of the Century. I was in a room full of people watching the Duran-Leonard fight in 1980 with my father. At times there was screaming, at others, you could have heard a pin drop. Some fights actually live up to the hype.

Tonight Sugar Shane Mosley and Floyd Mayweather Jr. will meet at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas in what has the potential to be a great fight. I have my favorite to be sure but above and beyond that I want to see a great fight. Maybe “Money” Mayweather will finally live up to all the hype and bravado and produce a great fight or maybe Sugar will, once and for all, prove to be as sweet as Robinson and Leonard. Is that too much to hope for?

Mosley Ready To Take On Mayweather

HBO Boxing: Mayweather vs. Mosley - Fight Preview

Sugar Shane Mosley vs Floyd "Money" Mayweather

Photo Courtesy of HBO Boxing

Mayweather vs Mosley Poster
Originally uploaded by randyman

By Randy De La O

Floyd Mayweather Jr. has been pretty vocal and critical about Shane Mosley’s comment ”It’s not about the money”. I look at it this way, when Mosley and Mayweather are in the trenches late in the fight and have to reach down deep inside to find the right stuff to keep going, one fighter may say “The hell with it, I got my money” and the other fighter will just keep reaching. One man is fighting for money the other for his place in boxing history, his legacy. There is no such thing as a sure thing but all things being equal I would bank on the pure fighter with a big heart. In this case that would be Mosley.

I think Mayweather will be in for a shock on Saturday. He’s banking on Mosley’s age being a factor. In fact he’s counting on it or he wouldn‘t have taken the fight. Mosley, who could have been a champ in any era, still has a couple of great fights left in him. When it comes to speed, Mosley is right there with Mayweather. The same with boxing ability. When it comes to power Mosley has a big edge. However, the difference between the two is not what you can see on the outside, it’s what’s inside of them that will separate the two when they step into the ring at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas this weekend.

To be fair, Mayweather has a lot of talent and has beaten some pretty good guys. He stopped the late Diego Corrales in ten after knocking him down five times. He beat Jose Luis Castillo twice, though most fans and expert alike thought Castillo should have been given the nod in the first fight. He beat him convincingly in the second fight. He stopped crafty Genaro Hernandez in eight rounds, and Arturo Gotti in six. He has wins over Ricky Hatton, Oscar De La Hoya and Juan Manuel Marquez. Hatton was stopped in the second round. Mayweather has yet to lose a fight. Still, unless your name is Rocky Marciano, there comes a time in every fighter’s career when he is ripe for a loss. I think this is the time. When Mayweather steps into the ring at the Grand he will be facing his Waterloo.

Mosley is not undefeated, he has lost to both the late Vernon Forrest and Winky Wright, twice by decision to each fighter in very hard fights but the fact that he fought a rematch with both says a lot about what Mosley has inside. He also lost to Miguel Cotto in a grueling fight in 2007. However he beat the man that beat Cotto, Antonio Margarito, in devastating fashion to win the WBA Super Welterweight title, as well as a spot in the pound for pound rankings. Because he has lost, he knows what it feels like and won’t let it happen again. Sometimes a man, a fighter, has something to prove. Not just to the world but to himself. It’s not about the money.

It’s no secret to anyone that knows me that Mosley is my kind of fighter. He’s a throwback fighter with a huge heart and would have fit in nicely in boxing’s last great era, the 1980’s, or any of boxing’s great eras where even contenders were great. Mosley is a West Coast fighter and will always get my support. My hope for Saturday night is that Mosley reaches back in time and stops Mayweather in the late rounds. Then it’s Mosley vs. Manny Pacquiao.

All that being said, let the best man win. That’s what boxing is all about.


Sugar Shane Mosley and Floyd Mayweather Jr. will fight Saturday night, May 1st, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The fight will be shown on HBO PPV.


Sugar Shane Mosley's career record.

Floyd "Money" Mayweather's career Record

Juan Manuel Marquez vs Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Photos courtesy of HBO Boxing

By Randy De La O

Floyd Mayweather did what almost everyone knew he would do last night, he beat the great Mexican fighter, Juan Manuel Marquez. And he did it spectacularly. It would have been hard to do otherwise considering he had every advantage. He made sure of that fact. The weight was a big factor in this fight. Mayweather chose to pay a penalty rather than meet his contractual weight obligation. There’s more to it than that but that is the gist of it. Mayweather refused to be weighed just prior the fight. The reason should be obvious to anyone who saw the fight. He was probably fighting near 160 lbs. A huge advantage. Mayweather might have won the fight anyway but he ensured his victory by coming in over the weight.

Mayweather won just about every round and with the exception of the second round when Marquez was knocked down, each round was the same. Mayweather was too fast and to slick for the overmatched Marquez. Juan Manuel Marquez is 36 years old and last night he was showing his age, still, a lesser fighter would have given up or been knocked out. Marquez’ chin did not fail him last and  neither did his heart.

My friend, writer and boxing historian Rick Farris had this to say after the fight “Floyd Mayweather looked sharp tonight. Of course he did. He wasn't in the ring with Shane Mosely. That's who he should have fought. The problem with Shane Mosely is obvious. He's too much man for a guy who calls himself "Money"."

That brings me to my next point: Sugar Shane Mosley. Kudos to Mosley for challenging Mayweather to a fight. He did more than challenge Mayweather last night. He shut him up. The usually unflappable Mayweather was left speechless by Mosley's challenge. Mayweather was like a deer in the headlights, looking for someone, anyone to come to his rescue but no one did. Mosley also exposed Mayweather: Visibly shaken up and with quivering lips he gave his best Ralph Kramden imitation "homina, homina, homina". Unable to speak coherently he took out his anger on Max Kellerman and left. His greatest moment ambushed by Mosley, a la Kanye West. Unlike Kanye West, Mosley wasn't picking on a 19 year old girl. Kudos to Max Kellerman for asking the questions and to Sugar Shane Mosley for stepping up! It's my guess Mayweather will never have the stones to fight Sugar Shane Mosley.

To my way of thinking a fight with Manny Pacquiao is not as attractive as it once was. There is no doubt Manny would fight Mayweather, just as there is no doubt Manny would ask for all the concessions in weight as he does in every fight. Both of these guys do their best to ensure they have every advantage in a fight. Why would I want to spend ten cents to see Mayweather fight another little guy?

Pacquiao KO's Hatton - Post Fight Interviews

Mosley vs Margarito AFTER THE FIGHT - Coverage

Dream Fight: Mosley vs Mayweather Jr.?

By Randy De La O

With Sugar Shane Mosley once again the Welterweight  (WBA version) Champion of the world, the sky is the limit. The fight that I have wanted to see for years has now become a possibility (if only to me). More than a rematch with Miguel Cotto or  Antonio Margarito, or a fight with Paul Williams, Andre Berto or Manny Pacquiao, I would love to see Mosley fight Floyd Mayweather Jr. From a purely physical standpoint they match up well, both are exceptionally fast and both are highly skilled and both hold wins over Oscar De La Hoya. It's a natural matchup.  I really don't see Mayweather having the stones to take on Mosley, especially after last nights beating and stoppage of Antonio Margarito, but the fight has so many possibilties and should have happened years ago. This would be a fight worth coming out of retirement for. This would be the premier fight of 2009 if it happened.

Sugar Shane Mosley

A Champion For The Ages

By Roger Esty

Antonio Margarito

Photos Courtesy of Yahoo Sports

By Randy De La O

Before last night's fight between Antonio Margarito and Sugar Shane Mosley, an illegal substance similar to Plaster of Paris was allegedly found in Margarito's handwraps. I don't know how true or accurate that is but when we don't know the full story we go with what we do know. We know that there are checks in place by the commission to protect both boxers. There is someone from the opposing camp watching the hands being wrapped. We know that Margarito has had 44 fights with 37 wins, 27 by knockout, losing 6 of those fights. While the various commissions, promoters and sanctioning bodies have at times proven themselves to be stupid beyond all belief, I find it hard to believe that someone could get away with loading up the handwraps.

I don't know Margarito but from what I do know, it's a safe bet that this blue collar fighter is not someone who would cheat. I don't think he has that type of character. I think guys like Margarito place too much value on their manhood. Some will understand that and some won't. Could it have gone on with out his knowledge? I don't know, maybe, but I just find it improbable that it would happen at all.

Whatever the case may be, the damage is done. His reputation and credibility may never recover. Like an accusation of rape, the stigma is there. Last nights fight, regardless of what went on in the dressing room was on the up and up. It was an honest fight. Mosley won because he was the better man last night. Margarito lost because, for whatever reasons, he was unable to get his act together. That was evident from the first round.

Did Margarito cheat when he fought Miguel Cotto? My belief is that he did not cheat. Men like Margarito and Cotto place so much value on their manhood, their machismo, I don't believe they are capable of it. That is why losing in such a manner affects their psyche. There will likely be a rematch  between Cotto and Mosley or between Cotto and Margarito. Even if Margarito loses against Cotto that will not be conclusive proof. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose.

Antonio Margarito vs Sugar Shane Mosley

Photos Courtesy of Yahoo Sports

By Randy De La O

Sugar Shane Mosley turned back the hands of time tonight to stop Antonio Margarito in the ninth round of their twelve round WBA Welterweight title fight at the Staples Center in Los Angeles before a record crowd of 20,820. 

Margarito, who never really seemed to be in the fight could not keep the shorter Mosley from fighting on the inside, he also could not avoid the right hand, the left hook or the rapid fire jab. Margarito had some good moments in the middle rounds but never sustained his attack. He could not find his range and his punches lacked their usual sting.  Mosley on the other hand had no trouble finding his range. He punched with authority and he seemingly got stronger as the fight wore on., something I expected Margarito to do. Mosley was at his best tonight and turned in one of the best performance of his career.  It couldn't happen to a nicer guy. Congratulations to the new champion!

Margarito vs Mosley Press Conference

Antonio Margarito vs Sugar Shane Mosley

Believe it or not, there are other things going on in boxing besides Manny and Oscar. On January 24, 2009 Antonio Margarito will defend his WBA Welterweight title against former four time world champ Sugar Shane Mosley at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Is this another case of an older fighter (Mosley) not knowing when to quit?

Mosley is coming off a win over RicardoMayorga at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California last September. It was a hard fight for Mosley despite his win. A little over a year ago Mosley lost to Miguel Cotto in a tough fight. The same Miguel Cotto who was stopped by Antonio Margarito in another tough fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas in July of this year.

Avila, on Boxing: Pomona's Mosley should retire while he's still healthy

Submitted by Bill O'Neill

By DAVID A. AVILA
Special to The Press-Enterprise
Three Inland-area boxers grabbed center stage last week, sparking national and international attention.
Pomona's Shane Mosley, Riverside's Chris Arreola and Rialto's Dominic Salcido engaged in a trio of electrifying fights last week, and the results definitely shook up several weight divisions.
Maybe it's the beginning of a new age for Inland-area boxing.

Ricardo Mayorga (right) goes down after Shane Mosley connects with a left for a 12th-round knockout Saturday.

Former lightweight, welterweight and junior middleweight champion Mosley returned to fight in Southern California for the first time in eight years and found a willing partner in Nicaragua's Ricardo Mayorga.

Mosley, 37, has always shown tremendous courage inside the ring, especially accepting fights against boxers others fear or avoid. He could have ignored Vernon Forrest and Winky Wright, but Mosley let them slip into the door to elite status by accepting their challenges. When welterweights began avoiding Miguel Cotto, it was Mosley who tapped on Top Rank officials' shoulders to say: "Yoo-hoo, I'll fight Cotto."

Now Mosley wants to fight WBA welterweight monster Antonio Margarito.

That's what I mean. Mosley has no fear, but maybe he should.

I'm not alone in saying that Mosley is one of the nicest guys in the brutal sport in which about five of its brethren die each year from punishment sustained in a bout. From his first year, Mosley has brought his eye-catching style of boxing at 100 mph.


But that was back in 1992. Today, the speedster has slipped a bit and probably ramps it up to 85 mph. Now that's still good for most, but Mosley is an elite boxer. He's Hall of Fame stuff.


After watching Mosley struggle with Mayorga for 12 rounds, it was apparent that it was going to take time to slip into "Sugar Shane" mode. Mayorga's quirky style has always proved perplexing for classic boxer-punchers.
Mosley emerged victorious, but he may have hit the ceiling level for talent with Mayorga. Anybody bigger, younger or faster than the Nicaraguan is going to give the 2008 version of Mosley a lot of trouble.

During the post-fight news conference, someone asked if he would fight WBC titleholder Andre Berto, who had just beaten Steve Forbes by decision. Immediately Mosley said he didn't want to fight one of the young guys. It's the big guys with the big names he's after.

But most feel Mosley should hang up the gloves before he gets damaged.

"I said I'm a warrior," said Mosley about his thrill-the-crowd style. "That's what the fans wanted to see."
Most want to see Mosley retire healthy more than anything.

Quick Work for Arreola
Chris Arreola has been anointed by HBO's boxing coverage team as the great American hope of the heavyweight division. And with those lofty expectations comes pressure.

When Arreola, 27, arrived in the ring with temperatures hovering above 90 degrees, there were sportswriters from large media outlets watching the budding star. Despite weighing the most in his very young career at 258 very visible pounds, the Mexican-American hopeful blasted out New York City's Israel "King Kong" Garcia like an annoying fly on the screen door.

"Truthfully, I was very concerned," said Henry Ramirez, who trains Arreola and a number of other excellent boxers from Riverside. "But everything worked out."

It took Arreola three rounds of sizzling uppercuts from combinations that broke down Garcia's defense and solid chin.

Arreola will probably face the toughest test of his career Nov. 29 when his promoter, Goossen-Tutor Promotions, puts him against an as-yet-to-be-selected top-10 heavyweight contender on a card that will also feature WBO welterweight titleholder Paul Williams in co-main events. There are rumors that the card could end up in Southern California.