“Sugar” Shane Mosley on PPV

On April 23, “Sugar” Shane Mosley will be fighting David Estrada on the undercard of an ESPN PPV televised Main Events-promoted event.

Who the heck is David Estrada, and why are fans being subjected to another tomato-can for Shane Mosley?

Just a few years ago, right after his first victory over Oscar de la Hoya, Sugar Shane Mosley was being heralded as the best fighter pound-per-pound. This was ridiculous … not because Shane Mosley isn’t talented, but rather because beating a great fighter doesn’t make him a great fighter.

The first time I saw Mosley fight I was impressed with his lighting fast power punches … he reminded me of a 135 pound version of Roy Jones. I thought to myself, this guy undoubtedly would be a champion. Perhaps even a great champion worthy of the name “Sugar.”

But, as Mosley’s career unfolded, I realized that he wouldn’t step up to the plate and fight the top-notch fighters in his division. Before he fought Oscar de la Hoya, the only other top names were an aging former featherweight Jesse James Leija, the 5’-2” John Brown, the light-punching Willfredo Rivera, and journeyman Willy Wise.

After the de la Hoya fight, fans were subjected to hand picked opponents like Antonio Diaz, Shannon Taylor, and Adrian Stone. “Who?” you might ask? My sentiments exactly!

After padding his record with these low risk fighters, Shane started to believe in his own invincibility and called out (relatively untested) Vernon Forrest. Forrest not only beat Shane, he dominated him and handed Mosley his first defeat.

The rematch ended up being a replay of their first fight, and Mosley showed boxing fans that he wasn’t the type of fighter that would take the necessary chances to make “big things happen” when he needed to. Avoiding Forrest’s big punches, Mosley was content to be a game loser.

The rematch with Oscar was a one-sided event with Oscar dominating Shane in all punching categories: jabs, punches-landed and power-punches. When the fight was over, Oscar had landed over 100 more total punches than Shane Mosley … outlanding him in every round except one … but somehow Shane Mosley walked away with the biggest gift of his career and was awarded a 12 round decision by the judges. Fans know Shane didn’t win this fight.

In Mosley’s two fights with the light-punching, but very slick southpaw Ronald “Winky” Wright, Shane Mosley proved once again that he wasn’t willing to take the chances to make “big things happen,” and ended up dropping both decisions to Wright back to back.

After dropping five of his last six fights against top fighters, and dropping back down to 147 pounds, fans are going to be presented with another unknown opponent for Mosley in David Estrada. And to add insult to injury, we’ll have to pay for it.

No thanks.

--The Mighty Moe

Juan Diaz vs. Ebo Elder

On April 23, fans will be treated to another exciting title fight. Because of the non-stop punching styles of both fighters, this one is guaranteed to entertain.

WBA champion Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz will be making his third defense of his title against the very tough Ebo Elder. Neither fighter has that one-punch-KO-power, but both are strong fighters that put their punches together in combinations.

Because Elder is a southpaw and Diaz fights in the orthodox stance, there may be a lot of head colliding. Since Elder tends to square himself up … and Diaz tucks himself in the pocket … I think Ebo Elder may end up getting the worst of it. This one is going to be bloody.

I would have to give the edge to the Champion Juan Diaz for being the harder puncher of the two, especially in terms of a body attack. I also think his defensive skills are a little better than Elder.

Ebo Elder is also coming off of a very tough fight against Courtney Burton, this was a huge upset against the very talented Courtney Burton that granted Ebo this title shot. In that fight, Ebo took as many punches as well as he received. Personally, I think it’s a little too soon to put him in with another volume puncher like Juan Diaz.

I would have to pick Diaz with an ugly late round TKO stoppage of Elder. (The ref better stay on top of this one.)

--The Mighty Moe

Jorge Arce KOs Hussein

The brutal battle between 112 pound Flyweights, Jorge “Travieso” Arce (39-3-1, 29 KOs) vs. Hussein Hussein (26-2, 20 KOs), will no doubt be another fight-of-the-year candidate. To the fans delight, this scheduled 12 rounder provided nonstop action from the opening bell.

For a moment it seemed like Arce would make quick work of Hussein in the opening minutes of round one, but with the help of referee Vic Draculich, Hussein managed to compose himself and get back in the fight.

In the fifth round, it was high drama as Hussein battled back and opened a nasty gash across Jorge Arce nose. But, the gritty Arce only seemed to become energized by the sight of his own blood. In a whirlwind of punches and relentless pressure, it was becoming evident that Jorge Arce was getting the better of Hussein.

Arce billed himself as Mexico’s favorite fighter, and at 2:07 minutes of the tenth round … when the hard punching, and game Hussein wilted under a barrage of vicious punches … Arce introduced American audiences to what Mexican audiences already know: Jorge Arce is a fan favorite!

Despite a heavy loss of blood, the iron jawed Arce found the energy to out-perform Hussein down the stretch. Hussein, to his credit beat the count, but had the fight halted by the referee when his trainer Jeff Fenech jumped into the ring and stopped the fight.

Punching with the same intensity of a young Roberto Duran, and with an equal amount of durability, Jorge “Travieso” Arce is a fighter to keep an eye on.

--The Mighty Moe

Recap: Pacquiao vs. Morales Fight

Fans were treated to a spectacular fight; the collision course for these two fighters in the prime of their careers was everything fans expected it to be.

Erik Morales (48-2, 34 KOs) won by unanimous decision 113-115 on all three score cards in a fair assessment of the fight. A great fight, with a good decision to make it all sweeter. And, fans of Manny Pacquiao (39-3-2, 30 KOs) could only be disappointed with the loss, but not their fighter’s performance. Especially in the final round when Manny Pacquiao had Erik Morales reeling in several exchanges and won the round on all three judges scorecards.

I think this fight will be a candidate for fight of the year.

Morales fought a disciplined fight, and showed boxing fans that he is not only a tremendous fighter, but also a tremendous boxer as well. To some extent, I think it was a turning point in the career for the 28 year old Morales. Having beaten the man who beat his arch nemesis Marco Antonio Barerra, Erik was able to define his own legacy. Also, by out-boxing Pacquiao, Morales has shown that he has the skills to continue boxing at the top of his game for many years to come.

At age 26, Manny Pacquiao demonstrated last Saturday that there is no “quit” in this 130 pound punching machine, and put to rest any questions about the durability of his chin. Let me just come out and say it, Manny Pacquiao can take a punch.

The obvious question is, when will we be treated to a rematch? Apparently, it is already being discussed.

--The Mighty Moe

Manny Pacquiao vs. Erik Morales

On March 19, 2004, the highly anticipated fight between Manny Pacquiao and Erik Morales is a fan’s fight! The two will match up at the 130 pound limit, with no title on the line.

Let’s compare the two fighters!

Manny Pacquiao, a Philippine native, is a former two-time world champion … and regarded as one of the hardest punchers in his weight class. Pacquiao has a record of 39 victories, 2 losses, one draw and 31 victories by way of KO.

The Mexican born Erik Morales, has a record of 47 victories, 2 losses, and 34 KOs. Erik is only the second Mexican champion to have won three world titles in three separate weight divisions, and regarded as one of the best fighters in the world.

But, just having good fight records isn’t enough to make a great fight. Styles make great fights, and both Pacquiao and Morales have crowd-pleasing styles.

So, who has the advantage?

Styles:
Manny Pacquiao is a powerful southpaw with a devastating straight left hand. He is most dangerous when he’s hurt. Erik Morales is a powerful orthodox fighter, and he too is most dangerous when he’s hurt. Despite being the taller of the two fighters, Erik Morales doesn’t fight like a tall fighter, and this may prove to be a mistake for Morales. Erik Morales can’t afford to get lured into a slugfest with Pacquiao. In previous fights, Erik has proven he will abandon his jab and give up his height to score his punches.
Advantage: Pacquiao

Circumstances:
Manny Pacquiao is moving up in weight to take this fight. Typically, the bigger fighter is able to punch harder and is used to heavier punches.
Advantage: Morales

Speed:
Despite moving up in weight, Manny’s trainer Freddy Roach says Pacquiao hasn’t lost any of his speed. This is good because Morales looked slow and lethargic in his last fight.
Advantage: Pacquiao

Chin:
Manny Pacquiao is a physically strong fighter, but both of his losses have come by way of knockout in the third round. This means that Pacquiao’s chin is suspect in the early rounds. By contrast, Erik Morales has never been stopped.
Advantage: Morales

Punching Power:
Both fighters have a knockout percentage of 69%, however I would give the advantage to Pacquaio because he will be shooting his power punch from the southpaw stance. For Morales, Manny’s punches will be coming from an angle he’s not accustomed to. If Morales hopes to win, he must stay disciplined and keep moving to Pacquiao’s right in order to avoid Manny’s big left hand.
Advantage: Pacquiao

Stamina:
Both fighters have great training, and both come prepared to fight the full 12 rounds.
Advantage: Even

Experience:
Erik Morales has fought the better opposition, but both fighters have fought the highly regarded Marco Antonio Barrera. The difference is that Pacquiao was able to stop Barrera in their first and only meeting, and Morales was never able to stop Barrera in three of their 12 round fights … and lost two of their three matches.
Advantage: Pacquiao

Versatility:
Because of his experience, Morales has proven that he can adapt to various styles, meaning that Morales would be more able to make adjustments in the ring. By contrast, Manny Pacquiao has shown that he can be out-boxed.
Advantage: Morales

Courage:
Both fighters have proven their courage and tenacity.
Advantage: Even

If Pacquiao is to win, he must lure Morales into a slugfest where he can beat Morales to the punch, and do what no other fighter has been able to do … stop Morales. The deeper the fight goes, the more opportunities Morales will have. Which is why Pacquiao's handlers are predicting an early KO. It makes sense for Pacquiao to push the pace early on the slower Morales.

If Morales is to win, he must remain disciplined and not get reckless. Morales must keep moving to Manny’s right in order to avoid Pacquiao’s heavy left hand. If Morales fights this fight like a tall fighter; uses his jab and doesn't get lured into a slugfest, he can catch Manny reaching in and knock him out.

--Mighty Moe

The Great Roy Jones

What Roy Jones did in the ring was nothing short of spectacular throughout his career. With a record of 49-3, with 38 knockouts, titles in four divisions, and the distinct honor of being the first middleweight champion in 90 years to win the heavyweight title (albeit a portion of the title and not the legitimate heavyweight championship held by Lennox Lewis), his place is secure in the Boxing Hall of Fame.

Despite Roy Jones’ achievements, I have reservations about mentioning him along side the other greats like Joe Louis, Ray Robinson, Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran. Or even along side contemporaries like Oscar de la Hoya, Bernard Hopkins and Evander Holyfield.

One of the things that cause me to hesitate in mentioning Roy Jones along side these other great fighters is that throughout his career Roy avoided serious competitors. Despite winning a close decision against Bernard Hopkins in 1993, Roy Jones never gave Hopkins a rematch. And, despite bragging about his exploits, Roy never wanted to fight the top competitors of his era, Joe Calzaghe, Vassily Jirov and Dariusz Michalczewski. In truth, we will never know how great Roy Jones was during his prime because those fights were never made. Instead, the fights that will remain in my mind are those against lackluster mandatory opponents like Clinton Woods.

Another aspect that causes me to hesitate mentioning Roy Jones among the very best in boxing is how he ended his career. The end came suddenly for Roy. One day it seemed he was on top of the boxing world, the next he was sitting on a stool with an ice pack on his swollen face wondering what happened.

What happened was Roy Jones grew old, and when his lightening reflexes and speed were no longer faster than everyone else’s, his career came to an “end” as suddenly as his knockout losses. Without his superior physical advantages, he could not compete … the skill level was just not there, the mental toughness was not there.

Roy never had to discipline himself throughout his career; he would break all the rules in boxing because his athleticism allowed him to get away with it. Roy would allow his left hand to wander at or around his waist, fire straight right hands without setting the punch up, and jab to the body without getting hit in return. But once his great speed was gone, he didn’t have great skills to fall back on.

Roy Jones is perhaps one of the best physical athletes boxing fans have had the privilege of watching, but I don’t think he will be remembered as one of the sport’s best boxers, or best fighters.

--Mighty Moe

Ali vs. Frazier III

I just recently watched the third fight with Ali and Frazier. Boy, I had forgotten what a great fight that was it was. I had the fight dead even going into the 15th round ... but Frazier was hurt and didn't answer the bell. Ali was so exhausted, he couldn't get off his stool, and did his entire post fight interview sitting down, barely able to catch his breath. He respectfully credited Frazier as the "greatest," next to him of course. Joe, also a good sportsman, came over to congratulate Ali.

It had all of the heart and spirit you would expect in a title fight. As Joe Frazier realized that Ali was starting to steal the fight, Smokin' Joe started throwing hay makers and taking chances ... it was the only thing keeping him in that fight. Joe even landed some of those haymakers, I really don't know what kept Ali up.

Ali was tremendous, he took such a pounding from Joe, I really don't know how or where he found the strength to stop Joe. And Joe, what a work horse, the way he kept on coming; kept pressing the action, trying to smother Ali's punches. It was such a competitive fight with neither fighter giving an inch, you could tell that neither fighter was fighting for the money ... there was a lot more at stake.

What a great fight, fought by great athletes.