By Luis Sandoval
Sons following their father’s footsteps in boxing is nothing new as even some of today’s stars are second generation fighters. Shane Mosley Jr, son of “Sugar” Shane Mosley, will be the latest fighter to carry his father’s legacy as he makes his professional debut on April 26th on Unimas from Oxnard, CA.
Shane Mosley Sr had a storied 20 year career where he won titles in three different divisions and was at one point considered the world’s best pound for pound fighter. Mosley made the decision to retire last year and just as he’s leaving the sport, his son is making his way in.
The 23 year old Mosley Jr finally made the decision to turn professional and while he’s a bit older than most fighters making their debut, he slowly came to the realization that he wanted to be a fighter.
“I started late, I started at 16. I had my very first amateur fight at 17 years old. It was a process. I didn’t want to do it at first. People and my family were telling me ‘oh you shouldn’t box’ but I felt like it was in my blood and I love it. I started at 17 on my own and did my amateur career and now I feel like it’s time to turn pro,” Mosley Jr told BoxingScene after a hard workout.
Mosley Jr is a spitting image of his father with the only noticeable difference being size as the younger Mosley is much taller and bigger than his father. He will be starting his career as a Middleweight and while he may be bigger, Mosley Jr feels he has some of the same characteristics that made his father great.
“I think I have good power, good speed. I feel like I’m a pretty good all around fighter and I think I also possess the power,” said Mosley Jr.
His father shared the same sentiment as he feels the professional style is better suited for his son.
“He is more of a pro style. The amateur style is more [hit quickly] move, [hit quickly] move. He likes to sit there and punch a little bit. I think he’s going to be good for the professional ranks because he does like to punch and he does have a good chin”.
The Mosley’s headed to Floyd Mayweather’s gym in Las Vegas to get in some quality work as Floyd’s gym has quickly become a hotbed for talent with professionals and amateurs alike. Shane Jr was able to spar a couple guys including TMT’s own Lanell Bellows. It didn’t take long for a small crowd to surround the ring as there were plenty of people in the gym who wanted to get a close look at the younger Mosley.
Most young fighters entering the game have to work hard to make a name for themselves but Mosley Jr already has that. His task may be even harder as he’s not trying to make a name but live up to one. He was asked if he felt any pressure knowing more eyes would be on him since he’s Shane Mosley’s son.
“Of course there comes pressure but I’m doing it for me and that’s all that matters. If people want to see me, then they’ll see me but I do it for me. And people will see that” said Mosley.
The highlight of Mosley Jr’s training during my visit was him working the mitts with Roger Mayweather. Roger and his nephew Floyd Mayweather have a very eye pleasing mitt routine that over years has become second nature to them. Roger worked with Mosley and while Mosley had to learn the routine, he did a good job, tried his best and enjoyed it.
“It was great working with Roger. Very different but very good work and I loved it. It was good” said a smiling Mosley Jr.
Shane Mosley Jr is looking forward to having a great career and entertaining the masses much like his father did. His quest begins in 2 ½ weeks.
You can follow Luis Sandoval on Twitter & Instagram @Truewest007.