Shane Mosley: I'm Semi-Retired - But For Right Opponent I'll Fight!

by Steve Kim

Last week at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, California, a familiar face was getting in some sparring. It was none other than Shane Mosley, who last fought on May 28th and dropped a twelve round decision to David Avanesyan for the interim WBA welterweight title.

It was thought that at age 45 this defeat would mark the end of his career.

But Mosley said in-between rounds at the Wild Card - "I'm semi-retired, I'm more of a trainer than a fighter right now. If the right opponent comes around and wants to fight, then I'll fight. I heard that (Antonio) Margarito was talking about fighting. But I keep myself in the gym, keep myself in shape."

Mosley- who has a career record of 49-10-1 (41 KO's) - is realistic about who he wants to face at this juncture.

"If I don't fight a guy like a Margarito or (Miguel) Cotto or someone like Floyd(Mayweather), I'm not fighting the young guys no more," said Mosley, who in the past has faced the above-mentioned trio. At his advanced age, Mosley understands his limitations in who he should be facing.

As for how long he'll keep doing this, Mosley states - "My deadline is how I feel in the ring. If I'm getting my ass kicked in the gym than I'm going to retire. But I love to do it, I love to fight and I'm in there with the top guys and I'm working. I'm not looking to fight nobody and I don't need money or anything. I just love to fight and like I said, if Margarito wants to call me out to fight, I'll go fight.

"If Cotto calls me out, I'll go fight.. But I'm not going to fight the younger guys."

Steve Kim is the news editor for BoxingScene.com.