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Floyd Mayweather / Shane Mosley: There Is a Light
by Donal Ridge
It's been a long couple of months in the world of boxing.
Ever since Manny Pacquiao's devastating knockout of Puerto Rico's fine pugilist Miguel Cotto in November, the words on the tip of everyone's tongue have been the superfight against Floyd Mayweather. And, more specifically, the breakdown of said superfight.
On this website alone, the issue has sparked a barrage of articles and comments. I am a relative newcomer to Bleacher Report, so I can't say whether it is unprecedented, but I certainly cannot think of another topic that would have fuelled such a volume of debate.
It has, however, become very tiresome. The articles, in my opinion, have become increasingly tainted with personal bias and affiliation to one of the boxers. At this point, I will hold my own hands up and accept I have been guilty of a lack of objectivity. I guess with an issue so divisive, it is hard not to be biased.
I have also, after the breakdown in negotiations over random drug testing, commented on how this debacle will cast a dark shadow over the whole sport. It had a rare opportunity to set up a bout between the two best fighters on the planet. The fight would have captured the imagination of not only the boxing community but transcended the ring to the general sporting public as well.
It failed. Spectacularly.
Almost immediately, Pacquiao signed up for a fight against the respected welterweight, Joshua Clottey. It will be a competitive matchup, but not really one to get excited about.
More worryingly, however, were the rumours abounding that Mayweather was in talks about a potential showdown with Matthew Hatton. Obviously, I am using the word "showdown" here very loosely. Ricky's brother, as he is more commonly referred, with all respect, does not deserve to share a ring with the American.
The outlook was bleak. The debate was getting even more heated. The battle lines had been drawn.
But there came a light.
With the announcement that Mayweather will enter the ring against "Sugar" Shane Mosley on May 1, the entire boxing world has reason to breathe a collective sigh of relief.
This is a fight that could lift the shadow created over the past month. Save a Mayweather/Pacquiao matchup, this is as big as it gets.
Mosley is a legitimate, world-class welterweight. He is exactly the type of boxer that Mayweather has been chastised in the past for not fighting. He is blessed with fantastic hand speed, agility, and power. His record of 46-5, with 39 knockouts, is testament to just how dangerous an opponent he is.
Although he is now 38 years old, his demolition of Antonio Margarito, one of the most feared men in boxing at the time, suggests he is by no means past his best. Make no mistake about it, Mosley has the ability to cause Mayweather serious problems.
Even though I am a fan of "Money," I would be reluctant to describe his fights as exciting. His boxing style is generally not conducive to thrilling spectacles. This one, however, has all the ingredients to be just that.
It is a fight that has been a decade in the making, and is one for boxing fans to savor.
When news of the failed Pacquiao/Mayweather fight negotiations broke, I was disgusted. I cannot remember a sporting event that I had looked forward to with such anticipation. I had almost lost faith in boxing.
But as the dust has settled, my faith has been renewed. There are now two fights to look forward to.
One to whet the appetite, and one to fill it.
It's been a long couple of months in the world of boxing.
Ever since Manny Pacquiao's devastating knockout of Puerto Rico's fine pugilist Miguel Cotto in November, the words on the tip of everyone's tongue have been the superfight against Floyd Mayweather. And, more specifically, the breakdown of said superfight.
On this website alone, the issue has sparked a barrage of articles and comments. I am a relative newcomer to Bleacher Report, so I can't say whether it is unprecedented, but I certainly cannot think of another topic that would have fuelled such a volume of debate.
It has, however, become very tiresome. The articles, in my opinion, have become increasingly tainted with personal bias and affiliation to one of the boxers. At this point, I will hold my own hands up and accept I have been guilty of a lack of objectivity. I guess with an issue so divisive, it is hard not to be biased.
I have also, after the breakdown in negotiations over random drug testing, commented on how this debacle will cast a dark shadow over the whole sport. It had a rare opportunity to set up a bout between the two best fighters on the planet. The fight would have captured the imagination of not only the boxing community but transcended the ring to the general sporting public as well.
It failed. Spectacularly.
Almost immediately, Pacquiao signed up for a fight against the respected welterweight, Joshua Clottey. It will be a competitive matchup, but not really one to get excited about.
More worryingly, however, were the rumours abounding that Mayweather was in talks about a potential showdown with Matthew Hatton. Obviously, I am using the word "showdown" here very loosely. Ricky's brother, as he is more commonly referred, with all respect, does not deserve to share a ring with the American.
The outlook was bleak. The debate was getting even more heated. The battle lines had been drawn.
But there came a light.
With the announcement that Mayweather will enter the ring against "Sugar" Shane Mosley on May 1, the entire boxing world has reason to breathe a collective sigh of relief.
This is a fight that could lift the shadow created over the past month. Save a Mayweather/Pacquiao matchup, this is as big as it gets.
Mosley is a legitimate, world-class welterweight. He is exactly the type of boxer that Mayweather has been chastised in the past for not fighting. He is blessed with fantastic hand speed, agility, and power. His record of 46-5, with 39 knockouts, is testament to just how dangerous an opponent he is.
Although he is now 38 years old, his demolition of Antonio Margarito, one of the most feared men in boxing at the time, suggests he is by no means past his best. Make no mistake about it, Mosley has the ability to cause Mayweather serious problems.
Even though I am a fan of "Money," I would be reluctant to describe his fights as exciting. His boxing style is generally not conducive to thrilling spectacles. This one, however, has all the ingredients to be just that.
It is a fight that has been a decade in the making, and is one for boxing fans to savor.
When news of the failed Pacquiao/Mayweather fight negotiations broke, I was disgusted. I cannot remember a sporting event that I had looked forward to with such anticipation. I had almost lost faith in boxing.
But as the dust has settled, my faith has been renewed. There are now two fights to look forward to.
One to whet the appetite, and one to fill it.
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