LAS VEGAS (AP) ? Shane Mosley looked so good that even Floyd Mayweather Jr. paid him some grudging respect. “He’s pretty good at what he does,” Mayweather said.
What Mosley did Saturday night was turn back the clock with a win over Luis Collazo that was impressive for several reasons. In doing so he also staked a claim as the second-best welterweight in the world behind Mayweather.
Not a bad night’s work for a fighter who seems to be coming into his second prime at an age when most others are long gone from the sport.
“I want to keep myself in shape and maybe fight again in June,” Mosley said. “I am going to keep myself in shape and tuned up.”
Mosley moved back to 147 pounds for the first time in nearly five years, promising he would be faster and better than before. He delivered on those promises by consistently beating an opponent 10 years younger to the punch and winning a lopsided 12-round decision.
Mosley, who was smiling when he entered the ring and smiling after almost every round, also showed he still has some sock at 147 by knocking Collazo down with a right hand late in the 11th round.
“It feels good to be a welterweight
De La Hoya.
“I respect him, but only one man can be king,” Mayweather said.
Mosley’s career seemed re-energized after two wins over Fernando Vargas last year, and he’s now got his father, Jack, back in his corner. The two decided he would be more effective at 147 pounds, where he could use his fast hands and not have to fight as flat-footed as he did at 154 pounds.
The strategy worked against Collazo and now Mosley seemingly has his pick of fights with higher profile fighters. That could include Cotto, whose planned June fight with Antonio Margarito may be off because Margarito signed to fight mandatory WBO challenger Paul Williams.
instead.
