After one of the most disappointing performances of his career over the weekend against Manny Pacquiao at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, many have been calling for former three weight world champion Shane Mosley to retire.
Uncharacteristically of performances by either fighter, fans watching the event live booed through much of the fight while all involved quickly voiced their disappointment after the final bell.
Pacquiao himself, not noted for his criticism of opponents, had this to say at the post fight press conference:
“I was expecting him to fight toe to toe with me for at least five rounds so we can test our power but he just ran and ran.”
Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach was less forgiving, immediately calling for Mosley’s retirement:
“He didn’t try to win the fight he just tried to survive and when you get to that point in boxing you should retire.”
Mosley himself was apologetic about his performance, admitting that Pacquiao’s power stopped him from ever really getting into the fight. As far as retirement however, he has yet to make any formal announcement either way although perhaps hinted that it might not be far away:
“I still feel like I’m young, but I guess sometimes Father Time just catches up with you”
Oddly enough, it also appears that both fighters had lower extremity problems during the fight that undoubtedly affected the way both fought.
(Photos) Manny Pacquiao dominates Shane Mosley in Las Vegas
After the fight Pacquiao revealed that leg cramps had hampered his movement after the second round, a condition often brought about by over training.
Mosley meanwhile reported painful blisters that ruptured during the fight, according to Michael Marley as having been caused by wearing new boxing boots not properly broken in, a shocking mistake for an amateur let alone a former world champion. Advertisement
In his defense, Mosley has fought the two best fighters in the sport today either side of a fight against an awkward opponent in Sergio Mora who few have ever looked good against.
Looking bad against either Pacquiao or Mayweather isn’t something new.
Mayweather’s timing and footwork have left many looking like rank amateurs while Pacquiao’s speed and ferocity have left plenty of opponents disheartened after tasting his power.
A rapidly aging fighter in Mosley who has always struggled with quick fighters coupled with the fact that he was against an all time great at the peak of his powers, and his performance was perhaps to be expected.
Against an opponent without Pacquiao’s speed or movement, and the headlines on Sunday morning might have looked very different.
Also while quick to condemn Mosley immediately after the fight, after things have blown over and the money has all been counted, don’t be surprised if Top Rank boss Bob Arum still has uses for Mosley.
Julio Cesar Chavez Jr or Antonio Margarito for example bring few surprises to the ring with them, and either might make good sounding boards for just what if anything Mosley has left.
The fans however won’t be as forgiving, and until or unless Mosley puts in a both exciting and dominant performance if he does choose to come back, calls for his retirement will only get louder as his fan base shrinks.
Andre Smith, Pitt: “Shane hasn’t looked good since he beat Margarito, he needs an easy fight or two against brawlers and if he can’t look good he needs to retire”
