Mundine vs. Mosley - A view from both sides of the pond
 By John J. Raspanti vs. Daniel Smart, Doghouse Boxing (Oct 16, 2013)
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Mosley vs. Mundine |
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First part of this article is written by Daniel Smart (Australia). The Second half is by John J. Raspanti (United States of America).
By Daniel Smart (Australia):
On the evening of Wednesday the 23rd of October at the Sydney Entertainment Centre, Australia, awaits one of the biggest events in Australia’s long and proud history in the sport of boxing.
2 time world champion, Anthony “The Man” Mundine (44-5, 26KOs) of Sydney, Australia, takes on future hall of famer and 5 time world champion “Sugar” Shane Mosley (47-8-1, 36KOs) of Pomona, CA, USA for the WBA 154lbs International title and a possible shot at the likes of Saul Alvarez, Miguel Cotto or an Austin Trout.
This is indeed a make or break fight for both guys. Mundine looking for greater opportunities at fighting the names mentioned for greater notoriety and bigger paydays in the US, and Mosley trying to get back to being at the elite level of fighters at 147 and 154 pounders in world boxing.
In a recent interview I done with “The Man” at Boxing Express Gym in Brisbane, Queensland, Mundine had this to say
“This is a huge fight for me. It’s a chance to go onto the Alavarez’, the Cotto’s and the Mayweather’s of the world. I am coming with the aggressive style, I’ve really gotta go out there and take it to Shane.”
To be very frank, Mundine looked scary in the gym that day I spoke with him. His sparring session with 2012 London Olympian and Team Hatton fighter, Cameron Hammond got very willing. Both guys displaying superior hand speed, movement, and skill only the very few supremely talented have. Although Hammond held his own for a while, Mundine began to dominate his younger and less experienced sparring partner with a menacing body assault and ring smarts that only an experienced guy like Mundine has.
His shots were clean, they were crisp and they were hard… very hard. Mundine looked in fantastic physical condition, often using Queensland as part of his preparation for fights due to the grind of the heat and humidity faced in the Sunshine State. This is perfect for a fighters physical conditioning.
The body work from Mundine was interesting I thought. Not generally known for it, it’s certainly something to adopt against Mosley. The blueprint to conquering a legend like Mosley was held by the late great Vernon Forrest. Forrest used feints, and in particular, body shots to wear down Mosley, quite often starting combinations downstairs and working his way up, finishing with hooks. Mosley is there for a body assault too, due to his squarer stance, he has more of a target to work at. Forrest knew this, followed the plan, and the rest is history. He also knew not to stand in front of him. Oscar De La Hoya did exactly that and got destroyed because of it.
This should be a barnburner. Both fighters blessed with blinding speed, movement and pure boxing skill. This could break all PPV records here in Australia, formerly held by Mundine and old foe, Danny Green. The venue is sold out, the undercard is sorted, and we await impatiently and with much excitement on what will be another proud moment in Australian boxing history. I really think Anthony wins this, providing the right Anthony shows up. This is an opportunity he well knows he cannot miss; he has the skills, the ability, and the smarts to be able to get it done. The prize? A solid launch into the US market and fights against marquee names. I am going to throw it over to my colleague and friend, fellow boxing scribe and one of the best in the business, John Raspanti, from the United States...
 By
John J. Raspanti (United States)
Much appreciated Daniel, thank you.
My classy Aussie friend made a good case for Anthony Mundine to win on October twenty-third.
Do I agree?
Shane Mosley, 42, snapped a three-fight losing streak a few months ago when he won a hard-fought 12-round decision over Pablo Cesar Cano. In a span of two and a half years, Mosley lost lopsided decisions to Floyd Mayweather Jr., Manny Pacquiao and Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.
Some boxing experts predicted that the much younger Cano, who had previously dropped a controversial decision to then welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi, would have too much energy for Mosley. But Mosley showed the determination and pride of a champion by rallying in the last half of the fight to edge Cano.
Mosley is hoping that Mundine thinks he’s washed up.
“And, yes, I know Anthony Mundine is expecting to fight a shell of ‘Sugar Shane’,” Mosley told The Sunday Telegraph of London.”But I can tell you I’m still ninety percent of the fighter that won world titles. I’m coming Down Under to win. And win by knockout.”
Mundine, 38, lost a wide decision to former middleweight titleholder Daniel Geale eight months ago. The victory was extra sweet for Geale - having lost to Mundine in 2009. Geale looked sharp while Mundine was flat and lacked energy. Mundine admitted to Laine Clark of AAP that he couldn't get "up" for the rematch.
"Even though I thought I was competitive and I might have nudged it (against Geale) I didn't do enough to take it away from a champion," told Clark.
"But I didn't have the eye of the tiger that night. I don't know why. I can't explain it. I think the pre-fight buildup may have distracted me.
"But I don't have to sell this fight - it is ‘Sugar’ Shane, he's a legend," he added.
Though not the ‘Sugar’ Shane of 10 years ago, Mosley is still a pretty good fighter. He moves well and can still bang. His right hand staggered Mayweather in the second round of their fight.
Mundine doesn’t need to be reminded of what he’s facing.
“He's a dangerous man. I know," Mundine reportedly told the brisbanetimes.com.cu.
Mosley is faster but Mundine is bigger, younger (by four years), and he’s fighting at home, which is always an advantage.
Bookmakers have installed Mundine a slight favorite.
It’s been written that every old champion has “one great one left.” I can’t see either fighter being great on October 23 – not at this point in their careers.’ What I can see is this.
Whoever is more consistent will come away with the victory.
John J. Raspanti responds to all his emails. Please send all questions and comments to John at: marlow_58@hotmail.com |
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