SANS THE SUSPENSE OF AMBIGUITY
by Doods A. Amora, PEE
My immediate reaction was, “it would only last two rounds”…
Forgive me for this uncharacteristic mood but this time I’m conceiving of a Mosley episode akin to a ‘Hatton Syndrome’ - demolished & crushed by Pacquaio in two rounds. That’s honestly speaking.
On the other hand, I’d also like to think that in elite boxing, anything can happen. Boxing on a square ring is a long process. Every fight is a new fight. And training and re-training for a new battle have to be worked out over and all over again. There are no short-cuts. Preparation for a fight speaks of 90% of what it is supposed to be happening in the ring.
Speaking of Mosley and Hatton, both had displayed their wares with a common opponent in Floyd Mayweather Jr. Hatton’s performance against the Pretty Floyd although stopped in Round 10, to me, was much better.
In the case of Mosley, he had some great moments with Floyd in the first two rounds. But after Round 2, Sugarless Shane became a dribble bubble as if a confused gladiator. Lackluster, in short, many were unimpressed. Probably, it was not his day. But with a forgettable Sergio Mora, the draw was not even imagined because who is supposedly Sergio compared to Sugar Shane Mosley? Most probably, age did have taken over.
That’s it my friends, this time the tension of ambiguity as an element prior to a mega-fight is not permeating my senses. From the Barrera, Morales, Marquez, Diaz, Dela Hoya, Cotto, Clottey and Margarito episodes, amongst others - there's always that element of uncertainty. Then the ambiguity motivates suspense which in turn fires up the imagination.
Pacman’s camp is said to be the best this time – the training regimen & physical conditioning flawless and no reports of distraction, political, showbiz, whatsoever. The Filipino great is in his best shape. He is reportedly packed with power, speed, stamina and agility. In fact, Pacquiao is 110% ready as of the time of this writing. This, of course, is bad news for Mosley.
Over his 18-year professional career, 39-year-old Mosley (46-6-1, 39 KOs) had fought the best of high-quality opponents. World Champions in big names like Oscar de la Hoya, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Vernon Forrest, Ricardo Mayorga, Winky Wright, Fernando Vargas, Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito, among many others. He had been towering over the lightweight, welterweight, and junior middleweight divisions. But at 39, Sugar Shane Mosley must now be over the hill and given his recent performances, few are giving Shane Mosley much of a chance against Manny Pacquiao. The odds shows it; 8-1, Pacquaio the overwhelming favorite.
Mosley, with a guaranteed purse of $ 5 million, had never been knocked out in his carreer. The talk on the air therefore is “in what round will the reigning world pound-for-pound Pacquaio do it”. And Pacquaio will be paid $ 20 million for it.
But then, this is the year of shocking upsets. Juan Manuel Lopez, Andre Berto, to mention just a few of big name losses beyond expectations - and these upsets seem to be shaping as the trend. Would it be Mosley’s riding chance? Who knows? Bigger, heavier and taller than Pacquaio, Shane is expected to deliver a good, crafty, intelligent if not, a wily dirty fight. Mosley, an 8-1 underdog by the odd makers, said the underdog position only motivates him even more "to shock the world" and beat Pacquiao decisively. A future Hall of Famer, the old dog must have hidden new tricks in his sleeves.
Showing respect for his African-American foe, Pacquiao (52-3-2, 38 KOs), does not expect an easy night. "We’re not focused for the knockout. All we do is work hard and if the knockout comes, it comes. We’ve prepared ourselves fighting for 12 rounds," said Pacquiao.
Let us see what happens!
DOODS
May 3, 2011
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