LET?S FACE IT, MOSLEY AIN?T WHAT HE USED TO BE
By Ed de la Vega, DDS
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 05 May 2012
MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas:- I would like to start by saying that for no rhyme or reason other than the terrific odds, I put my money at the sports book on Sugar Shane Mosley.
I have no solid reason to back up my bet other than that is just the little gambler in me and perhaps my respect for Mosley?s accomplishments.
I am hoping that he will upset the upcoming young warrior, Canelo Alvarez. If he does, Mosley can go out with far greater dignity.
Okay, I may be the only one who is betting on the old veteran, save of course his very close friends and family members.
I am aware that lots of folks are laughing out loud for what I did but I am hanging on to that small thread of hope that there is still some gas left in the tank of the former champion from Pomona.
Of course most if not all odds are against Mosley. The bookmakers in Vegas verify that.
The nice old guy is just that - old.
In boxing when one hits 40 it is the end or mildly said, the beginning of the end. There are not too many George Foremans or Bernard Hopkins around.
In fact Mosley is already out of whacked that he missed the contracted weight of 154 lbs last night at the weighin. He had to spend time shedding off the ? pound before he will be allowed to climb the ring Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Mosley?s predicament is typical in boxing. Boxers, both good and bad grow old just like any of us. With that comes the reality of life. The reflexes are slower, the punches softer and making weight is more than just a routine. It is a great big ordeal.
Many of those that attended the weigh-in last night observed the body language of Mosley.
Gone is the swagger that highlighted his brilliant career when he was the headliner.
Mosley is just about to hit the proverbial ?end of the road.? His situation is so pitiful that he has to accept the role of a ?springboard? for the career of young Canelo Alvarez. In the process, he had to accept a reported $650,000 against Alvarez? $1.2 million purse.
But win or lose, Mosley should go out with his head high as he heads to the HOF.
He has done his part and he did it with grace and dignity.
Perhaps, it is really for these reasons that I placed my bet on him. It is my small way of saying a silent ?thank you? to the man they called Sugar.
Thanks for the memories, Shane. Now go out and enjoy life. You earned it.
Photo: Mosley reacts after failing to make weight on the first try during Friday's weighin at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Photo by Dr Ed de la Vega.
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