Mosley vs Margarito AFTER THE FIGHT - Coverage

Antonio Margarito

Photos Courtesy of Yahoo Sports

By Randy De La O

Before last night's fight between Antonio Margarito and Sugar Shane Mosley, an illegal substance similar to Plaster of Paris was allegedly found in Margarito's handwraps. I don't know how true or accurate that is but when we don't know the full story we go with what we do know. We know that there are checks in place by the commission to protect both boxers. There is someone from the opposing camp watching the hands being wrapped. We know that Margarito has had 44 fights with 37 wins, 27 by knockout, losing 6 of those fights. While the various commissions, promoters and sanctioning bodies have at times proven themselves to be stupid beyond all belief, I find it hard to believe that someone could get away with loading up the handwraps.

I don't know Margarito but from what I do know, it's a safe bet that this blue collar fighter is not someone who would cheat. I don't think he has that type of character. I think guys like Margarito place too much value on their manhood. Some will understand that and some won't. Could it have gone on with out his knowledge? I don't know, maybe, but I just find it improbable that it would happen at all.

Whatever the case may be, the damage is done. His reputation and credibility may never recover. Like an accusation of rape, the stigma is there. Last nights fight, regardless of what went on in the dressing room was on the up and up. It was an honest fight. Mosley won because he was the better man last night. Margarito lost because, for whatever reasons, he was unable to get his act together. That was evident from the first round.

Did Margarito cheat when he fought Miguel Cotto? My belief is that he did not cheat. Men like Margarito and Cotto place so much value on their manhood, their machismo, I don't believe they are capable of it. That is why losing in such a manner affects their psyche. There will likely be a rematch  between Cotto and Mosley or between Cotto and Margarito. Even if Margarito loses against Cotto that will not be conclusive proof. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose.

Antonio Margarito vs Sugar Shane Mosley

Photos Courtesy of Yahoo Sports

By Randy De La O

Sugar Shane Mosley turned back the hands of time tonight to stop Antonio Margarito in the ninth round of their twelve round WBA Welterweight title fight at the Staples Center in Los Angeles before a record crowd of 20,820. 

Margarito, who never really seemed to be in the fight could not keep the shorter Mosley from fighting on the inside, he also could not avoid the right hand, the left hook or the rapid fire jab. Margarito had some good moments in the middle rounds but never sustained his attack. He could not find his range and his punches lacked their usual sting.  Mosley on the other hand had no trouble finding his range. He punched with authority and he seemingly got stronger as the fight wore on., something I expected Margarito to do. Mosley was at his best tonight and turned in one of the best performance of his career.  It couldn't happen to a nicer guy. Congratulations to the new champion!

Margarito vs Mosley Press Conference

Antonio Margarito vs Sugar Shane Mosley

Believe it or not, there are other things going on in boxing besides Manny and Oscar. On January 24, 2009 Antonio Margarito will defend his WBA Welterweight title against former four time world champ Sugar Shane Mosley at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Is this another case of an older fighter (Mosley) not knowing when to quit?

Mosley is coming off a win over RicardoMayorga at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California last September. It was a hard fight for Mosley despite his win. A little over a year ago Mosley lost to Miguel Cotto in a tough fight. The same Miguel Cotto who was stopped by Antonio Margarito in another tough fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas in July of this year.