When this fight is over, boxing fans should know if Berto has what it takes to be a long-term champion and if Mosley's ninth round KO victory over Antonio Margarito a year ago was as much about whether or not the aging warrior is still a wrecking ball as it was about whether Margarito's rumored physical ailments kept him from putting up a real fight.
In physical terms, this is about as even a match-up as you can get, short of cloning. Mosley's bio lists him at 5'9" while Berto claims 5'8 1/2". Both fighters are probably stretching the truth just a bit, with Berto stretching a little more. Mosley's speed is well documented and he's managed to maintain it into his late thirties, along with his power, which he used to clock out early in the Margarito fight and which saved him from certain embarrassment in round twelve against Ricardo Mayorga in September of 2008. Mayorga's awkward style and natural strength gave Mosley fits for most of that fight. Even with the knock out of Mayorga, the general perception was that Mosley should hang up the gloves.
The Shane Mosley vs Antonio Margarito Fight
That's only two fights in the last two years. Does that mean Mosley, is well rested or well rusted? After losing a close decision to Miguel Cotto in November 2007, which many boxing writers and fans alike believe he won, Mosley's stock had risen but the big fights didn't come (the Mayorga fight wasn't a "big fight" although it was nearly a gigantic disaster). The Margarito fight was worthy, but the circumstances of Margarito's illegal wraps and questions about his health took some of the pepper out of the fight. The big welterweight fights have all belonged to Manny Pacquiao, who ended the career of Mosley's two-time dance partner, Oscar de la Hoya, and thrashed Cotto.
GoldenBoy Promotions Promotes Shane Mosley
Presumably, the winner of Berto/Mosley has first dibs on the winner of Pacquiao/Mayweather, should that fight ever get signed, (Does anyone really care, anymore?) and Mosley's promoter, GoldenBoy Promotions, where he is a partner, doesn't strip the gears of another negotiation with more publicity stunts like the ill-advised demand that Pacquiao submit blood samples that overtake the Nevada State Athletic Commission's own requirements.
Berto, 26, has stayed away from drama. It helps that he hasn't been around as long, and isn't as well-known as Mosley, though a victory on the 30th will put him in plenty of boxing conversations, and negotiations, in 2010. Victories over the always tough Luis Collazo and an over-matched Juan Urango tell little about how he'll handle Mosley. True, Mosley decisioned Collazo in 2007, but at Mosley's age, the years start to become dog-years for a boxer. Who knows whether the Mosley of 2010 could beat the Collazo of 2007?
And what of the fight itself? It's a good match-up. Mosley isn't much of a dancer and Berto is about as flat-footed as they come; chances are that they will stand in front of one another and bang. At this point in his career, Mosley probably cannot match combinations with Berto, who runs off Uzi-like bursts with ease, but the old guy turns into his shots better than Berto does, giving him the edge in power. Mosley also has a better command of angles and can create punching lanes. He will find Berto's chin, and Berto's chin is where this fight gets decided.
If Berto can withstand Mosley's power and punch with him when the veteran attacks, he can finish the exchanges with his combinations. A decision goes to Berto, a short night belongs to Mosley.
Bill Scherer - Bill Scherer has written for RingSports.com and TigerBoxing.com, enjoyed a stint as the Managing Editor for FightTube.tv and is a United ...
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