22.09.08 – By Robert Jackson: I know this article is unoriginal, ESB contributing writer James Slater wrote a masterpiece comparing and contrasting Hopkins, Pavlik, Jones and Calzaghe in fights that might occur in a parallel universe. He gave me his blessing to write this article, honest. In parallel universes this coming Saturdays fights might be Berto vs Mayorga, Mosley vs Forbes or Berto vs Mosley, Mayorga vs Forbes. Let’s now discuss these four alternative bouts..
Berto vs Mayorga, mouth vs mass, most if not all of the advantages have to go to Berto. Experience and guile still favor the Nicaraguan, but his limited skills leave him disadvantaged. I’m just afraid that one day Berto may do a repeat of Jeff Lacy’s foibles, because at one time Lacy was on a similar track to the one that Berto is now on, and, Berto’s very muscular physique and fighting style reminds me of “Left Hook”. Jeff Lacy also won a title at 168lbs early in his career just like Berto has at 147lbs. That Fact that Berto is very hittable is also troubling because Mayorga packs a very good punch. I’m still inclined to believe that Berto would win against Mayorga and probably by KO.
Mosley vs Forbes, master vs mister, Mr. Forbes while losing against the much bigger Oscar De La Hoya did nothing to disgrace himself and based on him actually fighting Berto on Saturday night his stock rose more than the lumps he put on De La Hoya’s face. Forbes skills may be a tad sharper than Mosley but being bigger and stronger with tremendous skill counts in boxing and this describes Mosley. Mosley is also an experienced, patient fighter who would absorb Forbes’ lighter blows while setting up his own fight ending shots. Can’t say that Mosley would stop Forbes but if someone does stop him I would have to think it would be Mosley.
Berto vs Mosley, master vs muscles, people in this alternate universe are pleased that this matchup was made. Berto has vowed to brutally retire Mosley! Mosley is everything that Berto aspires to be, with the exception that Berto may pack more power in his punches than
Mosley has fighting above 135lbs. At the end of this fight Mosley has his hand held high and Berto takes this lesson well learned forward with him to greener pastures.
Forbes vs Mayorga, mister vs muster, Mr. Forbes once again is the smaller man as is usually the case. Mayorga as expected berates Forbes, before vowing that he will destroy “2 pounds”. On fight nite with Forbes standing in the ‘pocket’ Mayorga musters up everything he has to just land one punch on the crafty veterans chin, while Forbes lands at will. Forbes punches have as much effect on the Nicaraguan as umbrella in a hurricane, but the embarrassment takes its toll on Mayorga’s psychee. Unable to KO the overachiever the fight goes to the judges score cards and they rule in favor of the superior technician by split decision.
Seriously, Berto vs Forbes will go to the Judges and Berto unable to KO “2 pounds” will prevail, and Mosley will KO or TKO the mouth.