By Vivek Wallace: In this weeks ‘C.E.O. Fridays’ segment we take a closer look at a man who needs very little introduction. When you take a look at his complete body of work, the results tell us one thing, yet the subsequent progress made has often portrayed another. In an era of the sport led by contempt, contrast, and controversy, let the record be clear that this is not a vain effort to uncover any new ground in the well documented doping scandal. Instead, today we set out to put into proper perspective the ring life of Mr. Mosley, placing all other eccentric matters that fail to play an active role in the four-rope-square to the side. Over the years, Mosley has been a solid pro. Similar to his namesakes, (Leonard and Robinson), Shane came to the sport with a bevy of attributes at his disposal. Speed and power atop the list, with everything from ring intellect and a granite chin tossed in between; there were few things that Mosley didn’t display on his ascent to the top. After years of dominance, Mosley would finally make his mark with an inspiring performance in which he out-dueled previously undefeated Philip Holiday to obtain his first professional strap (IBF – lightweight). 3 years later, his rise would land him in front of arguably the biggest name in the sport, (Oscar De La Hoya), and with the pressure of the vegas-like scrolling marquees beaming, Shane wouldn’t fail to deliver, as he put on a classic performance in the first ever boxing event staged at the Los Angeles Staples Center. This victory was just the start for Mosley, and for those who watched his megawatt smile and ring brilliance, it would appear that those shining moments could never go dim. Two years later, that would all change..
After defeating the best name of the welterweight division, it was time for Mosley to begin to take on the best competition of the welterweight division. His next 3 fights would do very little to prepare him for what lied ahead. With the wind to his back and a growing fan base by his side, Mosley saw exactly how fast things could turn around. The now deceased former Olympian Vernon Forrest (RIP) entered the ring against Mosley as an underdog, and 12 rounds later, left the ring a ‘top-dog’. Forrests’ victory – in the minds of most – permanently removed the veil of invincibility that once draped Mosley. From that point to current, Mosley has gone on to experience a major career ebb and flow, winning plenty of fights, and losing four more (1 more to Forrest, 2 to Winky Wright, and 1 to Miguel Cotto). While that evolution took place, the same media and fight public that once adored him had also suddenly changed faces. The polite smile and friendly demeanor which had once been a plus was suddenly a minus, and without changing anything about himself but the “O” in his win column, this sweet-turned-bitter ring warrior had become instantly humanized. As much as we try to stay away from the out-of-the-ring aspect of Mosley’s life, it’s a bit difficult to analyze his current position in the minds of most in the fight game without doing so. The separation of his ring life and non-ring life can be itemized, but few are willing to do it today, and some would ask why if they could.
As a result of the many questions surrounding Mosley, in the twilight of his career, Shane now finds himself trying to reestablish his footing in grounds that he broke many moons ago. The sport he once conquered has found a new crop of contenders. Many of those new contenders have done far less than him, but when the phones start ringing and the deals are being consummated, rarely is Shane’s name in the pipeline. Frustration, based on his recent lack of relativity made Mosley recently do a few things deemed a bit out of his normal character, but the end result was the same. He still failed to land a marquee fight, and as of today, has still yet to land a willing opponent. With Williams chasing Pavlik and Berto seeking more money than what has been offered, it appears that the water has simply run dry for Mosley. A career that started out with so much promise has seen a good guy go bad. After his soul-stirring victory over Margarito, you would think a resurrection would be on tap, but instead, the flatline continues. We’re often reminded in the world of sports (and life) that you don’t miss what you have until it’s gone. At age 38, and facing the proverbial ‘westside’ of his career, I can only hope that such isn’t the case here. The sport is short on warriors, and an aging veteran with skills is hard to replace. The Goldenboy ranks have lost it’s leader from the sport, and Hopkins is due to make an exit soon, which leaves Mosley the last man standing. Unless he can pull a rabbit from his hat, he too may disappear before he performs a final act. Stay tuned.
(Vivek Wallace can be reached at vivexemail@yahoo.com, 954-292-7346, Facebook/Myspace, Youtube (Vivek1251), www.vivekwallace.com, and Twitter).