By James Slater: Many fans said ahead of last night’s welterweight showdown between greats Manny Pacquiao and “Sugar” Shane Mosley, how the 39-year-old Californian would have a real problem “ being able to pull the trigger” against the speedy southpaw. And, apart from a few flashes of his old speed and power here and there, this was what happened to the 39-year-old future Hall of Famer in Las Vegas.
Seemingly content with taking as few chances as possible and merely crossing the finishing line, Mosley, with his largely negative approach, drew boos from the crowd hoping to see more bang for their buck. It was indeed somewhat shocking to hear as much verbal displeasure from the fans at a Pacquiao fight, but it must be said, it was Mosley’s fault for the most part.
Pacquiao, though, did seem strangely listless for long periods; only really coming to life in the 3rd, when he scored a heavy knockdown, and in the final few rounds, when a push that was scored a knockdown seemed to anger the Filipino icon. Winning via a shut-out on two cards and on a wide score on the third tally, Pac-Man now moves on – probably to a third fight with Mexican great Juan Manuel Marquez. But what now for Mosley?
Losing for the seventh time in his illustrious career, Mosley failed to fight with the devil he needed if he was to keep retirement at bay. These days, Mosley fights smartly enough to avoid being KO’d, but that’s about it. Shane, if he could have, should have really gone for it last night, yet he seemed too concerned with fighting carefully and in keeping his claim to have never being stopped intact. As such, it will be hard for the fans to keep from urging him to call it a day.
Sure, Mosley could stick around and pick up a few more paydays, but how will he be able to convince the fans he will ever be able (or willing) to give his all in a fight again? Mosley has been a great fighter and a great champion, and he deserves respect. But in continuing on when he is as faded and as seemingly safety-first as he is, would be a disservice to his many fans.
The same fans that wanted way more action last night; from both guys, certainly – but from the man who was having his last chance to win a genuine super-fight especially.