by: Justin Landis
In the first big fight of 2010, will Shane Mosley once again defy his age, or will Andre Berto finally burst onto the main stage?
Boxing fans mark your calendars: The 2010 boxing year kicks off in style with a January 30 unification showdown between WBA Welterweight Super Champion “Sugar” Shane Mosley and WBC Welterweight Champion Andre Berto at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, presented by Golden Boy Promotions and DiBella Entertainment.
“Sugar” Shane Mosley
46-5 (39 KO)
Height: 5’9″
Reach: 74”
WBA Welterweight Super Champion
Last 5 Fights: Mosley has put together some of his most impressive wins of his career over the past three years, including his recent 9th round stoppage of Antonio Margarito to earn the WBA Championship as well as wins over Luis Collazo, Ricardo Mayorga and Fernando Vargas. His only recent blemish came in a thrilling decision loss to Miguel Cotto.
Andre Berto
25-0 (19 KO)
Height: 5’8-1/2″
Reach: 72”
WBC Welterweight Champion
Last 5 Fights: Berto’s last 5 fights have been the biggest of his career, and include capturing the WBC title with a 7th round TKO of Miguel Angel Rodriguez as well as successful defenses over the veteran Steve Forbes, Luis Collazo, and Juan Urango
Mosley vs. Berto Preview
Both fighters are coming into this fight brimming with confidence. Andre Berto has been establishing himself as one of the premier welterweights and is finally getting the shot that he knows he is ready for. He’s successfully defended his title 3 times against quality opponents such as Luis Collazo and deserves this opportunity. However, some argue that Berto, although undefeated, has not looked particularly impressive in his wins over quality opponents, and may be more hype than the real deal and is not ready to take on a fighter of Mosley’s caliber. A fight against Shane Mosley is the perfect opportunity for Berto to prove himself, although this will be no easy task.
After his brilliant win over Antonio Margarito in January, it is clear that Shane Mosley has a lot left in the tank. His 9th round TKO victory over Margarito to earn the WBA belt was perhaps the most impressive win of his career, and was his first with trainer Nazim Richardson, who also trains Bernard Hopkins. Similar to Hopkins (Richardson’s other star pupil), Mosley shows no signs of slowing down with age and has put together some quality wins dating back to 2005, proving that he may be 38, but he can still fight and win against the best the sport has to offer.
One of the big questions leading up to the Shane Mosley vs. Andre Berto bout is how Shane Mosley will approach this fight. Will he be so caught up in the pursuit of another blockbuster, big money fight that he will overlook Berto and not take him seriously, or will he view Berto as someone who has a chance to challenge him and possibly defeat him? Berto is a hungry, talented young fighter who should not be overlooked. This should be a true test for Shane.
This is an important fight for both champions. If Mosley is victorious, his name will be back in pound for pound discussions and he will be one step closer to landing the big money fight he wants so badly, possibly against the winner of the Pacquiao vs. Mayweather contest, or possibly a rematch with Miguel Cotto.
If Berto upsets Mosley, it will open all kinds of new doors for him. His name will be at the forefront of boxing discussions. If he wins this fight 2010 could really be his breakthrough year as his name would be mentioned among the likes of Clottey, Pacquiao, Cotto and Mayweather as a potentially tough and worthwhile opponent.
Berto will gain great exposure in this fight and will make things interesting for Mosley. The fight will be good for his career and will definitely make Berto more of a household name. Even if he doesn’t upset Mosley, he’ll learn what he needs to do to step up his game and take on the big boys.
Mosley vs. Berto Prediction
This fight should be interesting and action packed. Expect Mosley to be at his best, similar to the level he was against Margarito in January of 2009. Although Berto is a very aggressive and offensive minded fighter, he has never faced a fighter of Shane’s caliber.
Berto will press the action and be the aggressor at many moments in the fight, but Shane’s hand speed and adept counterpunching will leave the young Berto scratching his head. The fight will mainly consist of Berto pressing the action and Mosley showing superior speed and counterpunching skills.
Mosley will expose Berto’s lack of defense and big fight experience, and will earn an 11th round TKO victory, bringing him back to the forefront of boxing discussion and one step closer to another big money fight.
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