By Mike “Mykers” Boehm - In recent years, boxing has silenced all critics who say, “it’s a dying sport.” More specifically, the welterweight division has proved this alone with the fierce competition that has evolved from a day to day basis. Consequently, these allegations are constantly up for debate on cold hard facts; in which everyone has their immediate rendition. However, patience is a virtue…and with this, there is no question that we have quite the chess match in boxing at the end of this month.
Eagerly, we wait with anticipation for the great unification welterweight battle between Shane Mosley and Andre Berto on January 30, 2010. The beginning of this year promises to become another great year for boxing, and so it goes. The breakdown itself of the welterweight clash is an interesting one. There is so much speculation of who will leave the ring victorious and who won’t. Each fighter has plenty of magical tricks that will no doubt prove who’s the better man. However, let’s try to suppress some of the speculation by looking at the advantages and disadvantages of the art of war..
The community has become all too familiar with Shane Mosley and his rise. The stunning welterweight has reeked havoc on the sport since February of 1993.The road to welterweight supremacy was indeed a tough, yet arduous journey for Mosley. Ultimately, the years of experience, combined with the increased work rate has cemented Mosley’s place in the welterweight division. However, is this enough for the older fighter to conquer the speedier fighter in Andre Berto? More importantly, is age going to finally become a factor for Shane Mosley in his upcoming bout?
Speed has always been a huge factor in a fight. Just ask Andre Berto! The majority of the time, the young fighter in Berto, constantly outworks his opponents by landing the cleaner more effective punches. Hence, the undefeated record that Andre Berto strives to protect. However, when Andre Berto fought Luis Collazo we saw Berto in a bit of hot water. Both fighters were able to stun each other, and Collazo was able to catch Berto coming in. No doubt, Andre was the busier fighter in the bout, but weaknesses did seem apparent on Berto’s behalf. If Andre Berto expects the same treatment and power from Shane Mosley, it could become an early night for Andre Berto.
Age has become an interesting factor as well. Take fighters like Bernard Hopkins and Evander Holyfield; these might not be the best examples, but there decent enough to stake a claim. The two fighters in Hopkins and Holyfield have proved that there is life as an aging boxer. The age factor should not become an immediate disadvantage for Mosley, as proven in his recent bought with Antonio Margarito. Mosley managed to blast Margarito across the canvas throughout the fight and end with a ninth round TKO victory. Shane has proven his speed is apparent, and his strength has not diminished at all in recent bouts. Of course, with age comes experience. Shane Mosleys’ experience and fast adjustment rate should prevail over Andre Berto.
The work rate of Mosley will become an ultimate factor for Berto. Most likely, Berto will remain cautious, picking his shots with Shane. More specifically, Andre Berto has much more to protect; which is apparent in his undefeated record. Mosley on the other hand, will stalk, trap, and land several hard shots when the chance permits. Indeed the chess match seems logical. The only difference is Shane Mosley has been in numerous chess matches where the opponent has fallen short. Therefore, for the sake of this bout, age is just a number, and hopefully will remain suppressed until the end of the match up.
Personally, one of my major concerns is Andre Berto himself. That is, how Berto will fair in the ring. In Berto’s most recent match with Juan Urango, he was repeatedly criticized for punching Urango and falling into a clinch. Following this, Andre was repeatedly told by the referee to stop holding. Luckily for Mosley, he knows the advantages and disadvantages of this tactic, along with breaking through the defense of recent opposition.
Both fighters possess decent defensive skills. Although, at times; Shane Mosley is intent on using his chin for a defensive tactic. However, in Andre Berto’s recent matches against Luis Collazo, and Juan Urango; his chin has proved quite rock steady. But then again, no other welterweight hits like Mosley, and no other welterweight has the capabilities, and adjustment ratio like Shane. Either way, both fighters have a decent defensive game, but Berto’s seems more extensive with the speedy footwork.
While the public tends to slightly overlook each of the two fighters, it’s the ultimate anticipation that has nabbed our thoughts and speculations. Shane Mosley’s presence is stellar, constantly supported, honored, and appreciated in the sport of boxing. Andre Berto has quickly become a fierce opponent in the welterweight division and looks to make his mark on the sport. Nevertheless, Andre Berto looks to improve his unblemished records against one of the best welterweights in Shane Mosley. Ultimately, the unification bout will set the standards for the welterweight division, and possibly entice the next best thing to happen. That is, one of the two fighters to land a checkmate bout against Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Eagerly, we wait with anticipation for the great unification welterweight battle between Shane Mosley and Andre Berto on January 30, 2010. The beginning of this year promises to become another great year for boxing, and so it goes. The breakdown itself of the welterweight clash is an interesting one. There is so much speculation of who will leave the ring victorious and who won’t. Each fighter has plenty of magical tricks that will no doubt prove who’s the better man. However, let’s try to suppress some of the speculation by looking at the advantages and disadvantages of the art of war..
The community has become all too familiar with Shane Mosley and his rise. The stunning welterweight has reeked havoc on the sport since February of 1993.The road to welterweight supremacy was indeed a tough, yet arduous journey for Mosley. Ultimately, the years of experience, combined with the increased work rate has cemented Mosley’s place in the welterweight division. However, is this enough for the older fighter to conquer the speedier fighter in Andre Berto? More importantly, is age going to finally become a factor for Shane Mosley in his upcoming bout?
Speed has always been a huge factor in a fight. Just ask Andre Berto! The majority of the time, the young fighter in Berto, constantly outworks his opponents by landing the cleaner more effective punches. Hence, the undefeated record that Andre Berto strives to protect. However, when Andre Berto fought Luis Collazo we saw Berto in a bit of hot water. Both fighters were able to stun each other, and Collazo was able to catch Berto coming in. No doubt, Andre was the busier fighter in the bout, but weaknesses did seem apparent on Berto’s behalf. If Andre Berto expects the same treatment and power from Shane Mosley, it could become an early night for Andre Berto.
Age has become an interesting factor as well. Take fighters like Bernard Hopkins and Evander Holyfield; these might not be the best examples, but there decent enough to stake a claim. The two fighters in Hopkins and Holyfield have proved that there is life as an aging boxer. The age factor should not become an immediate disadvantage for Mosley, as proven in his recent bought with Antonio Margarito. Mosley managed to blast Margarito across the canvas throughout the fight and end with a ninth round TKO victory. Shane has proven his speed is apparent, and his strength has not diminished at all in recent bouts. Of course, with age comes experience. Shane Mosleys’ experience and fast adjustment rate should prevail over Andre Berto.
The work rate of Mosley will become an ultimate factor for Berto. Most likely, Berto will remain cautious, picking his shots with Shane. More specifically, Andre Berto has much more to protect; which is apparent in his undefeated record. Mosley on the other hand, will stalk, trap, and land several hard shots when the chance permits. Indeed the chess match seems logical. The only difference is Shane Mosley has been in numerous chess matches where the opponent has fallen short. Therefore, for the sake of this bout, age is just a number, and hopefully will remain suppressed until the end of the match up.
Personally, one of my major concerns is Andre Berto himself. That is, how Berto will fair in the ring. In Berto’s most recent match with Juan Urango, he was repeatedly criticized for punching Urango and falling into a clinch. Following this, Andre was repeatedly told by the referee to stop holding. Luckily for Mosley, he knows the advantages and disadvantages of this tactic, along with breaking through the defense of recent opposition.
Both fighters possess decent defensive skills. Although, at times; Shane Mosley is intent on using his chin for a defensive tactic. However, in Andre Berto’s recent matches against Luis Collazo, and Juan Urango; his chin has proved quite rock steady. But then again, no other welterweight hits like Mosley, and no other welterweight has the capabilities, and adjustment ratio like Shane. Either way, both fighters have a decent defensive game, but Berto’s seems more extensive with the speedy footwork.
While the public tends to slightly overlook each of the two fighters, it’s the ultimate anticipation that has nabbed our thoughts and speculations. Shane Mosley’s presence is stellar, constantly supported, honored, and appreciated in the sport of boxing. Andre Berto has quickly become a fierce opponent in the welterweight division and looks to make his mark on the sport. Nevertheless, Andre Berto looks to improve his unblemished records against one of the best welterweights in Shane Mosley. Ultimately, the unification bout will set the standards for the welterweight division, and possibly entice the next best thing to happen. That is, one of the two fighters to land a checkmate bout against Floyd Mayweather Jr.
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