By Mike Indri
Retired Boxers Foundation
(New Jersey State representative)
September 13, 2003

Shane Mosley came in sporting two-tone blue with an embroidered message of "sugar repeat", while the 154lb. Champion Oscar De La Hoya-white robe with black trunks, vowed for revenge. The jam packed, sold out crowd at the Las Vegas MGM Grand and the millions watching on HBO/PPV appeared as anxious and ready for this super fight rematch as the two fighters themselves. Everyone had his or her opinion, and almost everyone was picking Oscar.

Since losing a split-decision to Mosley in June of 2000, De La Hoya had reeled off four victories and looked better than ever in knocking out Fernando Vargas and Yori Boy Campos in his last two fights. Mosley, on the other hand, hadn't won since beating De La Hoya (a hard fought victory) in 2000. Sugar Shane suffered two disastrous losses to Vernon Forrest last year as well as a 3 round no-decision with Raul Marquez, which was stopped for accidental headbutts, earlier this year.

From the onset both fighters fought a tactical, strategic fight. Appearing pensive and cautious each warrior tried to pick his spots. Mosley did land a big left hook but Oscar displayed a precision jab and used it to win the 1st and many of the early rounds.

De La Hoya was fighting a smart fight and controlled the action. Mosley appeared confused and unable or unwilling to get to Oscar. If Mosley was going to have a chance he was going to have to get much busier.

An accidental headbutt 30 seconds into the 4th round left De La Hoya bleeding from his right eye. Seeing his opponent's blood and sensing he may be affected, Mosley began to turn up the pressure and actually won the exchanges. This was the first round I gave to Mosley.

Rounds 5, 6 and 7 saw much of the same: De La Hoya boxing brilliantly and fighting a sound fight. Using his effective jab to bother Mosley enough to keep him out of rhythm and unable to penetrate Oscar's defense. De La Hoya's perfect jab and boxing style was neutralizing Mosley's greatest weapon - his speed.

Mosley starts the 8th round busier and finally starts throwing-and landing combinations. Up until this point Sugar Shane was relying on one punch, never following up or throwing shots with both hands.

The 9th round is vintage Sugar Shane-his best round! Throwing power shots, in bunches, Mosley appears to have Oscar hurt and slowing down. Fans are back into the fight and while earlier referee Joe Cortez had to wave both fighters together, yelling "let's fight", both guys are now mixing it up.

Round 10: De La Hoya fights back, and while slowing down, is back to bouncing on his toes and boxing. Mosley senses time is running out and tries to force the action.

The final 2 rounds were action packed and had the crowd on its feet! Both fighters were throwing bombs in round 11 and for most of the round were toe-to-toe. Oscar caught Mosley with a thunderous shot, which knocked out Shane's mouthpiece. Referee Joe Cortez had to jump in between both fighters to pry them apart as the bell sounded ending the round.

Round 12 saw a desperate Mosley winging punches and trying to get the knockout that both he and his trainer/father Jack Mosley thought they needed to win this Championship bout. Oscar, not heeding his own corners advice to just keep his distance and box, showed his grit and determination and exchanged power punches with the quicker and stronger Mosley. Holding his own right up to the final bell De La Hoya knew he had controlled the fight and skillfully out-boxed and out-punched Mosley.

Hearing that all 3 judges were unanimous with identical 115-113 scorecards had me shaking my head in wonder, as I thought Oscar's victory would have been seen as wider-spread. To hear Michael Buffer announce "the winner and NEW SuperWelterweight Champion Sugar Shane Mosley" made my stomach cringe.

No disrespect to Shane Mosley, a great Champion and a class person, it's just that I knew all the ugliness of the beautiful sport I love would now take center stage once again.

We all know that the numbers shouldn't be used to dictate scoring, but in this fight Oscar De La Hoya totally dominated the punch-stat numbers. Landing over 100 more total punches (221-127), Oscar landed more power shots, 115 to Mosley's 94 and totally dominated with his superior jab 106-33. At best for Mosley my scoring would have been 116-113 with De La Hoya the clear winner.

Although Oscar will get an "L" for tonight's bout on his record (now 36-3, 29KO's), while Mosley improves to 39-2 with 35KO's the real loser tonight is the sport of boxing.