Former multi-title holder Shane Mosley looked anything but an aging veteran of fifty prior kept appointments, as he battered defending WBA welter champion Antonio Margarito from start to finish. 

Margarito simply could not get off against the quicker handed Mosley - the accumulative right hands scored again and again before it took its toll - a Mosley barrage dropped Margarito late in stanza eight - and the handwriting on the proverbial wall hinted the tough Mexican was as good as cooked. 

Mosley quickly answered the bell for numero nine with knockout on the mind - a furious barrage dropped Margarito who had never before been stopped - referee Raul Caiz Sr. seemed ready to start a count when the Margarito corner wisely tossed in the towel. 

Post Scripts:

• Mosley (46-5, 29 KOs) ~ age 37 is rest of the story in a talent rich welterweight field. Just as Margarito looked unbeatable in the Cotto, Cintron, Golden Johnson KO wins -he then showed up for the Mosley fight clueless. Now is Mosley time - the field is full of piranha - better he now goes the pick and choose route.

• Margarito ( 37-6, 27 KOs) ~ age 30 -  chances are the Cotto  knockout win camouflaged the reality it was a last hurrah - but then only time will tell. The brave Mexican warrior looked dry answering the opening bell - he brought the fight to Mosley but the fire and passion was MIA - then stanza eight and nine slammed the door .

Closing comments: Larry Merchant and Emanuel Steward once again delivered the goods - a fight commentator team second to none.

 

GEL  - 1/25/09