Well, it lived up to expectations, last night’s HBO dual unifier … Wright
retains the WBC/WBA straps by majority decision over a game Mosley who gave it
an honest effort.
The return was fast-paced and spirited from start to finish … not exactly a
classic, but more a 100% throwback hard noser in style ... as an old tune once
shouted it, "Anything Goes."
First hint of something different came as early as a pre-fite camera peek of
both dressing rooms … the Mosley shoot showed a redesigned model in physique.
Gone was the iron-pumping, overly muscled version, the one adopted when stepping
up in weight classes.
Missing as well was the nutritionist, pill popping, bodybuilder approach that
was clearly exchanged for something of a look-a-like to the yesterday 135-147lb
sleeker model.
The camera take of Wright was pretty much as always … tall, wiry, smooth
muscled, and with it a look of quiet confidence - and then the walk-in:
Mosley looked determined … a smile from time to time but nothing like them glory
days at lightweight and grinning from ear to ear … all business summed it up.
Then when nearing ringside he begins a sudden dash to the steps and up into the
ring.
Wright followed with a casual stroll of calm demeanor from aisle to ring … he
then acknowledged the crowd with raised glove.
And then the opening bell … over the early stanzas it was all Winky who pressed
Shane behind the jab and the left hands to build a sizable lead over an unsure
Mosley.
Mosley brought the crowd to its feet in number five, an explosive two-fisted
barrage that saw Wright drop both hands and invite Shane to take his best shots
… only damage was slight … was a body punch getting Winky’s attention.
From that point on the Wright freebies would be history as he got back to
business en route to a solid win while outscoring Mosley over most of the going.
Official scoring went Hubert Earle having it even at 114-114, Duane Ford and Tom
Kaczmarek turned in matching 115-113 for the winning Wright.
My unofficial saw it Wright 8-4 in rounds and 116-112 via point scoring.
Wright now at 48-3, 25 KO’s and Mosley at 39-4, 35 KO’s.
Post Scripts: Wright ~ Nothing really changes … what you see is what you get.
Excellent technician from the port side, the jab stings, confuses, and gets
most foes out of rhythm. The chin is real and he comes ready to battle. Short on
major league clout but not bashful in taking anything given from the other guy.
Claims to now be looking ahead to either Oscar, Trinidad, Hopkins. Thinking here
is scratch Trinidad and Hopkins from wish list. Trickery alone won’t get it done
with them two.
Mosley ~ The new look definitely helps the image … guess
is against an orthodox in style foe he’ll enjoy a much better scoring percentage
than he had against quality defense of Winky. A Hoya fight at welter would draw
well as it always does. The 154 division will cause problems unless going the
hand picking route. Definitely showing signs of slowing down. Has a need to
search before cutting loose unlike the days the opening was enough to quickly
pull the trigger.
Joe Cortez ~ Must have been something in the drinking
water … good old "fair but firm" had a good outing.
