'Sugar' Shane Mosley Anounces Retirement

[Ruthless-RKO]

Former three-weight world champion Sugar Shane Mosley has announced his retirement from boxing.

The 45-year-old veteran told ESPN that his body will no longer allow him to properly prepare for a prizefight and that he has been forced to accept the inevitable following a decorated 24-year professional career.

“What happened was my arm is breaking down, my knees, shoulders,” said Mosley. “My back is starting to break down. My body is telling me I’m older and I can’t do it at 100 percent. I can’t see myself fighting again. I’d have to say I’m retired.”

Mosley (49-10-1, 41 knockouts) was a devastating talent. The Pomona, California, native won his first 23 bouts, 22 inside the distance, before challenging Phillip Holiday for the IBF lightweight title in August 1997. He prevailed via 12-round unanimous decision and knocked out eight consecutive challengers in less than 18 months.

However, it was Mosley’s ascent into the welterweight ranks that confirmed his standing as one of the finest fighters in the world. The dynamic boxer-puncher skipped 140 pounds and dominated two welterweight contenders before taking on California rival Oscar De La Hoya in Los Angles in June 2000.

“It was such a big event,” said Mosley, who claimed the WBC title by 12-round split decision in a stunning fight. “I am so grateful Oscar gave me that opportunity to showcase my skills on a worldwide level so people could see who ‘Sugar’ Shane was. When I fought Oscar it really put me on the world stage and I kept on winning and knocking people out.”

The one opponent Mosley couldn’t beat, far less knock out, however, was Vernon Forrest. “The Viper” decked his former amateur rival twice on his way to scoring a 12-round unanimous decision in January 2002 and repeated the dose six months later.

Not to be outdone, Mosley moved on to the junior middleweight division where he claimed THE RING, WBC and WBA titles with a controversial 12-round unanimous decision victory over De La Hoya in September 2003. This title reign was short-lived, however, as Winky Wright outpointed him twice in 2004 to establish his own superiority.

Mosley would then fluctuate between welterweight and junior middleweight with mixed success. He stopped Fernando Vargas twice but fell short against Puerto Rican star Miguel Cotto. The last great night was a pulverizing ninth-round stoppage of Antonio Margarito which saw Mosley win the WBA title in January 2009.

“I worked hard and I wanted to be a world champion and to make people happy when they saw me fight and I think I did that,” Mosley said. “People being happy and enjoying my fights and seeing that I put 100 percent into it was important to me and people have always shown me appreciation for it.”

The millennium’s “Sugarman” took on all-comers across three divisions and is a lock for the Hall of Fame. Following the recent retirements of Wladimir Klitschko, Juan Manuel Marquez and Tim Bradley, the 2023 class at Canastota might be the most glittering fans have ever witnessed.

[SaadOffTheDeck]

Man, if he sticks to that Wlad is probably looking at not being first ballot. Shane might not be either. Unlikely all of these guys stick to it, but if they do that will be a great reason to change the ballot from most votes for 3 to a % for however many meet the criteria.

[Ricky_]

Does this really need a poll? What kind of sicko would think Mosley should still be fighting?

[SaadOffTheDeck]

Nevermind, he didn't fight this year. As long as manny doesn't retire Wlad is good.

[SaadOffTheDeck]

The millennium’s “Sugarman” took on all-comers across three divisions and is a lock for the Hall of Fame. Following the recent retirements of Wladimir Klitschko, Juan Manuel Marquez and Tim Bradley, the 2023 class at Canastota might be the most glittering fans have ever witnessed.

Wlad is the only one that fought this year. Mayweather will be another. it comes down to Cotto & pacquiao. If both of them retired, I think Wlad waits a year.

[gilgamesh]

Nevermind, he didn't fight this year. As long as manny doesn't retire Wlad is good.

Wlad is more HOF worthy than Mosley anyway I'd say.

[gilgamesh]

The millennium’s “Sugarman” took on all-comers across three divisions and is a lock for the Hall of Fame. Following the recent retirements of Wladimir Klitschko, Juan Manuel Marquez and Tim Bradley, the 2023 class at Canastota might be the most glittering fans have ever witnessed.

Wlad is the only one that fought this year. Mayweather will be another. it comes down to Cotto & pacquiao. If both of them retired, I think Wlad waits a year.

Wlad's more HOF worthy than Cotto too.

[gilgamesh]

Also. Good luck to Mosley in retirement, though this kinda feels like the Marquez retirement where my first thought is "I thought he was already finished" rather than anything else, but anyway good luck to him.

[SaadOffTheDeck]

He's beloved by the media so he might get voted in over them. His accomplishments aren't on a level with either of them. Not even close.

[SaadOffTheDeck]

He is deserving of the HOF though, unlike his big bro.

[gilgamesh]

He's beloved by the media so he might get voted in over them. His accomplishments aren't on a level with either of them. Not even close.

What did Mosley and Cotto do that's so much better than what Wlad did?

[SaadOffTheDeck]

He's beloved by the media so he might get voted in over them. His accomplishments aren't on a level with either of them. Not even close.

What did Mosley and Cotto do that's so much better than what Wlad did?

Beat other top fighters. Look good in losses(Joshua is Wlad's biggest accomplishment to me). Everything.

[gilgamesh]

He's beloved by the media so he might get voted in over them. His accomplishments aren't on a level with either of them. Not even close.

What did Mosley and Cotto do that's so much better than what Wlad did?

Beat other top fighters. Look good in losses(Joshua is Wlad's biggest accomplishment to me). Everything.

I think the fact that Wlad reigned as a Champion from 2006-2015 in an uninterrupted reign eclipses those two. Though I'd give it to you that Mosley's biggest victory (DLH 1) is bigger than any of Wlad's wins, I don't think he was ever as consistent at the top as Wlad was...granted he was facing a stiffer field of competition though.

Cotto I don't think there's much of a case for. He never had a lengthy reign with ANY title that I recall. He has some big wins, and has had a wonderfully exciting career to watch, but Wlad ranks ahead of him in terms of achievement I'd say.

All 3 are Hall of Fame though definitely.

[Enlightened-One]

Former three-weight world champion Sugar Shane Mosley has announced his retirement from boxing.

The 45-year-old veteran told ESPN that his body will no longer allow him to properly prepare for a prizefight and that he has been forced to accept the inevitable following a decorated 24-year professional career.

“What happened was my arm is breaking down, my knees, shoulders,” said Mosley. “My back is starting to break down. My body is telling me I’m older and I can’t do it at 100 percent. I can’t see myself fighting again. I’d have to say I’m retired.”

Mosley (49-10-1, 41 knockouts) was a devastating talent. The Pomona, California, native won his first 23 bouts, 22 inside the distance, before challenging Phillip Holiday for the IBF lightweight title in August 1997. He prevailed via 12-round unanimous decision and knocked out eight consecutive challengers in less than 18 months.

However, it was Mosley’s ascent into the welterweight ranks that confirmed his standing as one of the finest fighters in the world. The dynamic boxer-puncher skipped 140 pounds and dominated two welterweight contenders before taking on California rival Oscar De La Hoya in Los Angles in June 2000.

“It was such a big event,” said Mosley, who claimed the WBC title by 12-round split decision in a stunning fight. “I am so grateful Oscar gave me that opportunity to showcase my skills on a worldwide level so people could see who ‘Sugar’ Shane was. When I fought Oscar it really put me on the world stage and I kept on winning and knocking people out.”

The one opponent Mosley couldn’t beat, far less knock out, however, was Vernon Forrest. “The Viper” decked his former amateur rival twice on his way to scoring a 12-round unanimous decision in January 2002 and repeated the dose six months later.

Not to be outdone, Mosley moved on to the junior middleweight division where he claimed THE RING, WBC and WBA titles with a controversial 12-round unanimous decision victory over De La Hoya in September 2003. This title reign was short-lived, however, as Winky Wright outpointed him twice in 2004 to establish his own superiority.

Mosley would then fluctuate between welterweight and junior middleweight with mixed success. He stopped Fernando Vargas twice but fell short against Puerto Rican star Miguel Cotto. The last great night was a pulverizing ninth-round stoppage of Antonio Margarito which saw Mosley win the WBA title in January 2009.

“I worked hard and I wanted to be a world champion and to make people happy when they saw me fight and I think I did that,” Mosley said. “People being happy and enjoying my fights and seeing that I put 100 percent into it was important to me and people have always shown me appreciation for it.”

The millennium’s “Sugarman” took on all-comers across three divisions and is a lock for the Hall of Fame. Following the recent retirements of Wladimir Klitschko, Juan Manuel Marquez and Tim Bradley, the 2023 class at Canastota might be the most glittering fans have ever witnessed.

I thought he'd already ended his career!

[SaadOffTheDeck]

I couldn't care less about titles in any era, especially this one. I care about opposition. They both have several wins that eclipse any of Wlad's and they have more than one good loss where as all of Wlad's were bad except for Joshua. Not even close for me in either case. I don't think any of them crack a top 20 in a division. Wlad could, most likely wouldn't mine.

[Blodhemn]

Retire from crazy women too!

[Ossyrules]

He's beloved by the media so he might get voted in over them. His accomplishments aren't on a level with either of them. Not even close.

What did Mosley and Cotto do that's so much better than what Wlad did?

With respect the skill level of mosley and cotto is better than wlads and they've fought much better fighters

[gilgamesh]

He's beloved by the media so he might get voted in over them. His accomplishments aren't on a level with either of them. Not even close.

What did Mosley and Cotto do that's so much better than what Wlad did?

With respect the skill level of mosley and cotto is better than wlads and they've fought much better fighters

But did they BEAT much better fighters?

[Ossyrules]

What did Mosley and Cotto do that's so much better than what Wlad did?

With respect the skill level of mosley and cotto is better than wlads and they've fought much better fighters

But did they BEAT much better fighters?

I'd say they did quite clearly. Just my opinion.

Wlad had sustained dominance but over weaker opponents. These guys around 140-160 never stay in the same division so we're comparing really quite different situations, but I'm confident cotto and Mosley beat better opponents

[gilgamesh]

With respect the skill level of mosley and cotto is better than wlads and they've fought much better fighters

But did they BEAT much better fighters?

I'd say they did quite clearly. Just my opinion.

Wlad had sustained dominance but over weaker opponents. These guys around 140-160 never stay in the same division so we're comparing really quite different situations, but I'm confident cotto and Mosley beat better opponents

I haven't really given a lot of in depth thought to it, my responses in this thread so far are coming from my gut, but...hey...let's get in depth.

I'll do a bit of quick research, and comment further.

[SaadOffTheDeck]

What did Mosley and Cotto do that's so much better than what Wlad did?

With respect the skill level of mosley and cotto is better than wlads and they've fought much better fighters

But did they BEAT much better fighters?

Obviously

[SaadOffTheDeck]

But did they BEAT much better fighters?

I'd say they did quite clearly. Just my opinion.

Wlad had sustained dominance but over weaker opponents. These guys around 140-160 never stay in the same division so we're comparing really quite different situations, but I'm confident cotto and Mosley beat better opponents

I haven't really given a lot of in depth thought to it, my responses in this thread so far are coming from my gut, but...hey...let's get in depth.

I'll do a bit of quick research, and comment further.

Mosley beat Oscar twice, Vargas twice, Margarito
Cotto beat Mosley, Martinez(yeah everyone calls him past it now but he was going to kill the diminutive Cotto) & Judah.

Also losses factor in a resume. Cotto looked very good against margarita & Floyd, solid against Canelo. Shane looked good against Cotto and the Forrest rematch.

That's not even taking into account the myriad of guys like Collazo & Torres that they beat, just leaving them out because it could be subjective with some of Wlad's bunch.

[gilgamesh]

Wlad's best wins

Chris Byrd 2x
Samuel Peter 2x
Alexander Povetkin
David Haye

I suppose the next best win is debatable. I'd probably give it the time he avenged his loss to Lamon Brewster, but you could argue for some other bouts.

Mosley's best wins

De La Hoya 2x
Margarito
Vargas 2x

and then I guess maybe Mayorga 2x or somebody he beat at Lightweight?


Cotto's best wins

Mosley
Sergio Martinez
Margarito (2nd fight)
Zab Judah


and I'd also acknowledge that Cotto would rank in my mind as ONE of Mayweather's more difficult fights. Certainly one of the 5 toughest nights in Floyd's career I think it's fair to say.

I don't know. While I'd grant you that those best wins are better than Wlad's best wins, the fact that neither Mosley or Cotto were ever able to consistently stay on top effects their standing for me.

I don't think any among the 3 have a case where they are CLEARLY more deserving than the other 2, it's just a matter of personal opinion and preference basically. They're all ultimately HOF bound, but it's much ado about nothing really.

[boxing_rocks]

He's beloved by the media so he might get voted in over them. His accomplishments aren't on a level with either of them. Not even close.

What did Mosley and Cotto do that's so much better than what Wlad did?

Wlad had to move up in weight

[SaadOffTheDeck]

Wlad's best wins

Chris Byrd 2x
Samuel Peter 2x
Alexander Povetkin
David Haye

I suppose the next best win is debatable. I'd probably give it the time he avenged his loss to Lamon Brewster, but you could argue for some other bouts.

Mosley's best wins

De La Hoya 2x
Margarito
Vargas 2x

and then I guess maybe Mayorga 2x or somebody he beat at Lightweight?


Cotto's best wins

Mosley
Sergio Martinez
Margarito (2nd fight)
Zab Judah


and I'd also acknowledge that Cotto would rank in my mind as ONE of Mayweather's more difficult fights. Certainly one of the 5 toughest nights in Floyd's career I think it's fair to say.

I don't know. While I'd grant you that those best wins are better than Wlad's best wins, the fact that neither Mosley or Cotto were ever able to consistently stay on top effects their standing for me.

I don't think any among the 3 have a case where they are CLEARLY more deserving than the other 2, it's just a matter of personal opinion and preference basically. They're all ultimately HOF bound, but it's much ado about nothing really.

Leija is more accomplished than anyone Wlad beat. Haye is pretty clearly his best win. Wlad deserves credit for facing the best of a weak era, on paper it's not much different from Omar Narvaez victims. I'm pretty surprised you place so much value on titles. I'll tell you what, Mosley and Cotto would have long dominant runs against a bunch like that in their divisions. They only lost to p4p caliber fighters until Shane got really old and Trout.