“Magic” Mayweather Has “Sugar” Shane Spellbound

The eyes of the boxing world were on the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Saturday night, and to say we got treated to something magic was an understatement. Many pundits and top fighters, including Heavyweight champion David Haye, thought that this would be the night where “Pretty Boy” Floyd’s pristine record would become tarnished. After all, he was fighting Shane Mosley, one of the greatest boxers in modern history and a certain future hall of famer. Yet Mayweather managed to make Mosley look pedestrian.

The 38 year old former welter-weight champion seemed mezmirised by the speed and unerring accuracy of Mayweather’s punches, and there was a constant look of utter dejection on his face whenever he was sat in his corner. Meanwhile, Mayweather was looking so relaxed he must have been wandering what the fuss was all about. Only once did Mosley appear to rock Mayweather, landing two hefty right hooks on the undefeated champion, sending the crowd into raptures. But Mayweather showed the grit that many thought he lacked, and weathered the storm in spectacular style.

The brash boxer used his lightning fast jab and unbelievable movement to negate any threat that Mosley posed, and once again his counter punching was impeccable. Mayweather has been criticized in the past for not showing enough aggression in the ring and being overly cautious. However, such an accusation could not have been leveled against him on Saturday night. He was determined to prove a point to his many fans, and also his critics, and he consequently produced one of the best displays of boxing I have ever seen. If he wasn’t one already, this was the fight that cemented Mayweather as one of the greats of the sport, and it was fitting that Muhammad Ali was at ringside to witness it.

The final round of the fight was one of the most surreal that I have witnessed. Both Mosley and Nazim Richardson (Mosley’s trainer) sat in their corner knowing that this was a bridge to far for “Sugar” Shane. There was nothing left in the tank, while Mayweather looked as though he could go on for another twelve rounds. But both Mosley and most importantly Richardson, who had earlier threatened to pull him out, knew that this would be the former three weight world champion’s last hurrah, and to throw in the towel so late would seem an undignified way for a proud fighter like Mosley to take his final bow. And despite still outclassing his opponent, Mayweather seemed reluctant to go for the knockout. Maybe it was because he had too much respect for Mosley, and saw it fitting that the veteran fighter should at least have his record of not being stopped in tact. But that is something we will never know for sure. But what I do know is that Mayweather, who has now firmly cemented himself as the pound for pound best in the world, will be itching to take on Manny Pacquiao in one of the most eagerly anticipated bouts in boxing history. If Mayweather emerges victorious, it will be hard to argue against him being the greatest boxer of all time.