17 years ago today: Miguel Ángel "Junito" Cotto Vázquez vs. "Sugar" Shane Donte Mosley, Sr.

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SSM was already a lock for the IBHOF. In all probability so was Cotto (barely) based just on his 140lb run followed by jumping up for a few high profile victories at welter. Both had blockbuster matches ahead with Mayweather, Mayorga, Margarito, and Canelo.

...but, as little as it gets discussed, it can't be overstated what big hypin' deal this was for all boxing fans in 2007 - and in particular a rare sumptuous treat for aficionados of the 147lb division. Now before anybody starts in with surmising that it was some kind of secondary consolation prize for PBF vs. Pac - nay, sir. :no: That circus didn't pitch tents until '09. Other than either of these guys - or their future common rival Tony M. - challenging the weight class' and sport's p4p kingpin Mayweather, this was as good as you could hope to ask for.

Miguel was the ascendant, younger, undefeated and (slightly) favored man to be sure - a 30-0 box office draw and maybe HBO's second biggest name in the years preceding Golovkin's arrival on that stage - but Shane was by no means a gimme and was on a strong run of form since his last double banana peel against Winky. Consecutive stoppage victories over El Feroz and then a wide UD over Collazo (late of a controversial loss to Ricky Hatton) showed he was still formidable, if not quite the ferocious mythical creature he was at 135 and his early days at WW. He also was, if nothing else, a more than solid puncher even as high as light middle - and whispers of "chinniness" had plagued Junito since the super lightweight days.

It played out close, and while the bulk of boricua faithful were happier with the outcome than most of the Azucar contingent, it was a good fight where you couldn't really begrudge it going either way. Not among either man's top five most discussed from their respective careers - but a high level contest worth a revisit.