I wanted a more analytical opinion than that offered by the general forum. Since SSM fought Margarito, everyone is talking about his power at WW. However, I think that fight was much more to do with the stylistic matchup. Margarito tried to walk SSM down but he kept getting beaten to the punch. Subsequently, he couldn't touch SSM for the entire fight. Antonio was also wobbled early in the fight which tells me his rock hard chin has been eroded. Now the news on the street (General Forum) is that SSM is KOing every WW including PW. Is his power that good at WW or has he been overrated due to Margo's supposed granite chin? Thoughts?
Well, he was also the first guy to legitimately KO Wilfredo Rivera, who was considered pretty sturdy at the time. He also scored brutal and shocking KOs over naturally bigger men like Vargas and Mayorga. I'd say he has something of a history of showing pretty big power at times.
I also think its inconsistent though...and I feel his speed and physical strength play just as big a role in his stoppages. He at times laboured to put away smaller guys at lightweight..even though his dominance was quickly established. Couldnt put away a guy like Estrada. The Vargas KO isnt to significant IMO..though I picked Fernando to edge out the first fight..Shane took a long while to force a stoppage even when Vargas went all quasimodo early and it wasnt from a clean KO or anything. The second fight it was very clear that Vargas was not the same fighter that had had laced them up in their first encounter. Also it must be noted that Vargas' durability had taken a hit after the Tito fight and even a further one after the humiliating loss against Hoya, even when roided up. The Mayo ko impressed me somewhat...As Shane has looked **** all fight and really didnt look like he was hurting Mayorga to much until later in that fight..It must be said though that Ricardo's ability to take a shot wasnt what it used to be and he was spent by that last round. I think he still stops most at the weight though...whether it be from one punch or an accumulation he is still a dangerous puncher.
If there is a fighter, were Shane knows he is better than & slower. Then Shane can come foreward & attack with greater power. If a fighter has him backpeddling or there is a risk of he himself getting hurt, the power level goes way down. Like against. De La Hoya, Cotto or Forrest. Don't get me wrong. Shane still boxes very well, but he will not go for the knockout.
Shane knocked him out because of handspeed, not power. He landed very cleanly over and over and over again. Against a fighter better able to deal with said handspeed, he will not fare as well. Shane Mosley is not a prolific puncher at welterweight.
Shane Mosley can clearly hit with some force. Enough to put away Berto, and to hurt theothet Elite Welters. It's his handspeed which is effective. And he must hit with some force as big beatins never stopped Margo before, Shabe used his strength to tie him ip when he tried to get off and eventually stopped him. With Nazim in his corner Shane can still operate at the highest level. I personally feel some of his inconsistensy comes from his on-off working relationship with Jack Mosley. With Nazim he can rely o. His natural gifts AND he has a superb tactician and motivator in his corner. I honestly feel we have yet to see the best of Sugar Shane.
