Shane Mosley vs Andre Berto Preview

By Lee Payton

Nearly a year has passed since Shane Mosley stepped between the ropes for a prizefight. A shame really, since the 38 year old Welterweight Champion was born to be a professional boxer. Chasing irresistible money and opportunities to enhance a proud fistic legacy left him in the gym with no fight for way too long. He just couldn't get Manny Pacquiao or Floyd Mayweather to put pen on paper. No shock there...

Whether it was big business or 39 knockouts in 46 wins, neither mega-star wanted any part of Sugar Shane. Can't really blame them, I suppose. Making a deal to fight the green-eyed demon who took Antonio Margarito's soul last time out doesn't make much sense for anyone.

Enter Andre Berto.

The compactly built 2004 Olympian is fast, strong and more than a decade younger. On Saturday, January 30 the undefeated contender will take a huge step up in competition and if his timing is right, he might just earn an official "W" after the 12 most tense and taxing rounds of his life.

I mention timing because that factor can be as important as any other ingredient in determining a winner. When this fight first came up, Shane said he would rather get Margarito because he thought it would be an easier match-up. Many laughed, but he was probably right.

The difference in age and wear are concerns for those who back the rugged Californian. Putting that body in there with one of the quickest and most athletic guys around is a serious risk. They say old fighters hate speed, and I think they're right.

That said, who knows if Berto can stand up to the type of firepower he's in against? There's the intrigue. He can be young and speedy all night long, it takes but a fraction of a second for the lights to get shut off.

Wilfredo Rivera and Ricardo Mayorga had done well for 11 rounds before Mosley put them away with a great fighter's effort. A true KO artist for 12 full is something special and it's all new to Andre.

For Shane to win this fight, I think he has to make his power count. We know he has the chin to take the incoming, and deep lungs that allow him to endure in any situation. What I'm not sure of is how sharp he will be in an athleticism contest with a much fresher man.

Berto needs to stay careful and hope his youthful bounce is enough to get him over with 2 of 3 judges. If he does come away a winner, he'll have earned it because those ribs are gong to be sore for awhile.

It's a young man's chance to prove himself to the world and justify the hype. An old man's chance to remain in the sweepstakes. Recent word from Golden Boy Promotions is that "Money" awaits.

Prediction...

Shane hits too hard and doesn't wilt. I can't get around it. He'll be the only fighter in that ring who can afford to make mistakes.

I think we're looking at a bit of a sloppy fight, with both guys trying to nail each other with their best, but missing the mark much of the time. Prepare to see them in the clinch a lot. If you look for signs of who is getting the better of things, the physical grind can be interesting. That kind of fighting can take quite a bit from both sides, which could set up a memorable finish.

I'll take Shane by KO in the 11th with a beautiful left hook. Even fight to that point.

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