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02/14/2006 Archived Entry: "My Take on Mosley versus Vargas"
My Take on Mosley versus Vargas
By Jerry McGrellis
Mosley versus Vargas should have taken place 3 years ago. Both boxers have felt the affects of a tough career. The winner of this bout will have to protect his weakness and capitalize on his opponent’s weakness. Fernando Vargas’s tough career has left him with a glass jaw, which he has been able to hide in his most recent fights against lesser opponents. Shane Mosley’s tough fights have resulted in a loss of his rhythm, which is affecting his speed and power. In my opinion it is possible for Mosley to find his rhythm again and, as far as Vargas’ jaw, I do believe in miracles.
Both fighters have provided us with great boxing matches in their careers. Vargas would have done better staying at a lighter weight class. Some fighters can climb the weight ladder if their bodies can make use of the extra weight. In the case of Vargas, he was over his natural weight class when he stepped up against Oscar De La Hoya even though he gave a valiant effort. His bout with De La Hoya had an affect on his jaw. His match with Felix Trinidad did not help matters, either.
De La Hoya, himself, became prey to the same situation of going out of his natural weight class with his loss against Hopkins. Of course the name of the game is prize fighting and boxers must gamble for the big purses.
I can remember watching Mosley thinking no one is ever going to beat this guy. Mosley should have stayed away from Vernon Forrest. Forrest’s tall stature and willingness to trade punches left Mosley puzzled. He should have passed on the rematch because the puzzled look did not get any better in the second fight.
After his tough fights with Vernon Forrest we did not see him at his prime against Winky Wright. He has had a problem with his rhythm. His best weapon was his fast flurries, which would sooner or later end in his opponent being knocked out. He stated that he wanted to work on his power after one of his early bouts. His corner should be telling him that his power comes from his speed and he will do better if he can get off barrages.
Loading up on one punch has not helped his knock out percentage. You usually knock out your opponent when you are not looking for a knockout. If Mosley can find his rhythm, he will fix his problem and knock out Vargas. This is a perfect fight for Mosley; Vargas lacks the speed and power he possessed in the past. Mosley can collect another payday with out any real risks of being injured. This will not be the case if he fights a hunger fighter in his prime.
Vargas is a tough fighter who possesses a lot of pride. His only chance of winning the fight is if he attacks Mosley and backs him up. He needs to keep his chin down but let his hands fly. If he tries to box with Mosley he will get picked apart. For this courageous boxer he should go out in a blaze of fury.
That is why the fans love him. Fernando is a crowd pleaser. He would be a great addition to any boxing commentator team. He would certainly add excitement to the sport of boxing as an analyst.
Hopefully both fighters will have a good night; they deserve it with all of the excitement they have provided to boxing fans. Hopefully Mosley will find his rhythm and Vargas will protect his jaw. I would have to predict Mosley to be the winner of this match. I would take bad rhythm over a bad jaw any day in the boxing ring.
[Editor's note: McGrellis is a former amateur boxer and is presently working on a book, as he put it, "about growing up in Jersey City and boxing in Buffanos Gym." We wish him the best of luck in his venture!]
