In what was described as a superfight made 4 years too late, Shane Mosley and Fernando Vargas faced off this past Saturday February 25, 2006 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.
Preceeding the fight, both Vargas and Mosley guaranteed victories, with Vargas looking ahead to a rematch with Oscar De La Jolla, and Mosley vowing to reclaim his name in the boxing world.
In what was described as a superfight made 4 years too late, Sugar Shane Mosley and Ferocious Fernando Vargas faced off this past Saturday February 25, 2006 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.
Preceeding the fight, both Vargas and Mosley guaranteed victories, with Vargas looking ahead to a rematch with Oscar De La Jolla, and Mosley vowing to reclaim his name in the boxing world.
Round one began with Vargas moving forward and Mosley working his jabs and moving swiftly around the ring. Mosley was able to land several solid right hands including some hooks and a string of stiff jabs that sent Vargas`s head snapping back.
The fight continued with Vargas trying to cut the ring off hunting for Mosley. Mosley was able to continue the success of his jab with using his quickness to evade Vargas`s rights and left hooks. Vargas was able to find a lead straight right hand that started bothering Mosley. Vargas was certainly the bigger and stronger fighter putting a significant amount of pressure on Mosley throughout the entire fight.
The clinches were broken up when Vargas would use his power to push Mosley off. After the first round, swelling around Vargas`s left eye became clear. Towards the fifth round, the swelling started becoming a problem for Vargas as Mosley`s right hands started landing with more consistency.
Vargas however, was able to stun Mosley a few times in rounds six and seven with left hooks and right straights. Mosley looked tired and weary during the breaks in the corner and Vargas`s eye was completely shut in the eight round and the swelling continued onto his cheek. The swelling was similar to what Hasim Rahman suffered when he clashed heads with Evander Holyfield.
Experienced and respected referee Joe Cortez consulted with ringside physician and Chairman of the Nevada State Athletic Commission between round nine and ten and decided to let the fight continue.
Mosley landed four overhand rights when Cortez stepped in and stopped the fight. The official result was Mosley by TKO.
