Shane Mosley facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Shane Mosley
Mosley in 2018
Statistics
Real name	Shane Mosley
Nickname(s)	Sugar
Rated at	Lightweight Welterweight Light middleweight
Height	5 ft 9 in
Reach	74 in
Born	(1971-09-07) September 7, 1971 (age 53) Lynwood, California, U.S.
Stance	Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights	61
Wins	49
Wins by KO	41
Losses	10
Draws	1
No contests	1

Shane Mosley (born September 7, 1971), known as "Sugar" Shane Mosley, is an American former professional boxer. He competed from 1993 to 2016. Shane won many world championships in three different weight classes. These included the IBF lightweight title. He also held the WBA (Super) and WBC welterweight titles. Plus, he won the WBA (Super), WBC, and The Ring magazine light middleweight titles.

In 1998, the Boxing Writers Association of America named Mosley their Fighter of the Year. He also received this honor from the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2000. The Ring magazine named him the world's best active boxer, pound for pound, in 2000 and 2001.

Early Life and Boxing Start

Mosley was born in Lynwood, California. He grew up in Pomona, California. He has two older sisters, Venus and Cerena. Shane became interested in boxing by watching his father, Jack, box in street fights. His father trained and managed him from the age of eight.

Amateur Boxing Career

Mosley was a very good amateur boxer. He won several amateur titles, including:

• 1989 United States Amateur Champion at Lightweight (132 lbs)
• 1989 World Junior Championships Silver Medalist in San Juan, Puerto Rico (132 lbs)
• 1990 United States Amateur Champion at Lightweight (132 lbs)
• 1990 Goodwill Games Bronze Medalist in Seattle (USA) (132 lbs)
• 1992 United States Amateur Champion at Light Welterweight (139 lbs)

As an amateur, Mosley had an impressive record of 250 wins and only 16 losses.

Professional Boxing Journey

Starting His Pro Career

Shane Mosley began his professional boxing career on February 11, 1993. He was 21 years old. His first fight was at the Hollywood Palladium in Hollywood, California. He won by knocking out his opponent, Greg Puente, in the fifth round. Mosley fought six more times in 1993, winning all of them by knockout. In 1994, he fought nine times and won all his fights. Eight of those wins were by knockout.

Becoming a Lightweight Champion

On August 2, 1997, Mosley fought for his first world title. This was the IBF Lightweight championship. He faced the undefeated champion Philip Holiday. The fight went all 12 rounds. Mosley won by a unanimous decision, meaning all judges agreed he won. He took Holiday's IBF title.

Defending His Lightweight Title

Mosley defended his title many times. On November 25, he knocked out Manuel Gomez in the 11th round. In February 1998, he defeated Demetrio Ceballos by TKO in round 8. He also knocked out former world champion John John Molina in May 1998.

In June 1998, Mosley knocked out Wilfrido Ruiz in the fifth round. He then stopped Eduardo Bartolome Morales in round 5 in September 1998.

Big Lightweight Defenses

On November 14, 1998, Mosley faced Jesse James Leija. This was one of his toughest title defenses. Leija was knocked down multiple times. The fight ended when Leija could not continue for the 10th round. Mosley won, keeping his IBF world title.

He defended his title again in January 1999 against Golden Johnson. Mosley won by knockout in the seventh round. On April 17, 1999, Mosley made his eighth and final defense of the IBF lightweight title. He defeated John Brown by TKO after the eighth round.

Moving Up to Welterweight

After his lightweight success, Mosley moved up two weight classes to welterweight. He won two fights by knockout. This set up a huge fight against Oscar De La Hoya for the WBC welterweight title.

Mosley vs. De La Hoya I

On June 17, 2000, Mosley fought Oscar De La Hoya in Los Angeles. This was for the WBC welterweight title. The fight was the first boxing event at the new Staples Center. After 12 rounds, Mosley won by a split decision. This means some judges thought he won, and others thought De La Hoya won, but most picked Mosley. Both fighters looked tired and bruised after the tough fight.

Defending His Welterweight Titles

Mosley defended his new titles on November 11, 2000. He fought Antonio Diaz in New York. Mosley knocked Diaz down twice and won in the sixth round. On March 10, 2001, he fought unbeaten Australian Shannan Taylor. Taylor was knocked down in the first round. Mosley won when Taylor decided not to continue for round 6.

In July 2001, Mosley easily beat Adrian Stone. He knocked him out in the third round. After this win, Mosley wanted a rematch with De La Hoya or a fight against unbeaten Vernon Forrest.

Mosley vs. Forrest Fights

Mosley defended his WBC welterweight title against Vernon Forrest on January 26, 2002. The fight took place in New York City. Mosley was knocked down twice in the second round. He lost the fight by a unanimous decision. This was his first loss as a professional boxer.

Mosley and Forrest had a rematch on July 20, 2002. The fight was in Indianapolis. Forrest won again by a unanimous decision. He used his height and reach to his advantage.

Moving to Light Middleweight

Mosley's first fight at light middleweight was on February 8, 2003. He fought Raúl Márquez. The fight ended in a no contest. This happened because Mosley accidentally head-butted Marquez twice, causing bad cuts.

Mosley vs. De La Hoya II

Mosley and De La Hoya fought again on September 13, 2003. This time, it was for De La Hoya's light middleweight titles. Mosley won by a controversial unanimous decision. This made him one of the few boxers to win world titles in three different weight classes.

Mosley vs. Wright Fights

Mosley defended his light middleweight titles on March 13, 2004. He fought Ronald Wright in Las Vegas. Wright won the fight by a unanimous decision. Mosley had trouble getting close to Wright.

Mosley and Wright had a rematch on November 20, 2004. Wright won again by a majority decision. This meant two judges picked Wright, and one judge scored it a draw. Wright landed many more punches than Mosley.

Comeback at Light Middleweight

After two losses to Wright, Mosley worked to get back to the top. On April 23, 2005, he fought David Estrada. Mosley won by unanimous decision. Five months later, he fought Jose Luis Cruz. Mosley won that fight by unanimous decision as well.

Mosley vs. Vargas Fights

In November 2005, a fight between Mosley and former champion Fernando Vargas was set. This fight was important for a chance at the WBA light middleweight title. The first fight happened on February 25, 2006. Mosley won by TKO in the 10th round. Vargas's left eye was completely closed.

A rematch took place on July 15, 2006. Mosley knocked Vargas down in the sixth round with a left hook. The referee stopped the fight soon after. Mosley was faster and won every round on the judges' scorecards before the stop.

Back to Welterweight

Mosley decided to return to the welterweight division. In January 2007, he fought Luis Collazo. This was for an interim WBC welterweight title. Mosley knocked Collazo down in the 11th round. He won the fight by a clear unanimous decision.

Mosley vs. Cotto

On August 15, 2007, it was announced that Mosley would challenge undefeated Miguel Cotto for his WBA welterweight title. The fight was called "Fast & Furious." It took place in New York on November 10, 2007.

The fight was very close and exciting. Both fighters landed many punches. Cotto won by a close unanimous decision. This was Mosley's fifth professional loss. Mosley showed great sportsmanship after the fight, telling Cotto, "Good luck champ. You're a real warrior."

Return to Light Middleweight (Again)

Mosley vs. Mayorga I

In August 2008, Mosley fought former world champion Ricardo Mayorga. The fight was for a vacant WBA title. It took place in California, Mosley's home state. Mayorga started strong, but Mosley took control in the middle rounds. Mosley landed a big right hand that made Mayorga bleed. With less than a minute left, Mosley knocked Mayorga down. Mayorga got up, but Mosley knocked him down again right at the bell. The referee stopped the fight. Mosley won by TKO in the 12th round.

Back to Welterweight (Again)

Mosley vs. Margarito

Mosley at the American Music Awards of 2009

Before one of his biggest fights, Mosley started training with Naazim Richardson. On January 24, 2009, Mosley fought Antonio Margarito for the WBA (Super) welterweight title. The fight was in Los Angeles. Mosley, at 37, was not expected to win. Margarito was younger and had recently beaten a top fighter. Many thought Mosley would lose badly.

But Mosley surprised everyone. He completely dominated Margarito. Mosley used his speed, accurate punches, and strong body shots. He wore Margarito down. Mosley knocked Margarito down at the end of the eighth round. In the ninth round, Mosley landed many punches, forcing the referee to stop the fight. Margarito had never been stopped before. This was a huge upset win for Mosley. It put him back at the top of the boxing world.

The fight had some controversy. Mosley's trainer noticed something unusual in Margarito's hand wraps. Officials found a substance like plaster of Paris in them. Margarito and his trainer were suspended for a year.

Mosley vs. Mayweather

On May 1, 2010, Mosley fought the undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr.. Boxing fans had wanted this fight for over ten years. Mosley had to fight Mayweather because his original opponent, Andre Berto, pulled out due to the 2010 Haiti earthquake. In the second round, Mosley surprised Mayweather with two strong punches. But Mayweather recovered well. He used his quickness and counter-punching to control the rest of the fight. Mayweather won by a wide decision.

Mosley was later stripped of his WBA (Super) welterweight title. This was because he did not make a required defense.

Back to Light Middleweight (Again)

Mosley vs. Mora

Mosley at the Club Nokia in September 2010

On September 18, 2010, Mosley fought former champion Sergio Mora. The fight was in Los Angeles. It ended in a split draw, which means one judge picked Mora, one picked Mosley, and one scored it a tie. Many people thought Mosley won the close fight. Mosley landed more punches than Mora.

Back to Welterweight (Again)

Mosley vs. Pacquiao

On May 7, 2011, Mosley lost to Manny Pacquiao for the WBO welterweight title. The fight was in Las Vegas. Pacquiao knocked Mosley down in the third round. Mosley was dazed but got up. Later, Mosley pushed Pacquiao down in the tenth round, but the referee mistakenly called it a knockdown. Pacquiao won by a clear decision, with all judges scoring the fight heavily in his favor.

Final Fights and Retirement

Mosley vs. Álvarez

In February 2012, it was announced that Mosley would fight the young champion Saul "Canelo" Álvarez. Mosley was 40 years old, and Álvarez was 21. The fight was for the WBC light middleweight title. Álvarez won the fight by a clear decision. He landed more punches than Mosley. After the fight, Mosley said he might need to stop boxing. He felt Álvarez was too fast and good.

Mosley officially retired after this fight. His career record was 46 wins, 8 losses, 1 draw, and 1 no contest. He had 39 knockouts.

Coming Back (Again)

Mosley vs. Cano, Mundine

On March 19, 2013, Mosley announced he was coming out of retirement. He fought Pablo Cesar Cano in Mexico. Mosley won the fight by unanimous decision. This was his first win since 2009.

Mosley then fought Australian boxer Anthony Mundine on November 27, 2013. Mosley lost the fight when he stopped due to back spasms before the seventh round. Mundine won by TKO. Mosley said he would decide his future after returning home.

Second Retirement

Mosley announced his second retirement on December 7, 2013. He said he planned to become a trainer. He wanted to train his son, Shane Jr., and other young fighters. He mentioned he would only consider fighting again against top welterweights like Floyd Mayweather Jr., Manny Pacquiao, or Juan Manuel Márquez.

Final Comeback in 2015

Mosley vs. Mayorga II

On July 9, 2015, Mosley announced another comeback. He would fight his former rival Ricardo Mayorga again. The fight was on August 29 in Los Angeles. There was some drama at the weigh-in. Mosley's girlfriend poured water on Mayorga, and Mosley reacted strongly. The fight went ahead. Mosley won by TKO in the sixth round after a body shot dropped Mayorga. Mayorga complained it was a low blow, but replays showed it was legal.

Mosley vs. Lopez, Avanesyan

On December 2, 2015, Mosley fought Venezuelan veteran Patrick López. Mosley won by TKO in the 10th round. He knocked Lopez down four times in the fight.

On March 28, 2016, Mosley challenged WBA Interim welterweight champion David Avanesyan. Legendary boxer Roberto Durán became Mosley's trainer for this fight. Mosley lost the fight by decision after going the full 12 rounds. Avanesyan won on all three judges' scorecards.

Cancelled Kurbanov Fight

In March 2017, Mosley planned to fight unbeaten Russian prospect Magomed Kurbanov. The fight was delayed multiple times due to Mosley's hand and back injuries. Eventually, the fight was called off because Mosley could not guarantee he would be fully recovered.

Final Retirement

On August 16, 2017, Mosley announced his final retirement. He had been a professional boxer for 24 years. He told ESPN that his body could no longer handle training due to a bad elbow surgery. He ended his career with 49 wins (41 by knockout), 10 losses, 1 draw, and 1 no contest. He was only stopped once in his career.

Personal Life

In November 2002, Mosley married Jin Sheehan. They had three children together. They divorced in 2010. Shane also has a son, Shane Mosley Jr., from an earlier relationship. Shane Mosley Jr. started his own professional boxing career in 2014.

Pay-per-view Fights

Images for kids

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  Mosley with his trainer Roberto Durán, 2016

See also

• List of lightweight boxing champions
• List of welterweight boxing champions
• List of light middleweight boxing champions
• List of boxing triple champions
• The Ring magazine Pound for Pound