'Sugar' Shane Mosley asks: Where's Margarito?

Pomona’s “Sugar” Shane Mosley said he has agreed to a 50/50 split to set up a fight with world welterweight champion Antonio Margarito of Tijuana.

But Mosley also claims that Margarito has gone M.I.A.

“He’s hiding, nobody can find him,” Mosley said. “Someone told him the fight was on, but I’m hearing they can’t bring him in to agree to it.”

Boxing sources familiar with the situation say Margarito was invited to the Las Vegas offices of his promoter, Top Rank, last week, but failed to show. Money is the suspected cause of the delay, according to a source who asked to remain anonymous because he is not permitted to speak publicly.

Mosley, the former four-time champion who is coming off of a knockout victory over Ricardo Mayorga, said he’s already made a significant compromise by agreeing to the revenue split for the fight that's expected to occur in late January in Las Vegas.

“I’m more of the draw. I didn’t want to give him 50/50, but I wanted to get the fight done,” Mosley said. “I could’ve made more fighting [unbeaten Andre] Berto. I’ll bring most of the people to this fight.
If he holds out any longer, I’m going to change the prices on him.”

Mosley also confirmed an earlier ESPN.com report that he has parted ways with his trainer-father, Jack, who will help to develop the boxing skills of Mosley’s son, Shane Jr. Mosley said he will work with Nazim Richardson, who is Bernard Hopkins’ trainer.

“Nazim has agreed to work with me, and we’ll get up to Big Bear as soon as possible, as soon as we see what’s going on with Margarito,” Mosley said. “If he was thinking I’m afraid to fight him, he’s wrong. I’m ready to fight.”

-- Lance Pugmire

Photo: Shane Mosley celebrates a knockout of Ricardo Mayorga during a junior middleweight bout at the Home Depot Center on Sept. 27. Credit: Harry How / Getty Images

Comments

[Ricardo]

Shane Mosley is wrong in believing that he's the main attraction in a fight with Margarito. Margarito became a must-see fighter for Mexican fans after his victory over Miguel Cotto. Wether the fight takes place in Las Vegas or Staples Center or Home Depot Center, Margarito's fans will surely be the majority, probably at 75-25. Pay Per View numbers will probably be similar. Of course Margarito will balk at a 50-50 offer. Margarito by late knockout.

[HUgo]

Ricardo,
I totally agree Margarito being the main attraction. After coming off a TKO over Cotto you bet He is the attraction. Yeah Mosley knocked out Mayorga but Mayorga was not undefeated. I highly doubt it Margarito is hiding. That's kind of ridiculous to even state. I'm sure Antonio is just a phone call away. Anyway, should be an awesome fight at least better than this Oscar-Manny circus that's going to happen. I say Margarito split decision but it shouldn't be an easy fight for either of them...

[seth]

margarito by late knockout LOL thats funny if anyone is getting knocked out it will be him! mosley will come 2 fight and anyone who thinks margo will walk right through him is CRAZY! mosley never backs down from anyone maybe margo should take some notes!! margo thinks he's the king now after his fight with COTTO but what he needs 2 realize is that there is tons of people gunning for that title and if he's not ready 2 accept all challengers step down! Mosley with pull off the upset and KO margo 8th round!

[ricky047]

If this was the mosley of 2001, he would walk through margarito. But its not, and that is what I'm afraid of. Margarito has been opening mouth alot after his win over cotto. I don't like that. Kinda made me wish I should of gone for cotto in that fight. I hope mosley pulls off the impossible but seems unlikely, just hope he doesn't get hurt in this fight.

[Boxing Fan]

Mosley speaks up a lot because that's the cheapest way to make money, marketing. I think Mosley is a dog that barks, but doesn't bite.