The Rough, Ugly and the Controversy

By Rene Estrada

LAS VEGAS, NV (February 9, 2003) - In the big awaited fight for the night, Sugar Shane Mosley (38-2-0-35 ko's) now has a no contest on his record. Raul Marquez (34-2-0-23 ko's) also with a no contest on his record.

Everyone wanted to see if “Sugar” Shane Mosley still had it after coming off of 2 devastating losses to Vernon Forrest last year.

Fans were also wanting to see if Marquez was still viable. In Marquez’ last 2 title shots he got knocked out in both. Most recently to Ferocious Fernando Vargas in (1999) and to Yory Boy Campas in (1997).

Both fighters eager to show the world that they are still on top of their game but from the opening bell it was a sloppy fight.

In round one both fighters were sizing each other out. After a couple of exchanges is when the first head butt happened. According to Raul Marquez he said " Shane caused the first head butt and I caused the second".

After the first butt there was a series of holding, pushing, and arguing in the ring between the two fighters.

In round two the disaster continued, both fighters landing a couple of big right hands on each other.

Round three was probably the ugliest finish so far this year.

Raul Marquez was very upset because of the head butts, he was also bleeding bad and constantly pleading his case to referee Kenny Bayless that Shane was fighting dirty. He did not want to continue and the referee called in the doctor.  The doctor checked the cut and stopped the fight.

Fans giving a loud roar of boo's, especially to Raul Marquez for not wanting to continue and box.

This is what was said in the post-press conference by Raul Marquez " I am very disappointed with the outcome of the fight, I am sorry it had to end like this. The people weren't giving me a chance from the beginning. I was looking good from the start catching him with a couple of big shots, and hurt him. He was getting broke down by my power and strength. His power wasn't what I expected and I didn't feel his power or body punches. The speed didn't surprise me, Shane told me that I was very strong and shocked him. All else I can say is I didn't quit and lets do it again".

Now for Sugar Shane Mosley, " I didn't end the fight how I wanted to, our styles didn't match. He worked out and trained very hard, and came to fight. We go way back to when we were about (12 or 13) years old from New Mexico, Albuquerque. I felt very fast and strong at (154) pounds. Raul tried to rough me up and dirty tactics were used back and forth. A few more rounds and the fight would have ended in a knockout in my favor.  Would love to do it again, but I am going through negotiations with Oscar De La Hoya. Good thing no one was seriously hurt, especially me j/k. We tried to make a good fight what can I say.”

In my opinion here is the breakdown. It was an ugly fight, the fans didn't get their money's worth, but great fights the rest of the night.

Raul Marquez was scared or either hurt because like Sugar said" He's not a traditional Mexican fighter because he quit".

Shane was up on all scorecards and would have dominated the fight.

Marquez didn't want a piece of 'Shane, and found a good excuse not to continue to box.

If I was Sugar Shane Mosley I would not fight someone who is going to waste his time, and should try to get the fight With Oscar De La Hoya at all cost.

Raul and Shane should not get together and do it again. NO WAY JOSE.

What do you readers think?