HBO Main Event - Margarito vs. Mosley

boxing betting fans will have the opportunity to witness another tilt in the long line of Veteran vs. Youngster matches that have flooded the squared circle recently. However, as tiresome as they may get, I still much prefer one old guy in the ring to two—don't expect any articles when the Holyfield-Bowe or Foreman-Holmes classics come back around.

Nonetheless, in this version of the age-old storybook tale, 37-year old Shane Mosley (45-5, 38 KOs) battles Antonio Margarito (37-5, 27 KOs) for the WBA welterweight title.

Boxing pundits and observers of boxing lines are privy to the incredible mismatch that is presented here. While Bernard Hopkins certainly proved those same experts wrong, it is fair to suggest that the elder fighter will be at a disadvantage, fitness-wise. No training in the world can prepare a boxer to face someone who averages 100 punches per round, as Margarito does. Anyone who witnessed the Margarito-Cotto epic is aware of what the reigning champ can do, and should be concerned for Mosley's health in this matchup.

Both boxers have told various media outlets that their game-plan is to control the pace of the fight. Margarito has been able to control the pace in every single one of his career bouts, because quite simply, it's hard to pace a man barreling at you with flailing arms and stinging jabs.

What Mosley must do to win...

Mosley is known for his hand speed, which will be his bread-and-butter once again in this contest. If the grizzled vet is to keep the lively Mexican warrior at bay, he will have to be with careful ring positioning and a strong, quick jab. Using that exact strategy, Mosley has never been knocked out, or stopped throughout his illustrious career.

In order to combat Margarito's onslaught, Mosley must keep the fight in the middle of the ring. Sure, he's never been knocked out before, but Margarito is adept at finishing fights and is ruthless along the ropes. No dope-a-dope this Saturday.

What Margarito must do to win...

In order to win the title, Margarito fought an absolutely perfect fight in dismantling Cotto. Even if Cotto hadn't thrown in the towel, Margarito's aggression, and lack of expression or wear when receiving punches would have made judges unanimously choose him as the victor.

Cotto is a very similar fighter to Mosley, relying heavily on hand speed and power, and thus it would be wise to employ the very same plan in this fight. Make Mosley punch from his heels, push him to the ropes, and let him use his hand speed to defend himself, rather than throw punches.

The Pick:

Sports betting enthusiasts should first take a look at boxing props before they make a moneyline play on this fight. In writing this piece, I tried to force myself to say that Margarito would win by knockout, but I couldn't do it. There's nothing in history that says Mosley can be knocked out, there's only opinions about his age and current skill level. Nonetheless, this fight is a prime candidate to go the distance either way. If you want to get greedy, take Margarito in a decision on boxing props, to cash in on higher boxing odds. However, 12 rounds is my guess.