‘Sugar’ Shane Mosley returns to the ring in another sorry situation for boxing fans who watched the former world champion’s career with admiration.
Mosley is set to fight on September 28 against a coach who compares his opportunity to face Mosley to the greatest underdog ever portrayed on screen. Bob Kofroth steps into the ring with Mosley as part of the ‘Celebrity Boxing’ circuit that continues to court controversy.
It’s the same entity that promised to put Riddick Bowe back in the ring when he could hardly move until later seeing sense. However, Mosley put out a video urging fans to watch his forthcoming fight but caused massive concern when promoting the fight.
Mosley said, “Make sure you watch my fight on September 28,” before fans responded. “Please don’t fight, Shane. You’ve got nothing left to prove,” said one.
Another added,” Wow, Shane Mosley is really slurring his words. There’s no need to be taking punches again at 53.”
A third stated, “He needs to knock it off. The last time he fought, he was a hollowed shell.”
Speaking to CBS, though, his opponent is looking forward to trading blows with a boxing legend.
“I feel like my situation is almost like a Rocky story,” Kofroth told CBS. “I came from nothing. A lot of people don’t know anything about me. I got a huge opportunity.
“I grew up watching him, and I know a little bit about him. I’ll keep everything else kind of to myself. We’ll see all that comes out on Saturday.”
He added, “I love boxing. I feel like a true boxer and fighter, and I want to be able to go out there and go toe-to-toe with someone who’s done it the best. Arguably, that’s just worth its weight in gold for me.”
Damon Feldman, the brains behind Celebrity Boxing, insisted the event would benefit Kofroth.
“It’s great because he is getting a lot of promotions to help his business out. He has a great family, and he’s a good guy.”
Mosley vs. Kofroth will take place at Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino & Racetrack in Philadelphia. Chester Mayor Stefan Roots predicts that 1,000 people will attend.
“We are ready, willing, and able to take on the big events,” Roots told CBS. “We’re revitalizing our city. Arts and entertainment is going to be a big part of it. All roads lead to Chester.”
It’s a far cry from Mosley facing Canelo Alvarez or Floyd Mayweather, but it’s sadly a sign of the times and world we now live in.
Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
