[bigben]

Showdown, Vargas vs. Mosley
Boxing superstars "Ferocious" Fernando Vargas and "Sugar" Shane Mosley finally meet Saturday, February 25, Live on Pay-Per-View.

LAS VEGAS, NV (November 18, 2005) - They are two of the premier boxers of this generation, superstars who transcended the sport and competed in some of the most memorable bouts in recent years. But the timing was never right for these two multiple world titleholders to meet. UNTIL NOW!

On Saturday, February 25th, "Ferocious" Fernando Vargas and "Sugar" Shane Mosley will finally clash in a highly-anticipated 12 round junior middleweight showdown at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Vargas vs. Mosley - "Showdown" is presented by Main Events and Golden Boy Promotions and will be broadcast live on HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9pm ET / 6pm PT.

I am not going to disrespect Shane Mosley. He is a world champion and I consider him a friend. I actually have nothing but love for Shane Mosley; nothing but love. But on February 25, when that bell rings, there are no friends in the ring. - Fernando Vargas

For the winner, another world title opportunity will be in the offing. For the loser, it's a long road back.

"I know 'Sugar' Shane Mosley and Fernando Vargas very well, probably better than I really want to," laughed Golden Boy Promotions President Oscar De La Hoya, who has fought Mosley twice and Vargas once. "They are both tremendous warriors who will not leave the ring without having giving their all for themselves and their fans. It's rare to see fighters like this these days, and I know that February 25th is going to be a great day to be a fight fan."

"This is as exciting an event as you can get in boxing," said Kathy Duva, CEO of Main Events. "Not only do you have two of the sport's biggest names, but you have quite a 'Round Robin' circle. Mosley defeated De La Hoya and De La Hoya beat Vargas, while Vargas beat Wright and Wright defeated Mosley. This is an intriguing, evenly-matched showdown."

"We are excited to kick off the 2006 boxing calendar with this sensational event," said Richard Sturm, president of entertainment and sports for MGM MIRAGE. "Vargas and Mosley are spectacular fighters and will provide an electric atmosphere for the Mandalay Bay fans."

"Fernando Vargas and Shane Mosley have faced every big challenge, and now they're finally facing each other," said Mark Taffet, HBO Senior VP of Sports Operations & Pay-Per-View. "Boxing fans will truly appreciate this matchup of stars."

This is going to be a great fight for California. We had me versus Oscar, Oscar versus Fernando and now we can have Shane against Fernando. It will be a battle of California for the third time. I can't wait for the fight, I know he can't wait and it'll be a great fight. I'll be ready for the fight and well prepared. He better be ready, too. - Shane Mosley

Vargas (27-2, 23 KO's) is one of the sport's most popular boxers thanks to his "ferocious" style and extraordinary courage. The 27-year-old Oxnard, CA native earned himself a spot among boxing's top fighters when he pounded out victories over former world champion Ike Quartey and The Ring magazine's #2 ranked "Pound-For-Pound" boxer Ronald "Winky" Wright. A two-time world champion, Vargas earned boxing stardom by virtue of his two "Fight of the Year" clashes. In 2000, Vargas squared off against Felix Trinidad in one of the years most action packed events and in 2002 he faced rival Oscar de la Hoya. The two bouts together received over 1.5 million pay-per-view buys. "El Feroz" has won his last four bouts.

Three-time world champion Shane Mosley (41-4, 35 KO's) has spent the majority of the past six-plus years unanimously rated among the sport's top-10 "Pound-For-Pound" fighters. The 33-year-old Pomona, Calif. native twice defeated future Hall of Fame fighter Oscar de la Hoya-the only boxer to ever do so-after dominating the lightweight division by successfully defending his crown eight times. Their first fight in 2000 ended in an all out battle with Mosley rallying to win a split decision. In their second bout in 2003 Mosley landed on top again scoring a unanimous decision over the Golden Boy. Both bouts combined received over 1.5 million pay-per-view buys.

[Tommy]

Mosley all night tonight!!

[bigben]

yes it was Mosley all nite for the W
i went with the vet here mosley the older guy LOL love when they say
older guy is all done

[naught33]

didnt watch the fight just saw the result, was it even a good fight or no

[Tommy]

Sugar Shane whooped his ass

[naught33]

both fighters suck imo..shanes biggest asset was his speed, which he still has a little of, but not to the point where he did when he was dominant....vargas is overhyped, doesnt have much of a heart....oh well boxing is boring these days

[bigben]

Boring hmmmmmmmmmm not by my standards (boxing)