On Saturday 24th January 2009 the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California hosted the Golden Boy Promotions and Top Rank promoted show featuring Shane Mosley and Antonio Margarito competing for Margarito's WBA Super World Welterweight Title. The contest aired on HBO World Championship Boxing and drew an attendance of 20,820, the largest crowd to ever witness an event at the Staples Center. Shane Mosley, with a record of 45-5-0, was the underdog against Antonio Margarito, who held a record of 37-5-0. Both fighters weighed in at 153½ lbs. Mosley ultimately emerged victorious, defeating Margarito by TKO at 0:43 in round 9.
Before the fight, controversy arose when officials discovered what one doctor described as plaster hidden in Margarito's wrapped hands, leading to accusations of cheating. Wet pads, likened to the material used to make casts, were found in Margarito's hand wrapping. Mosley's attorney, Judd Burstein, seized the incriminating pads, and on January 28th, the California State Athletic Commission temporarily suspended Margarito and his trainer, Javier Capetillo's licenses.
The fight began with Mosley aggressively attacking Margarito's body and displaying quick punches. Mosley used his jab effectively in the second round, keeping Margarito at bay. Margarito managed to back Mosley against the ropes in the third round, landing hard shots, but Mosley's powerful right hand punches helped him steal the round. In round four, Mosley landed two right hands that seemed to buckle Margarito's knees, followed by a round five dominated by Mosley's right hands and body combinations, causing blood to flow from Margarito's mouth.
In round six, Mosley continued to pummel Margarito with right hands and lefts to the body while blocking every counter punch. Margarito's fatigue and frustration were evident. Margarito attempted a comeback in the seventh round, but Mosley's defense and counter punching skills outclassed him. In round eight, Mosley unleashed a powerful combination that nearly knocked out Margarito, who barely made it back to his corner.
As the ninth round began, Margarito's corner almost stopped the fight but ultimately allowed him to continue. Mosley's relentless assault continued, pinning Margarito against the ropes. The referee intervened, stopping the fight and awarding Mosley the victory by TKO. The historic match showcased Mosley's skill and determination, as well as Margarito's record-setting 1,675 punches thrown in a 12-round fight, as he graciously conceded defeat to the great fighter, Shane Mosley.
