24 years ago

Date: 4th November 2000

Title: WBC World Welterweight Title

Promoter: Cedric Kushner Productions

Referee: Arthur Mercante

Tv: HBO World Championship Boxing

Shane Mosley
( 35 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 146½ lbs

Antonio Diaz
( 35 - 2 - 0 )
Weight: 146½ lbs

On Saturday, 4th November 2000, the Madison Square Garden Theater in New York was the scene of an electrifying WBC World Welterweight Title bout between the defending champion Shane Mosley and challenger Antonio Diaz. The fight, promoted by Cedric Kushner Productions, was part of HBO World Championship Boxing series. Both fighters stepped into the ring with impressive records - Mosley at 35-0-0 and Diaz at 35-2-0, with each weighing in at 146½ lbs.

In the early rounds, Mosley, recently declared the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world by Ring magazine, established his dominance. The 24-year-old Diaz, the reigning IBA junior-welterweight champion hailing from Coachella, California by way of Jiquilpan, Michoacan, Mexico, was fighting for the first time in a weight class other than 140 pounds. Despite his recent success, including knockout victories over Hector Quiroz, Mauro Lucero, and Ivan Robinson, as well as decision wins against Cory Spinks, Emanuel Burton, and Mickey Ward, Diaz faced an uphill battle against the formidable Mosley.

As the fight progressed, Mosley's speed and precision overwhelmed Diaz. In the second round, Mosley sent Diaz to the canvas with a powerful combination. Diaz managed to recover, but it was becoming increasingly clear that Mosley's skill and power were too much for the challenger to handle.

Diaz continued to battle valiantly, but Mosley's relentless assault finally took its toll in the sixth round. Mosley's accurate punches and excellent footwork led to two more knockdowns, leaving Diaz struggling to get back to his feet.

At 1:36 in the sixth round, the referee, Arthur Mercante, had seen enough and called a stop to the contest, declaring Mosley the winner by TKO.