‘Sugar’ Shane Mosley is stepping back into the ring, much to the dismay of boxing fans who once admired his illustrious career. On September 28, Mosley will face Bob Kofroth, a boxing coach who likens the opportunity to a “Rocky” underdog story. Their bout is part of the controversial ‘Celebrity Boxing’ circuit, which has drawn criticism for staging questionable matchups.
The same organization previously attempted to bring Riddick Bowe back into the ring despite his physical limitations, only to cancel the fight later. Now, concerns are rising over Mosley’s return, especially after the former champion posted a video promoting the event. “Make sure you watch my fight on September 28,” Mosley urged, but his appearance left fans uneasy.
“Please don’t fight, Shane. You’ve got nothing left to prove,” one fan pleaded. Another commented, “Wow, Shane Mosley is really slurring his words. There’s no reason to be taking punches again at 53.” A third simply stated, “He needs to stop. The last time he fought, he wasn’t the same.”
Despite the backlash, Kofroth, who will be facing Mosley, is eager to take on the challenge. “It feels like a Rocky story,” Kofroth told CBS. “I came from nothing, and most people don’t know me. I grew up watching him. This is a chance for me to go toe-to-toe with one of the best. That’s priceless.”
Damon Feldman, the promoter behind Celebrity Boxing, sees this as an opportunity for Kofroth to gain exposure. “It’s great because he’s getting a lot of promotion to help his business. He’s got a great family, and he’s a good guy,” Feldman said.
The Mosley vs. Kofroth exhibition will take place at Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino & Racetrack, with Chester Mayor Stefan Roots predicting a turnout of 1,000 spectators. “We’re ready to host big events,” Roots told CBS. “We’re revitalizing Chester, and arts and entertainment will be a big part of that.”
While it’s a long way from Mosley’s previous bouts against the likes of Canelo Alvarez or Floyd Mayweather, his return is seen as a reflection of the current state of boxing, where spectacle often overshadows legacy.
The same organization previously attempted to bring Riddick Bowe back into the ring despite his physical limitations, only to cancel the fight later. Now, concerns are rising over Mosley’s return, especially after the former champion posted a video promoting the event. “Make sure you watch my fight on September 28,” Mosley urged, but his appearance left fans uneasy.
“Please don’t fight, Shane. You’ve got nothing left to prove,” one fan pleaded. Another commented, “Wow, Shane Mosley is really slurring his words. There’s no reason to be taking punches again at 53.” A third simply stated, “He needs to stop. The last time he fought, he wasn’t the same.”
Despite the backlash, Kofroth, who will be facing Mosley, is eager to take on the challenge. “It feels like a Rocky story,” Kofroth told CBS. “I came from nothing, and most people don’t know me. I grew up watching him. This is a chance for me to go toe-to-toe with one of the best. That’s priceless.”
Damon Feldman, the promoter behind Celebrity Boxing, sees this as an opportunity for Kofroth to gain exposure. “It’s great because he’s getting a lot of promotion to help his business. He’s got a great family, and he’s a good guy,” Feldman said.
The Mosley vs. Kofroth exhibition will take place at Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino & Racetrack, with Chester Mayor Stefan Roots predicting a turnout of 1,000 spectators. “We’re ready to host big events,” Roots told CBS. “We’re revitalizing Chester, and arts and entertainment will be a big part of that.”
While it’s a long way from Mosley’s previous bouts against the likes of Canelo Alvarez or Floyd Mayweather, his return is seen as a reflection of the current state of boxing, where spectacle often overshadows legacy.