Shane Mosley Jr. returns to the fray on the Joseph Diaz vs Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov undercard at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio this Saturday, live on DAZN, with the rising middleweight undaunted by a late change of opponent and focusing on titles, following the withdrawal of previous foe Jason Quigley.
Mosley (16-3, 9 KOs) was due to contest the vacant NABO middleweight title against former amateur star Quigley; however, the Irishman failed a pre-fight Covid-19 test a week ago, prior to flying to the USA.
Nevertheless, Golden Boy Promotions have retained Mosley on the card and the title status, with the son of the legendary Shane Sr. now meeting battle-hardened Mexican Cristian Olivas (20-7, 17 KOs).
The younger Mosley still views the bout as a platform for greater things.
“I was disappointed to hear that Quigley tested for Covid but I wish him all the best in his recovery,” Mosley told Boxing Social. “I’m sure this is a fight that will happen and I am focused on winning titles right now. I see it as a fight that will take me a step closer to a world title fight. My focus right now is on Saturday night and putting on a career-best performance.
“I’ve had a really good camp for this fight. I’ve been working with Bones Adams and we’ve really gelled well. I feel I’m really improving and always getting stronger and fitter, which comes from working with Larry Wade, too, and I’m just excited for the fight on Saturday.
“I’ve got to really thank my manager Mike Leanardi and Victory Sports and Entertainment alongside my promoters Golden Boy Promotions and Tournament of Contenders for keeping me on this card and on television. I’m happy to be fighting on DAZN in front of a massive audience worldwide and I’m ready to show off my improvements.”
Mosley, 30, is now guided by Las Vegas-based manager Mike Leanardi and the Chicago native gave his assessment on the middleweight’s development.
“Shane Jr. is looking great, he’s working with Bones Adams now and they’ve been getting on really well,” Leanardi told Boxing Social. “A lot of our teamwork with Larry Wade who is a world-class [strength & conditioning] coach and that’s been reflective in their performances. I’m really confident we can manoeuvre Shane into fighting for a world title in the next 12 months.
“I want to say a massive thank you to Golden Boy Promotions and Tournament of Contenders for keeping Shane on the card this Saturday night. Shane is always in entertaining fights and he is a great fighter for television, so I expect those watching on DAZN to enjoy his fight.”