Tuesday, March 23, 2004
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

Mosley fires dad, seeks new trainer

By KEVIN IOLE
REVIEW-JOURNAL

Shane Mosley, left, is tended by trainer and father Jack Mosley during the fighter's loss to Winky Wright by decision March 13. Shane Mosley fired his father as trainer Monday. Photo by John Gurzinski. Jack Mosley, shown at a news conference last year, was fired as trainer by son Shane Mosley on Monday. REVIEW-JOURNAL FILE PHOTO

After a one-sided loss to Winky Wright and only one disputed victory to show for his last five fights, former world champion Shane Mosley has fired his father as his trainer.

The 32-year-old Mosley, who held world titles at lightweight, welterweight and super welterweight, announced Monday he was parting ways with his father, Jack Mosley, who trained him from the start of his amateur career as an 8-year-old.

Mosley has not hired a new trainer. He lost to Wright on March 13 as a 3-1 favorite at Mandalay Bay, after which Jack Mosley came under heavy criticism for his performance in his son's corner, seemingly offering contradictory advice.

Shane Mosley, whose only victory in the last two years was a hotly disputed decision over Oscar De La Hoya on Sept. 13, did not criticize his father or address specific reasons for the trainer change in a statement released Monday.

"I am going to miss working with my father," Mosley said. "Together, we scaled many mountains and I would never have had the success I've had if he had not been there to guide and teach me every step of the way. He is, without question, one of the all-time great trainers.

"More importantly, he has been a great father who I love very much. However, the time has come for my father and I to sever our professional relationship so that I can try some new avenues designed to give my fans the Sugar Shane Mosley they deserve."

Jack Mosley could not be reached for comment, but was upbeat in the statement released by his son. He said he remains close with his son and will continue to support him.

"Shane and I have had a wonderful professional relationship over the years that has complemented our love for each other as father and son," Jack Mosley said. "I understand and accept his decision that the time has come for him to be out there on his own. I will still be there for him, as I always have, as his father. He will always be able to call on me for advice and support."

In his last five fights, Mosley has lost to Vernon Forrest twice, fought to a no contest with Raul Marquez, won a decision over De La Hoya and lost to Wright.