Shane Mosley has challenged Sergio Mora to prove he can be a "Mexican star" on September 18.
Mora out to prove his worth at his 'boxing home'
Shane Mosley has challenged Sergio Mora to prove he can be a "Mexican star" when the duo clash in Los Angeles on September 18.
The fight, which is also taking place on Mexican Independence Day weekend, also gives the five-time and three-division world champion the opportunity to appear at his "boxing home" of the Staples Center once again as he looks to bounce back from the defeat he suffered against Floyd Mayweather Jr in Las Vegas back in May.
It will be the first time Mosley (46-6, 39 KOs) has returned to his Southern California backyard since his dominant ninth-round knockout performance against then welterweight champion Antonio Margarito in January 2009.
The 38-year-old American also won his only other fight at Staples Center when defeating Oscar De La Hoya in 2000 and he is now looking to make it a hat-trick against 'The Latin Snake' in a light middleweight showdown.
Talent
He said: "I am happy to be fighting at Staples Center again and on a card like this with great up-and-coming talent.
"I am going to give Sergio, the younger guy, a chance to see what he can do.
"I am giving him the opportunity to see if he can take on a great warrior like me. Let's see if he is going to be the Mexican star that can beat me on September 18 at Staples Center which is my boxing home."
Mora (22-1-1, 6 KOs), a former WBC light middleweight champion, last fought at Staples Center in 2005 when he scored a thrilling split-decision victory over Peter Manfredo in a rematch of his final bout championship win of the first season of the reality series "The Contender".
Going unbeaten in his next four fights, Mora began to rapidly climb the light-middleweight ranks, eventually earning a shot at the world title held by the late Vernon Forrest in June 2008.
Mora clinched the belt via a majority decision but would lose it back to Forrest in a rematch three months later.
Honour
The 29-year-old returned to the ring in April this year, beating Calvin Green with an impressive seventh-round knockout and he is now looking to become the first fighter of Mexican descent to defeat Mosley.
Mora said: "It is an honour to be fighting Sugar Shane Mosley.
"I respect Shane, but September 18 is not the Shane Mosley show. It's mine...the Latin Snake's, real debut.
"I am a proud Mexican-American, in my prime and I am here to prove myself against one of the best fighters of this era."
Also appearing on the card will be rising Mexican prospect Saul Alvarez against former world champion Carlos Baldomir as well as top light-welterweight contender Victor Ortiz, who will face Vivian Harris.
President of Golden Boy Promotions Oscar de la Hoya said: "On September 18, fight fans will see the present and future of boxing while they commemorate Mexico's Bicentennial Independence Day."
And CEO of Golden Boy Promotions Richard Schaefer added: "On September 18, we will continue to celebrate the great heritage of Mexican and Mexican American boxing that historically takes place during Mexican Independence Day weekend.
"These fighters are not just coming to win, but they are coming to win in an exciting and spectacular fashion in front of adoring and knowledgeable boxing fans at Staples Center."
