Shane Mosley sensationally stopped Ricardo Mayorga with one second to go in their non-title light middleweight bout in Los Angeles.
American provides thrilling finish and quickly looks ahead to future
Shane Mosley thrilled his hometown crowd at the Staples Center in Los Angeles with a sensational late stoppage of Ricardo Mayorga.
The American stopped his opponent with exactly one second to go in the 12th round of the non-title light middleweight bout to earn his 45th victory.
A flurry of punches proved enough to deny the judges any need decide the outcome. After 11 rounds, they had Mosley in front, albeit by a split decision.
The stunning finish came as something of a surprise after the two veterans had seemed to tire in the second half of the fight.
Telling blows
Fighting for the first time in LA since he got the better of Oscar De La Hoya eight years ago, Mosley landed the more telling blows throughout.
However, he had to wait until the closing minute to put Mayorga down, hitting him with a flurry of blows that sent the Nicaraguan tumbling to the floor.
Although he managed to lift himself in time to beat referee David Mendoza's mandatory eight count, a thumping left sent him on a quick return to the canvas.
This time the official didn't carry on his count, waving the fight off right before the final bell was about to sound.
"I could feel him getting weaker," said Mosley, who is now hoping to meet the winner of the rematch between WBA welterweight champion Antonio Margarito and Miguel Cotto.
"He was trying to play like he was strong. He might have stole some rounds here and there but I wanted to go for the knockout."
Uncertain future
While his rival contemplates his next outing the 35-year-old Mayorga may well be considering retirement having fought just twice in more than two years.
Although he did manage a majority decision over Fernando Vargas last November, he was soundly beaten by De La Hoya back in 2006 when challenging for the WBC light middleweight title.
"I thought I was doing well and I came out to win in the 12th round and he caught me," said the chain-smoking Mayorga.
"I will tell you one thing. He hit harder than I thought he would."
