Former two-time middleweight champion Daniel Jacobs is set to face Shane Mosley Jr. in a 10-round fight at the Toyota Center in Anaheim, California. Jacobs believes that a victory in this upcoming bout will pave the way for him to secure a title shot at 168 pounds.
Despite not specifying his target for a world title fight at super middleweight, Jacobs seems to have his eyes set on a rematch with Canelo Alvarez, the current unified champion in the division. Their previous encounter resulted in a twelve-round unanimous decision victory for Canelo on May 4, 2019. Jacobs is eager for another shot at Canelo, considering the financial success he achieved from their first bout.
It has been four years since Jacobs secured a victory in the ring, with his last win against Gabriel Rosado in 2020. This extended gap between wins has led to a decrease in Jacobs’ relevance, particularly among younger boxing fans who may not be familiar with his career. Furthermore, Jacobs’ upcoming opponent, Shane Mosley Jr., does not hold a top 15 ranking in the super middleweight division, diminishing the potential impact of a victory for Jacobs.
Realistic Expectations for Jacobs
Jacobs must be realistic about the implications of defeating Mosley Jr., as it is unlikely to significantly boost his standing in the division. Given his lack of recent high-profile victories, Jacobs may struggle to garner the attention of top fighters and sanctioning bodies. Moreover, the prospect of Canelo granting Jacobs a voluntary title shot seems unlikely, considering Jacobs’ prolonged absence from the competitive scene.
If Jacobs truly aims to secure a title shot against Canelo, he may need to take a more strategic approach by challenging and defeating prominent contenders in the division. Fighters like David Benavidez, Christian Mbilli, David Morrell, Diego Pacheco, or Caleb Plant could offer Jacobs the opportunity to elevate his ranking and credibility. However, the challenge lies in whether Jacobs can compete with and triumph over these formidable opponents.
Despite the potential for Jacobs to climb the ranks with notable victories, there are doubts about his ability to remain competitive at the elite level. His recent loss to John Ryder and overall inactivity in the ring raise questions about his readiness to face top-tier opponents. Even if Jacobs manages to secure high rankings, the likelihood of Canelo entertaining a rematch remains slim due to factors like popularity and marketability.
Daniel Jacobs’ pursuit of a title shot at 168 pounds hinges on his upcoming performance against Shane Mosley Jr. While Jacobs harbors ambitions of facing Canelo Alvarez once again, he must navigate a challenging path filled with uncertainties and obstacles in a highly competitive division. Time will tell whether Jacobs can resuscitate his career and make a compelling case for a rematch with Canelo.