Las Vegas Plastic Surgery
Pre-Fight Musings from a Post-Fight Plastic Surgeon
As many of you may know, I continue to have the honor and privilege to tend to the wounds of fighters as a ringside physician and post-fight plastic surgeon in Las Vegas. I do this mostly for Bob Arum’s Top Rank Boxing. It has been a dream realized to have the opportunity to contribute to the sport of boxing. I have been fortunate, as the fighters I have worked on have truly all been champions, some have belts to prove it, and others are still working on it. They have consistently been brave and amiable, even those who might have lost that evening. They know that this type of injury goes along with the rest of the sport. Pacquaio and Mosley, the two men who will collide in the ring Saturday, May 7th at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas, NV, are excellent fighters at the peak of fitness and preparation.
The first pugilist is Filipino Congressman Manny Pacquiao, a true octuple champion with a record eight titles in eight weight classes. He was the first fighter I was ever called upon to suture wounds. His boxing skills continue to progress as he works with the best trainer in boxing, Freddie Roach. Pacquiao’s power continues to increase as he ascends in weight class, and it has not impacted his signature ridiculous speed. With his extensive study and review, Roach has added hitting from unorthodox angles to Pacquiao’s armamentarium. His opponent often will never see a punch coming, and then when he tries to respond with a punch in kind, Pacquiao’s agility and speed have already taken Manny out of harm’s way.
The other combatant is “Sugar” Shane Mosley. He is a former World champion, and veteran fighter. “Sugar” is quick to adapt, and is a student of the sport. He is also adept at understanding fighters’ particularities. In his last outing, (against Floyd Mayweather), Sugar caught Floyd in the second round. It wobbled the undefeated Mayweather’s knees and brought the fans to their feet. Mayweather escaped the round, made adjustments, and eventually prevailed. However, this moment showed that Mosley is still a very dangerous fighter. He has staked everything on this contest, personally and professionally, moving from under Golden Boy Promotion’s umbrella to his own promotional company just to take this fight. He is laying all on the line, and is preparing accordingly.
Pacquiao and Mosley are both excellent fighters and good men. This is another fight where, thankfully, no “trash talking” or disparaging comments have been made from either side. They are both professionals who like to make their statements in the ring. They know they are indebted to their fans and both men will deliver in the ring. As people, they are both considerate and amiable out of the ring. In the ring they are both fearless and relentless.
I hope that no one will need the services of a plastic surgeon after the fight.
Best wishes to both fighters. I can’t wait for Saturday night’s bell…
Jeffrey J. Roth, M.D., F.A.C.S.
(702) 450-0777www.jjrothmd.com
