DE LA HOYA-MOSLEY II: THIS TIME IT WILL BE DIFFERENT.

Byline: MICHAEL ROSENTHAL

LAS VEGAS - Shane Mosley was the better fighter when he outpointed Oscar De La Hoya three years ago at Staples Center. De La Hoya admits it. And boxing historians say the winner of the first fight also wins the rematch 70 percent of the time.

So does that mean Mosley is going to win Saturday at the MGM Grand? No way.

The fighters who will walk into the ring in front of a sellout crowd of 16,268 three days from now are entirely different from the fighters who met in 2000. The result will be different, too.

De La Hoya: Then and now

Then, he was distracted by his fledgling singing career and other outside interests. Now, obsessed with the idea of revenge and his place in history, he has pushed frivolous hobbies aside and is focused squarely on boxing.

Then, he had outgrown longtime trainer Robert Alcazar. In effect, he trained himself. Now, he has a mentor - Floyd Mayweather - he believes in and never has been more confident as a result.

Then, without proper guidance, his ill-advised game plan was to score a knockout even though he's not at his best as a brawler. He fought like a robot when he should've danced. Now, he'll jab and move.

Then, he trained hard but not hard enough - he faded down the stretch. Now, with his sense of urgency and Mayweather pushing him relentlessly, he couldn't be in better shape.

Then, he was an excellent fighter. Now, he's better.

Mosley: Then and now

Then, he had a valuable sense of invincibility because of his 38-0 record. Now, he's coming off two crushing losses to Vernon Forrest and a no-contest against Raul Marquez. His confidence must have suffered, although he won't admit it.

Then, he had tremendous momentum. He had knocked out his previous 10 opponents, including two at 147 pounds after moving up from 135, and was considered one of the best. Now, he hasn't had his hand raised in victory since July 21, 2001.

Then, he employed what trainer/father Jack Mosley likes to call ``power boxing'' - slick boxing, hard punching. Now, after a series of mismatches the past few years, he admitted he slipped into a flat-footed, brawling mode that played a role in his losses to Forrest.

Then, he was as carefree and easy-going as any fighter in the world. Now, after receiving negative press for the first time in his life, he seems to have a chip on his shoulder - perhaps a sign of insecurity.

Then, he was an excellent fighter. Now, he remains a fine fighter - but a wounded one.

The fight: Then and now

Then, De La Hoya, determined to compensate for his controversial loss to Felix Trinidad, attacked from the opening bell in search of a knockout and fared well the first half of the fight as Mosley struggled with back pain. Now, watch De La Hoya box.

Then, Mosley, with his father behind him, made adjustments and dominated the final six rounds as a rudderless De La Hoya failed to make appropriate changes. Now, with a sound plan and Mayweather in his corner, De La Hoya will fight more intelligently.

Then, to make matter worse for De La Hoya, he ran out of energy in the later rounds while Mosley kept up the pace. Now, after a diligent training camp, De La Hoya won't slow down unless Mosley's punches force him to.

Then, Mosley was awarded a well-deserved decision - albeit a split decision. Now, with De La Hoya up and Mosley down, De La Hoya will wear Mosley down and retain his junior middleweight championship by a convincing decision.

Then, Mosley became the toast of boxing after a spectacular victory. Now, after a sensational knockout of Fernando Vargas and having avenged his loss to Mosley, De La Hoya will be the undisputed king of the sport.

DE LA HOYA vs. MOSLEY

What: Junior middleweight title fight, a rematch of a fight De La Hoya lost by decision three years ago.

When: Saturday

Where: MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas

TV: Pay-per-view