Pacquiao vs. Mosley – Down to the wire

By Boxing News - 05/01/2011 - Comments

Image: Pacquiao vs. Mosley – Down to the wireBy John F. McKenna (McJack): The question has been asked numerous times as to why Manny Pacquiao (52-3-2, 38 KO’s) is fighting Sugar Shane Mosley (46-6-1, 39 KO’s) instead of what the fight crowd feels is a more worthy and dangerous opponent on May 7. Shane Mosley once stood at the top of the pugilistic mountain and had all the tools to give any fighter in the world a competitive fight. With Mosley now approaching forty years old and not being impressive in his last two fights his days as world class fighter seem to have come and gone. Many fans and boxing writers would like to see Juan Marquez or Sergio Martinez instead of Shane Mosley fight the number one Pound for Pound fighter in the world.

The reason that Pacquiao is fighting Mosley instead of Marquez or Martinez can be laid squarely on the doorstep of longtime boxing promoter Bob Arum. Arum had to sell the fight to Freddie Roach and Manny Pacquiao before he could sell it to the paying fans. What clinched the deal for Roach and Pacquiao was Arum convincing them not only that Mosley is a worthy opponent, but that his worldwide name recognition would bring in many more fans come fight night than any other possible opponent. With a matchup between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao currently off the table, the biggest name out there is Shane Mosley. Arum feels that Mosley has enough left to ensure a competitive fight with Pacquiao and that his huge crowd appeal, particularly on the west coast will bring in the fans. Arum also felt that the opportunity for a huge payday between Pacquiao and Mosley would be lost if Shane lost another fight.

It was not that long ago that Shane Mosley was known for his speed and with his advantage in size and power Pacman is not taking him lightly. Mosley will be looking to catch Manny in the early rounds with one of his power shots. Pacquiao will be just as determined to avoid one of these punches. In the early going Pacquiao will be using all of his talent and ring generalship. He will be moving in and out, side to side, showing Mosley angles and not standing still long enough for Shane to set himself for a power shot. It is difficult to time an opponent who is as fast as Manny. His work in the gym has been specifically designed to handle Mosley’s style of fighting. One thing is certain and that is Pacquiao has never faced an opponent with Mosley’s punching power.

Pacquiao will be doing his best to overwhelm Mosley with his volume of accurate punches. He will attempt to confuse Shane with his speed and punches from every angle and will apply constant pressure as the fight goes into the middle rounds. Manny’s goal will be to do a better job on Mosley than Floyd Mayweather did. That will be part of his motivation.

When Manny Pacquiao was recently asked what fighter in boxing history he would like to box if he had the chance he responded by saying Sugar Ray Robinson because he is considered the best pound for pound boxer in history. That response speaks volumes about the fighter we today consider the best fighter in the world.

It is likely that Manny Pacquiao will overwhelm Shane Mosley by the middle rounds and go for a knockout in the later rounds, something that has never happened before to Mosley. The boxing world will be closely watching this fight, even those who were critical of Manny for taking the match.



Comments are closed.