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MANILA, Philippines – Three-division world champion Shane Mosley believes that Floyd Mayweather Jr. will have his hand raised against Manny Pacquiao when both men collide in the ring on May 2 (May 3 in Manila) at the 16,800-seater MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The 43-year-old Mosley, who decided to hang up his gloves for good after yielding to Anthony Mundine in November 2013, stressed that Mayweather will be able to claim a 12-round verdict if he plots his game plan easily versus Pacquiao.
“I think it goes 12 rounds. I think Mayweather’s going to outpoint Pacquiao by moving, evading punches, and being able to do combinations and stuff like that,” he said in an interview on FOX Sports Live.
Similar to in-ring tacticians such as Willie Pep, Wilfredo Benitez and Pernell Whitaker, Mayweather is likewise known for his distinctive and effective brand of defensive guile, utilizing his shoulder roll, high-guard and elbow block to get rid of the shots from his foes.
Mosley explained the reason why he is picking Mayweather over Pacquiao, citing the two fighters’ respective performances when they faced Juan Manuel Marquez.
Pacquiao has fought Marquez in four occasions, losing once to the Mexican counterpuncher via sixth-round knockout in December 2012.
Meanwhile, Mayweather only had one meeting with Marquez in September 2009, but he scored a lopsided unanimous decision triumph.
“It’s kind of hard to say. But right now I’ve been sticking with Mayweather. I think Mayweather has the advantage only because of [what] both guys have in common with Marquez. Marquez knocked Pacquiao out and Mayweather had a fairly easy time with Marquez, moving and evading punches,” Mosley shared.
Like Marquez, Mosley is also a common opponent for this generation’s two decorated pugilists as he had crossed paths with Mayweather and Pacquiao at the height of their physical prime.
Mosley bowed down to Mayweather via unanimous decision in May 2010, while he was dropped by Pacquiao in the third round of their May 2011 clash before the renowned Pinoy southpaw cruised to a one-sided win.
Even though Mayweather is a defensive fighter, Mosley pointed out that the unbeaten American boxer might surprise Pacquiao with his power.
Mayweather is recognized as a minimal-but-accurate hitter, clobbering his counterparts with a drop jab, leaning right hand and inside slap hook.
“The better technician will be Floyd Mayweather. And Mayweather has been fighting a lot more on the inside, and throwing harder shots. And I don’t think people realize that Mayweather does have a little bit of power,” Mosley noted. – Rappler.com
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