MANILA, Philippines – Having fought both Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao, Shane Mosley is predicting the undefeated American to emerge victorious in his May 2 tussle with the Filipino icon.
In a recent interview with Fox Sports, the 43-year-old Mosley pointed out that Mayweather’s tactical brilliance will overcome Pacquiao.
“It's kind of hard to say. But right now I've been sticking with Mayweather,” he said.
Mosley, who has held titles at lightweight, welterweight and super welterweight, lost decisions to both Mayweather and Pacquiao in 2010 and 2011, respectively. He rocked Mayweather in the second round of their fight but was still dominated, while Pacquiao floored him in the third canto of their bout en route to a lopsided win.
The Pomona, California-based boxer is picking Mayweather over Pacquiao based on how both fighters fared against another common opponent – Juan Manuel Marquez. The Mexican legend engaged Pacquiao in four exciting bouts – brutally knocking him out in their fourth meeting in 2012 – and got routed by Mayweather when they met in 2009.
Mayweather’s performance against Marquez, according to Mosley, gives him an edge over Pacquiao.
“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,” he explained.
“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. Manny Pacquiao is the better fighter, meaning he's a fighter,” Mosley added.
There’s no question about Mayweather’s excellent boxing skills, but some observers have pointed out that he hasn’t faced someone as fast and unorthodox as Pacquiao. In fact, bettors in Las Vegas have started taking a risk by putting their money on Pacquiao – a plus-170 underdog.
Nevertheless, Mosley sees Mayweather keeping his unbeaten record on May 2 in a fight that will go the distance.
"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 ended. – Dino Maragay