Manny Pacquiao-Shane Mosley
San Francisco, CA– Last Friday at the Northern California Retired Boxers Assn. monthly luncheon, the upcoming Manny Pacquiao-Shane Mosley fight came up, followed by my asking, “is this a competitive fight?” On paper, it looks like Manny Pacquiao (53-3-2, 38 KOs) will paint Shane Mosley (46-6-1, 39 KOs) like a picket fence. But are there any advantages Mosley at 39, has against a 32-year old Pacman?
Hand & Foot speed: Although Mosley had good snap in his prime and rhythm when throwing punches in bunches, the Pacman will have the edge both in both departments. Once possessing excellent footwork, Shane looks to get out sped by Pac’s ability to dart in and out, it might make Mosley look fast as molasses.
Punching Power: With Shane being the naturally bigger man
here, one would think he has more “stop in his pop. But when you look at common opponents, most notably Miguel Cotto, you got to say that Pac, somehow, the little guy is the guy with more “stop in his pop.”
Activity: Although Manny has curtailed his appearances to twice yearly now, Mosley, who at 39, hasn’t been active much. There was the win over the “exposed” Antonio Margarito in 2009, then the ho-hum (nothing in the tank) loss to Floyd Mayweather last May. Oh, and the draw with Serfio Mora. Two fights a year beats three fights in 27 months. Advantage: Pacman.
Experience: Now, here is a department in which Shane Mosley has an edge, right? Went undefeated as lightweight champion in eight IBF title fights, fought Oscar de La Hoya at their peak, lost to Vernon Forrest twice, Winky Wright twice, Shane’s last stellar moment from this perspective was when he faced the aforementioned Miguel Cotto in 2007.
Chin: Both have good chins. Even!
Stamina: The mere fact that Pacquiao explodes in the middle rounds against bigger guys, this before finishing stronger than anybody but Juan Manual Marquez, edge goes to him and nutritional gurus.
Ring Generalship: Mosley, in better times would be superior here. But with cement now in each boxing boot, Pac will get him to do what he wants more than Shane will Pac.
Race: Manny hasn’t fought a Black guy that can be a “sticker & mover” in years. He has purposely avoided them because of that slickness! That being said, this is Mosley’s only hope, that his legs will carry him to and fro for 36 minutes.
Pedro Fernandez