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Mayweather vs Mosley
By Mark Leroy: Floyd Mayweather Jr has stepped up the verbal attack directed toward his May 1st opponent Shane Mosley. Knowing he was rattling Mosley’s cage Mayweather continuously mentioned Shanes past with the founder of “Balco” Victor Conte and his steroid use in 2003.
Muhammad Ali used the same tactic before his fight with Joe Frazier, Ali, knowing Frazier was a real threat stepped up with his usual antics, but this time was unusually cruel. Ali taunted ‘Smokin’ Joe, calling him an “Uncle Tom”, Frazier never could compete with the quick witted and articulate Ali in a verbal war. Things boiled over, Frazier had enough and the two where on the verge of fisticuffs’ in front of a live studio audience.
Mayweather, the self proclaimed face of boxing says, “as the face of boxing it’s my responsibility to clean up the sport”. People question Floyd’s motives behind this stance, but the principles are to be applauded. No one will argue the ethics; anything that will lead to a cleaner and safer sport ought to be commended.
Once again, Mayweather provided his detractors with another rendition of “I am the man”. He again laid claim to be the greatest fighter of all time, again mentioning the names Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Robinson. Just the kind of fuel required for the critics to stoke their fires.
While, Camp Mosley is quietly confident, head trainer Nazim Richardson says Shane will be the fighter to bring Floyd out of his defensive shell, against Shane he will need to stand and fight at some point in the bout. We’ve trained to break him down, with Mayweather there is nothing new, he is great at what he does, but it’s the same every time. When asked if he has been studding fights of Mayweather, Richardson replied, “every night, they are what sends me to sleep”. (Referring to Floyd’s safety first approach)
The two are set to meet at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, NV on Mat 1st. Mayweather who is undefeated with a record of (40-0, 25KO’s) will be challenging WBA welterweight champion Shane Mosley (46-5, 39KO’s). With the winner almost guaranteed a fight with WBO welterweight champion and reigning pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao.
Source: theboxinghistorian.com
