What Mayweather doesn't understand about fans

Mayweather vs Mosley
Dallas Boxing Examiner | Matt Stolow

Neither Manny Pacquiao fans from The Philippines nor first generation Americans aren't the only ones that dislike everything to do with Floyd Mayweather, Jr.

The silent majority average white guy has turned on Floyd. This is more often than not they have turned pro - Pacquiao. This is one election I know Pacquiao can win.

It has almost nothing to do with only fighting guys smaller than him as a reason for the distrust in Floyd. Although over this long a period of time it should stand for something. Like a fact.

Everything with Floyd is a big idiotic production nobody wanted to see in the first place and it usually involves police being needed to sort things out.

He can fight, at least when he wants to. But can he fight when he needs to? Castillo twice at 135 weren't really tests. At least the first Castillo shouldn't have been but was only because Floyd was to cocky. Corrales at 130? Not even a challenge. He was headed to jail and took the fight for short money out of desperation. Corrales was almost 10 years ago. A long time for anyone to be on the big stage.

But Mayweather going small with Juan Manual Marquez? I'll wait and see if the 38 year age of Shane Mosley at 147 causes any problems that the 37 year old JM Marquez at lightweight but on fight night 142 couldn't.

Floyd really became socially obnoxious to me during his first retirement. He still needed the attention. But now his behavior is a bad habit and it doesn't seem as if his mentor in Golden Boy has any control over him as they are chasing the buck and Las Vegas favors they almost lost to Dallas if Mayweather vs. Pacquiao actually happened March 13 in Cowboys Stadium.

Incredibly, I'm wagering a minimum 80% of new Pacquiao fans are so because of his personality.

Having a good personality is a very good thing, Floyd. You should try it some day. Cutting off those that only seek the truth usually comes back to nip your backside.

Source: Examiner.com

Tabbed as ref for Mayweather-Mosley, Kenny Bayless speaks on his history with Shane and Floyd

Mayweather vs Mosley
Las Vegas Boxing Examiner | Chris Robinson

It’s hard to think of a referee who is as respected in today’s sport as much as Kenny Bayless. The Berkely, California native’s selection to be the third man in the ring for the upcoming May 1st clash between Floyd Mayweather and Shane Mosley seems to be a confirmation of this, as it very well could be this year’s biggest fight depending on how everything plays out.

In talking face to face with Bayless it becomes very clear why he has flourished at his job. Starting off many years back Bayless did odds and ends jobs for the Athletic commission of Nevada before fully becoming an official. His trek in the sport was full of tireless dedication and the willingness to learn while always remaining impartial at all costs. Bayless carries that mentality with him into the ring and you can hear in his voice how adamant he is when speaking on being fair to the fighters while looking out for their safety.

When the bell rings for the Mayweather-Mosley clash Bayless will certainly have to be on top of his game as the two pugilists go to work. Combining Mayweather’s savvy and quickness against Mosley’s relentless attack will certainly be an interesting mix and Bayless will have much to look out for. Speaking further on the contest Bayless reveals that he has his own history with each man and first turns his attention to the Pomona, California native.

“I remember Shane Mosley back when I first got started as a referee,” Bayless notes. “I think the first time I saw him fight was a show we had at the Hard Rock. Back then he was fighting at lightweight and to see the speed and quickness he had, he really had what it took to be a great world champion.”

Mosley would indeed go on to become a fine champion at 135 pounds, winning the IBF crown over Phillip Holiday in August of 1997 while making eight successful defenses. Mosley would then set his sights on bigger bounty and move to 147 pounds with an inspiring 10th round stoppage over rugged Wilfredo Rivera in September of 1999. Nine months later Mosley found himself in the fight of his dreams against Oscar De La Hoya. Bayless remembers the night well.

“I was already a referee at the time,” he claims. “I thought it was a tremendously great fight. De La Hoya was not turning down and newcomers and I had to respect him for taking that fight with Sugar Shane. The fight didn’t end how everyone expected but it was a hell of a fight.”

Bayless has been familiar with Mayweather for quite some time as well. Floyd began leaving his imprint on the Las Vegas scene as a youth and Bayless remembers instantly being impressed.

“It was the same thing with Mayweather,” Bayless says. “I refereed Floyd’s first amateur fight which was at the Texas hotel. If my memory serves me he knocked the kid out in the first round. I could see then the speed and quickness that he had. Down the road I could see him becoming a world champion.”

Bayless concedes that in his free time he is a big fan of the sport and listed such fights as the first match between Antonio Tarver and Glen Johnson, Mosley’s bout with Antonio Margarito as well as the Paul Williams-Margarito affair as events he has went to. In attending such bouts Bayless often remembers crossing paths with Floyd.

“I think that Floyd is also a spectator of the sport because I have often seen him at other shows,” Bayless states. “Just because he isn’t fighting on the card doesn’t mean he can’t come and be a spectator and he has. I’ve seen him at many shows. I think it’s good that guys like him come to shows because it gives the fans someone to see.”

At the moment it is hard to find a fighter in the sport who is as controversial or outspoken as Mayweather. Love him or hate him, Floyd brings something completely different to the game and Bayless personally feels that his bad guy image has been slightly exaggerated.

“The media basically makes things the way they want,” Bayless continues. “I see Floyd just as nice as anyone else. He might be a little more braggadocios about what he does and he has that right. He is somebody who has been there and some would say he even puts his life on the line. A lot of times I tell people that when [Muhammad] Ali first came out people didn’t like him. And when it came to the mouth, Ali was the king. Some people say that might have been hype but Floyd is Floyd and you just have to accept everybody for who they are.”

Having lived in Las Vegas for much of his life, Bayless has gotten to see the city change over the years. The city has become the Mecca of boxing these days and several world class athletes made their mark through their accomplishments in boxing in recent times. While some fighters come and go Bayless points out that the contributions from the Mayweather family in particular has been resounding.

“I think they played a huge role in Las Vegas boxing," Bayless claims. "It goes all the way back to Roger, who was a two-time world champion. He’s fought all the best and I happened to referee one of his fights in the latter part of his career. He was an extremely good fighter. The Mayweathers names in very synonymous in this town because o the paths that Roger and Jeff made. And now Floyd has taken it over the top. He’s winning and doing what he’s supposed to do.”

As the Mayweather-Mosley bout draws near the hype and suspense continues to grow. There is nothing quite like the build up for a mega fight in the sport of boxing and Bayless admits that there is much anticipation on his end as well.

“It is a great time for me,” he says. “People don’t know that the same build up for the fighter is the same build up for the referee and the judges. We have a responsibility and that is to bring our A game to that fight just like we bring it to any fight. The chief thing for me as a referee through the years is that I stay consistent. There are times when I may even study some film or do some things of that nature. Here in Nevada, between our refereeing we really work hard and help each other help. Joe Cortez and Robert Byrd have been very instrumental to me over the years.”

With his huge assignment just a few weeks away Bayless must once again gear up for everything that comes with a huge showdown on the grandest of stages. While the bout has elicited its share of heavy opinions from people within the sport Bayless speaks with much class and objectivity when eyeing the contest.

“I can’t really get into one particular side because as a referee I can’t look too much into it. I pretty much try to stay neutral because of my involvement. The thing that I hope for all fighters is that they can enter the ring on their own power and have the abilities to exit on their own power. As you know it’s a very dangerous sport and I always try to look out for the fighters.”


Over the years Kenny Bayless has overseen bouts with the likes of Oscar De La Hoya, Roy Jones, Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, Manny Pacquiao, and several others. Click on the collage below for a picture by picture look at some of Bayless’ most memorable moments…

Source: Examiner.com

MAYWEATHER-MOSLEY OFFICIALS NAMED

Mayweather vs Mosley
By G. Leon

Moments ago officials were named for the May 1, Floyd Mayweather Jr-Shane Mosley mega-fight. Kenny Bayless will be the third man in the ring and judges will be Dave Moretti, Robert Hoyle and Adalaide Byrd. Remember where you heard it first 12:39 PM ET

Source: boxingtalk.com

Floyd Mayweather: NBA Playoff Analysis Who Is Mayweather Picking?

Mayweather vs Mosley
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 17 Apr 2010

Who R U Picking? That is the question on everyone's minds when it comes to the match-up between Floyd "Money" Mayweather and Sugar Shane Mosley which is set to take place May 1 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas and live on HBO Pay-Per-View®. While this mega-fight is fast approaching, the avid sports enthusiast Mayweather is still keeping a close eye on the NBA Playoffs set to kick off this Saturday. The king of the ring took time to share his thoughts on Kobe, King James and second year sensation Kevin Durant.

"I don't want to pick a winner right now, but all I know is the West is really tough," said Mayweather. "As far as players go I feel that Kobe deserves to be called the best and is the number one player in the NBA because he has the championships and showed he can win without Shaq."

"Next I would have to say Kevin Durant is amazing as he is so consistent and got his team to the Playoffs in only his second year. Lebron is great too. He has tremendous commercials and is so tough. It is going to be a tight Playoff run for any team and I just wish all the athletes the best. At that level, they are all great athletes."

While Mayweather would not give away his picks, he added:

"I don't bet on boxing or myself but I do bet on basketball and football. It's going to be a tough Playoff series and I am looking forward to making some money on it too."

About Mayweather vs. Mosley: Who R U Picking?

Boxing superstar and six-time World Champion Floyd "Money" Mayweather and welterweight mega-star, five-time World Champion and current WBA Welterweight World Champion Sugar Shane Mosley, are set to meet on Saturday, May 1 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas in a spectacular bout which will be produced and distributed live on HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets, priced at $1,250, $1,000, $600, $300 and $150 not including applicable service charges, are on sale now and limited to 10 per person and ticket sales at $150 are limited to two (2) per person with a total ticket limit of 10 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

HBO®'s fast-moving reality series "24/7 Mayweather/Mosley" returns with an all new episode on Saturday, April 17 at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT. The four-episode series chronicles the preparations and back stories of both fighters as they train for their May 1 pay-per-view showdown. Episode one is available on HBO ON DEMAND®.

The Mayweather vs. Mosley pay-per-view telecast, beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, has a suggested retail price of $54.95, will be produced and distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View® and will be available to more than 71 million pay-per-view homes. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD. HBO Pay-Per-View®, a division of Home Box Office, Inc., is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry. For Mayweather vs. Mosley fight week updates, log on to www.hbo.com.

Source: PhilBoxing.com

Money Mayweather's chance to shut up his critics

Mayweather vs Mosley
Mississippi Fight Sports Examiner | Brad Cooney

Floyd Mayweather Jr has had an ear full of hateful and down right mean comments made about him for quite awhile now. Most of his detractors criticize him for cherry picking smaller opponents. It is true that Floyd has indeed fought a lot of smaller guys, but that does not take away from his skills in the ring.

Yes, he is the one who demanded that Manny Pacquiao undergo mandatory random blood testing. A demand that flushed the big mega fight between the two down the drain. It just poured more fuel on the fire making his critics hate him even more. Again though, at the end of the day Floyd is undefeated. If anyone thinks that Floyd Mayweather Jr is losing sleep because the majority of Pacquiao fans dislike him, they are sorely mistaken.

With that said, he does have an opportunity to silence his critics. Well, does anyone think that his critics will ever be silent? Probably not, but if he beats Shane Mosley his critics will have no choice but to respect his fight game more.

Mississippians that this writer has spoken with favor a Mayweather victory over Mosley. I spoke with James Clearwater of Byram, Mississippi who is a bigtime Mayweather fan. I ran into James at the Last Call Bar & Grill, a local Jackson, MS sports bar. Clearwater is tired of reading about Floyd's critics, ' Everyone likes to talk smack about Floyd. The only reason Pacquiao is the pound for pound king is because Floyd retired. They can talk all they want, but when the day does come when Floyd and Manny fight, there is going to be a lot of Filipino's the next day that will be running with their tails tucked between their legs."

Mayweather vs. Mosley is an interesting match up. Mosley is no joke and he will force the action. Mayweather has his work cut out for him, but he's never been afraid to work hard. He comes into his fights in great shape, and from all reports he is having a strong training camp.

Read up on Mike Marley's latest Floyd article here - http://http://www.examiner.com/x-5699-Boxing-Examiner~y2010m4d15-Modest-Mouse-Mayweather-Mans-not-alive-who-can-defeat-me

Floyd is a guy that likes to talk. He is not shy about waving his money around, and he is not a guy that lets his critics bother him. He will show up ready to fight against Shane Mosley and with a victory he will force those who doubt him to rethink some things.

Check out more news on Floyd Mayweather here - http://www.8countnews.com

Source: Examiner.com

'We know the Pacquiao fight is eventually going to happen'-- Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Mayweather vs Mosley
Filipino Sports Examiner | Dennis "dSource" Guillermo

While Manny Pacquiao is busy campaigning for a congressional seat in Saranggani Province in the Philippines, Floyd Mayweather Jr. is also hard at work trying to promote his upcoming fight against 'Sugar' Shane Mosley on May 1st.

I was surprised to see a feature on Mayweather in the latest issue of SLAM magazine, my favorite basketball magazine out there and one of the first print media publications my writings were ever published in.

The feature showcased Mayweather's usual braggadocio -- swag/ arrogance/ call it what you want, you know it's not humility -- and his knowledge about the NBA as well.

Mayweather chimed in on the Kobe-LeBron debate and said, "When it's all said and done, at the end of your career and the end of the day, it's about championships. Can LeBron win one championship? Yes, it's possible. As of right now, we're not talking about 'wouldas' and 'couldas'. We're talking about what's going on. Kobe has won championships."

But that of course doesn't apply to his boxing philosophy, right? He did after all said championships and legacy don't matter and he's all about getting money. He also blasted Pacquiao, the guy that holds the record for most world championship belts in different weight classes (seven).

Mayweather insisted that he is what's going on at the moment in boxing. Despite Pacquiao's string of impressive victories against bigger, top flight opponents in the past two years, Mayweather pointed out Pacquiao's knockout losses more than ten years ago when he was practically an amateur and continued on by flaunting his undefeated pro record (Mayweather lost six times as an amateur).

Mayweather also revealed this:

"We have two fights that we know will happen. The Shane fight is May 1. We know the Pacquiao fight is eventually going to happen."

So what gives?

Is there a deal already in place for Pacquiao-Mayweather to happen?

Are they simply hyping their superfight up by allowing it to simmer and building it up by fighting other in-house fighters like how Top Rank had Pacquiao face Joshua Clottey and GBP pitting Mosley against Floyd?

Makes sense if you ask me. More money for both parties and it also gave fans a couple more fights instead of one had the fight already gone down last March.

Whatever it is, I just hope Mayweather is speaking the truth on this one. I already know how that can go. He did after all say Marquez was the biggest challenge for him then, only to admit now that Marquez is simply a tune-up fight.

So is Mosley his tune-up for Pacquiao? That may very well be his belief. Mosley however, is a very capable party crasher.

Source: Examiner.com

Shane Mosley admits to EPO use on video

LA Boxing Examiner | Ricardo Lois

In current times, nothing can be more damning than video.

Recently, on YouTube, a video was leaked by user buzzebra of Shane Mosley's October, 2009 depostition where the legendary boxer admits to using the performance enhancing drug EPO (erythropoietin) in relation to his second victory over Oscar De La Hoya in 2003.

This may not be breaking news, as it has long be known that Mosley used PEDS under the guidance of Victor Conte, but to watch Mosley - a fighter beloved by many - admit his guilt on video, is a stab to his image and credibility no written work could inflict.



Source: Examiner.com

'Gossip Girl' Mayweather: Mosley got a divorce, a tattoo and a nose job

Mayweather vs Mosley
Boxing Examiner | Michael Marley

When's the last time a fight between two top American boxers turn into a seventh grade hissyfest?

It seems to be all one-sided, I must say, as "Gossip Girl" Floyd Mayweather keeps taking one infantile cheap shot after another at Sugar Shane Mosley.

First, the undefeated Mayweather made some nasty cracks about Mosley's divorce of last year from wife, Jin.

Mayweather could've lost his "Man Card" and access to the "Man Cave" right then and there.

But, recently, Mayweather has stepped up his strictly from the sandbox digs at Gentleman Shane.

Nah, nah, nah, nah...Floyd says Mosley "went out character" and is thus showing fear by getting his skin inked up at age 38.

What's more, "Gossip Girl" says cattily now that he knows that Mosley got plastic surgery revamp his bashed in boxer's nose.

Is this the best material Mayweather and his camp can come up with?

I don't recall Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearns or Marvelous Marvin Hagler ever stooping so low with such trivial remarks.

I do remember Hearns hurling a rubber chicken at Leonard's head at one press conference but that was just luring him into a fight stuff, no more and no less.

"Hitman" Hearns did not compare any Leonard family members to plastic poultry or anything like that.

Sure, an exasperated Larry Holmes once said the long dead Rocky Marciano "couldn't carry" his jockstrap but Holmes felt provoked and at least that thoughtless comment was an athletic comparison. Holmes spoke out of a wounded ego and right after the heat of ring battle.

Source: Examiner.com

Analyzing Floyd Mayweather's comments: "There is no blueprint to beat me"

Mayweather vs Mosley
Pittsburgh Fight Sports Examiner | Scott Heritage

Floyd Mayweather was brash as usual when speaking to the media in Las Vegas today, and put forward some interesting ideas about his career and upcoming bout with Shane Mosley.

To start the ball rolling, Mayweather talked at length about how he was the best boxer in the world, and how he had beaten fighters like Mosley all his career.

"There is a blue print to beat him because he has lost five times already. But there is no blueprint to beat me. I think he feels the pressure. I don't have any pressure. I am just getting ready to fight."

While there are blueprints to beating Mosley, there is a largely successful one for beating Mayweather as well. Oscar De La Hoya fought a good fight against Mayweather, and lacked only the gas tank to get the job done.

Mosley of course isn't the same kind of fighter as Oscar though, and will have to rely more on his strength and speed than technique. The big difficulty with fighting Mayweather though is that he usually adapts to most fighters after the first few rounds.

"I think Shane is acting out of character. Why would someone wait until they were 38 years old to get a tattoo? I think he feels the pressure of this fight and is thinking about how he is going to beat me"

While getting a tattoo suddenly at the age of 38 is certainly strange move, but it probably doesn't have anything to do with the fight. Mosley went through a divorce not long ago, which probably accounts for any seemingly sudden changes he's making. I think even if the fight had never happened Mosley would have gotten the same tattoo.

"No one has a chance to beat me. All of these fighters do the same interviews, talking about how they are going to beat me. Guess what? Same interviews, same results. It hasn't happened yet."

Claiming that there is literally no one who could conceivably beat him is a little beyond the confines of reality for someone who still has a long way to go in clearing out his current division. Throughout Mayweather's career many have accused him of ducking the best fighters when he should have been looking for them. Even now many doubt he will ever step into the ring against Manny Pacquiao, and like the rest of the division he didn't want anything to do with Paul Williams.

Perhaps Mayweather should have changed his speech to "No one I will take a fight against has a chance to beat me". Of the opponents Mayweather has faced though, Mosley probably has the best chance outside of De La Hoya.

Arnold Lister, Pittsburgh: "Only Mayweather would declare no one has a chance to beat him. If he wasn't the future star Oscar would have gotten that decision and he would already have a loss"

James, Hollister Greensburg:"The stuff Mayweather was saying about Mosley was true in a way, he does struggle against boxers. At the same time though Mayweather struggles with speed, and Mosley hits a lot harder than Judah"

Source: Examiner.com

Mayweather Jr very confident and cocky 2 weeks before the fight ‘No one has a chance to beat me'

Mayweather vs Mosley
Sacramento Fight Sports Examiner | Rick Rockwell

During his Las Vegas media day, Floyd Mayweather Jr was on top of his game. The game he has perfected over his career; the game of trash talking. Once gain, Floyd Mayweather Jr let the world know how confident he was in himself. Let’s examine further:

"No one has a chance to beat me. All of these fighters do the same interviews, talking about how they are going to beat me. Guess what? Same interviews, same results. It hasn't happened yet.” Mayweather Jr

Well, Floyd is correct in the fact that nobody has beaten him yet. But, it’s common knowledge that many question his choice of opponents over his career. Even boxers like Miguel Cotto and George Foreman have questioned Mayweather’s courage and selection of fights.

Now, I think Shane does have a chance to beat Floyd. In fact, Team Mayweather also thinks there’s a small chance which is one of the reasons why they had an immediate rematch clause put into the fight contract. Manny Pacquiao has a great chance of beating Mayweather Jr if that fight were to ever happen. Obviously, Floyd blew a lot of smoke with this comment.

"My main focus is who I am facing at the time. So many try to build an opponent or a fighter to figure me out and no one has done it yet and Shane won't do it either.” Floyd Jr

This is absolutely false. Mayweather Jr has made many comments about Manny over the last few months to the point that people were questioning whether he was even focused on the Mosley fight. I do believe Mayweather is focused on the Mosley fight now. However, I think he was more focused on Manny before.

"It doesn't matter who I am fighting, I always fight with tenacity.”

Wrong again Pretty Boy! You ran away from De La Hoya in the last few rounds of the fight. Legendary boxer George Foreman even called out Floyd calling him ‘scared’ because he thought Floyd ran away for several rounds.

“I can make anybody look like a nobody.”

I have two thoughts on this comment. It’s easy to make a fighter look like a ‘nobody’ when they are nobodies. I’d say 70% of the fighters that Floyd faced can be considered a ‘nobody’. My other thought on this comment is the fact that Mayweather made Hatton look like a ‘somebody’. He went into the later rounds with Hatton before getting a victory. Pacquiao put Hatton into retirement. Now, that’s making a fighter look like a ‘nobody’.

Robert Yahner Sacramento, CA “Do you think Mayweather Jr really believes that he can beat anyone?

I actually do think that Mayweather believes he can, especially when most of the fighters are either too old or too small when Mayweather fights them. However, put him in the ring with Manny and Floyd’s undefeated streak would be over.

Source: Examiner.com

ROGER MAYWEATHER: "THIS FIGHT IS A LITTLE DIFFERENT THAN THE ONES BEFORE"

Mayweather vs Mosley
By Sabrina Montez | April 15, 2010

"It's gonna be a great fight and Mayweather is going to seal his fate in history as one of the greatest fighters ever, period! I mean, he's fighting a 5-time world champion, he's a 6-time world champion," stated world-class trainer Roger Mayweather as he shared his thoughts on the upcoming clash between Floyd Mayweather and Shane Mosley. Roger, who was on hand at yesterday's open workout, believes that, more than anything, the skills of Floyd Mayweather far outweigh any advantage that an opponent may have. "People can't doubt Mayweather's abilities and his skills to win and I think that's what it's going to boil down to," he remarked. "Skills win fights. That's generally how it goes; skills win fights. Unless something happens outrageous, skills pay the bills."

When asked what he thought about recent comments made by some members of the media, as wll as Shane himself, that Mosley is just as fast, perhaps even faster, than Floyd, Roger immediately took offense to the suggestion. "How is a guy 37 years old faster than a guy who's 31 or 32 years old? That don't make sense. How is he faster than Mayweather? Tell me that! That's what he say, but remember one thing about it, boxing has nothing to do with speed; how you win fights has nothing to do with speed," he continued before proceeding to explain his response with an example. "One of the fastest fighters in the world was Howard Davis Jr. and he still never won a world championship, so what does that mean? What does that mean how fast you is? That don't mean nothing at all."

Roger then went on to assure everyone that Floyd knows full well the challenge that lies ahead on May 1, and as such, he's training even more vigorously than he normally does. "He's fighting a 5-time world champion, so obviously this fight is a little different than the ones before. The other guys that was before him wasn't 5-time world champions," he added. Roger even went so far as to pay Mosley a slight compliment, stating, "Mosley is one of the better guys in the history of the guys that Floyd fought, so this is what he's preparing for."

Source: fighthype.com

Money Mayweather's chance to shut up his critics

Mayweather vs Mosley
Mississippi Fight Sports Examiner | Brad Cooney

Floyd Mayweather Jr has had an earl full of hateful and down right mean comments made about him for quite awhile now. Most of his detractors criticize him for cherry picking smaller opponents. It is true that Floyd has indeed fought a lot of smaller guys, but that does not take away from his skills in the ring.

Yes, he is the one who demanded that Manny Pacquiao undergo mandatory random blood testing. A demand that flushed the big mega fight between the two down the drain. It just poured more fuel on the fire making his critics hate him even more. Again though, at the end of the day Floyd is undefeated. If anyone thinks that Floyd Mayweather Jr is losing sleep because the majority of Pacquiao fans dislike him, they are sorely mistaken.

With that said, he does have an opportunity to silence his critics. Well, does anyone think that his critics will ever be silent? Probably not, but if he beats Shane Mosley his critics will have no choice but to respect his fight game more.

Mississippians that this writer has spoken with favor a Mayweather victory over Mosley. I spoke with James Clearwater of Byram, Mississippi who is a bigtime Mayweather fan. I ran into James at the Last Call Bar & Grill, a local Jackson, MS sports bar. Clearwater is tired of reading about Floyd's critics, ' Everyone likes to talk smack about Floyd. The only reason Pacquiao is the pound for pound king is because Floyd retired. They can talk all they want, but when the day does come when Floyd and Manny fight, there is going to be a lot of Filipino's the next day that will be running with their tails tucked between their legs."

Mayweather vs. Mosley is an interesting match up. Mosley is no joke and he will force the action. Mayweather has his work cut out for him, but he's never been afraid to work hard. He comes into his fights in great shape, and from all reports he is having a strong training camp.

Read up on Mike Marley's latest Floyd article here - http://http://www.examiner.com/x-5699-Boxing-Examiner~y2010m4d15-Modest-Mouse-Mayweather-Mans-not-alive-who-can-defeat-me

Floyd is a guy that likes to talk. He is not shy about waving his money around, and he is not a guy that lets his critics bother him. He will show up ready to fight against Shane Mosley and with a victory he will force those who doubt him to rethink some things.

Check out more news on Floyd Mayweather here - http://www.8countnews.com

Source: Examiner.com

FLOYD MAYWEATHER LAS VEGAS MEDIA DAY QUOTES

Mayweather vs Mosley
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 16 Apr 2010

"Shane has talent, I have a gift. A God-given gift."

- Six-Time World Champion in Five Weight Divisions Floyd "Money" Mayweather said on April 14, 2010 at his open media workout at the Mayweather Boxing Gym in Las Vegas, NV.

"I think Shane is acting out of character. Why would someone wait until they were 38 years old to get a tattoo? I think he feels the pressure of this fight and is thinking about how he is going to beat me.

"There is a blue print to beat him because he has lost five times already. But there is no blueprint to beat me. I think he feels the pressure. I don't have any pressure. I am just getting ready to fight.

"Mosley has problems with boxers. He lost to Winky Wright from a one-handed jab in his face all night long. Now he is facing someone sharp as a razor with two hands. He has been dropped and wobbled on numerous occasions. If he tries to bum rush me, he is going to get clipped.

"No one has a chance to beat me. All of these fighters do the same interviews, talking about how they are going to beat me. Guess what? Same interviews, same results. It hasn't happened yet.

"They all talk about Shane's strength, but in boxing you need all over strength from head to toe. If we were in a weightlifting match then strength might have something to do it with it. But we are in a boxing match and I am the best boxer in the sport. If you compare our records you have to ask yourself which fighter is better and smarter. That would have to be me. This is boxing, the beautiful sport called boxing.

"Shane is a solid welterweight with great accomplishments, but I have been fighting these kinds of fighters my whole career without much appreciation. No one gives me credit for who I have fought during my career. From early to now, look at the opponents I have faced and see where they were when they faced me in the ring.

"My main focus is who I am facing at the time. So many try to build an opponent or a fighter to figure me out and no one has done it yet and Shane won't do it either.

"I train hard and each time a little harder. I always want to look better than the fight before. Faster, stronger. I work hard in the gym to perfect my game. I push as far as I can as this is about the future for me and my family.

"It doesn't matter who I am fighting, I always fight with tenacity.

"A lot of these fighters are media creations. I got this far on my own. I can make anybody look like a nobody.

"I tried to face Mosley before but he outbid himself. Back then we weren't making that kind of money. I was making more than him, but still you have to be realistic. It has to be a fair amount. Now he sees how much I am making and how much he can make fighting me, but now he's older with losses. I was trying to fight him when he was undefeated and he wasn't a smart enough businessman to make a fair deal.

"I am a competitive athlete and before we make any fight the cash has to be right. When you are young, you fight to show you are better and then you prove it. At this level, it is about money because I already proved the rest. I perfected how to get money in the pros and I write my own checks.

"I believe in the drug testing because I want to help clean up the sport. What is so wrong about making sure a fight is fair? I just want to compete knowing that you have two hands, two legs and a heart just like me. Nothing else should be a factor and the USADA drug testing, which can detect things not found in urine testing alone, helps make that happen. It is only fairness I am looking for because when it comes down to it and after all things are said by each guy's team and the media and the fans, the only thing that matters on the night of the fight is me and him. It is just us in the ring and we have to fight each other to show which one of us is the best. Nothing else matters but that.

"I was born to get it done. I have trained hard for every fight and then I just train harder. I have never taken a short cut to my success. My dad and uncle know this and I am glad they are both here."

# # #

Boxing superstar and six-time World Champion Floyd "Money" Mayweather and welterweight mega-star, five-time World Champion and current WBA Welterweight World Champion Sugar Shane Mosley, are set to meet on Saturday, May 1 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas in a spectacular bout which will be produced and distributed live on HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets, priced at $1,250, $1,000, $600, $300 and $150 not including applicable service charges, are on sale now and limited to 10 per person and ticket sales at $150 are limited to two (2) per person with a total ticket limit of 10 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

HBO's fast-moving reality series "24/7 Mayweather/Mosley" returns with an all new episode on Saturday, April 17 at 9:30 pm ET/6:30pm PT. The four-episode series chronicles the preparations and back stories of both fighters as they train for their May 1 pay-per-view showdown. Episode one is available on HBO ON DEMAND.

The Mayweather vs. Mosley pay-per-view telecast, beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, has a suggested retail price of $54.95, will be produced and distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View® and will be available to more than 71 million pay-per-view homes. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD. HBO Pay-Per-View®, a division of Home Box Office, Inc., is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry. For Mayweather vs. Mosley fight week updates, log on to www.hbo.com.

Source: PhilBoxing.com

How crucial is Mayweather's unbeaten record to his appeal?

Mayweather vs Mosley
Pittsburgh Fight Sports Examiner | Scott Heritage

Floyd Mayweather is a fighter who has little use for belts or rankings. What he seems to prize above all else are two things, his money and his unbeaten record.

According to Floyd himself though, his record isn't as important as he tends to lead people to believe.

Speaking to BoxingScene, Mayweather said:

"I don't think about the '0',I think about winning. Everything takes care of itself if you win. Of course it's a great thing to be undefeated, but I don't consciously think about it when I'm preparing for the next fight."

Shane Mosley's trainer Naziim Richardson recently voiced his idea that the early rounds could be the key to beating Mayweather. Talking to the L.A Times boxing correspondent Lance Pugmire, Richardson said:


"We could get through five rounds of this thing up 5-0, at that point, Mayweather may just say, ‘Forget it, I've got a rematch guaranteed. Try again next time. "

On several boxing forums the idea taken further and it was even put around that Mayweather isn't concerned about losing the first fight, because of the amount of money he would be able to make from a rematch.

Obviously this idea is almost certainly a load of bunk; Mayweather can make money from the rematch either way, and with a loss on his record he merely drops a few places on the all time great list. Even if he obliterates Mosley and knocks him out as his trainers are claiming, a rematch would still do big business.

Having a loss on his record would greatly diminish his drawing power though. Many people watch Mayweather's fights because they know they will watch a masterful display of technique. Equally many others because they are hoping the current opponent will finally be the one to beat him and shut him up.

Equally as importantly, if Mayweather were to lose then going forward he would have a lot less bargaining power than he does at the moment. Not only would he immediately drop to the third best fighter in his weight class, but without a title either it would be a difficult road back to the very top for Mayweather.

Even his 'money' persona would be damaged by a loss, and we might even see a more mature, less arrogant Mayweather after his first loss. As difficult as it is to believe all the things he comes out with now, some still do. Everything from claiming to be similar to Martin Luther King to being the greatest fighter ever lived, and a lot besides. Yet many of his fans believe all his spiel.

With a less than perfect record, it would be a lot more difficult for Mayweather to continue with his brash public image. For Mayweather personally it would mean reconciling his self confidence and undying belief in all the nonsense he comes out with at times to reality. So long as he is undefeated he is in a perpetual cycle where he can say what he likes and then believe it because he is still winning.

Peter White, Pittsburgh: "Mayweather is more worried about his 0 than he is about his money, and that's a lot. No way he would ever throw the fight just to make more money"

Robert Starnes, Greensburg: "Mayweather's ego would never allow him to give up in any fight, besides even if he could make a lot from a rematch, he can get one anyway and it would probably stop his fight against Pacquiao from happening if he loses now"

Michael Withers, Pittsburgh: "Without his unbeaten record, Mayweather's fans would abandon him completely. Half of them only watch hoping to see him get beaten and when it finally happens no one will be interested anymore"

Source: Examiner.com

Floyd Mayweather Jr. says Shane Mosley ‘out of character’ for upcoming fight

By Brett Okamoto

In the sport of boxing, a fighter knows never to get sucked into his opponent's game.

According to Floyd Mayweather Jr., May 1 is still more than two weeks away and Shane Mosley already has made that mistake.

Known as a relatively quiet guy, Mosley noticeably has been more verbal with Mayweather while promoting their welterweight bout next month at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

The current WBA champ also felt motivated to get some new body art in anticipation of May 1, all the more evidence to Mayweather that his opponent is not himself as the fight draws closer.

"I think he's kind of out of character," Mayweather said. "We all know that's not the real Shane Mosley. The guy waits until he's 38 to get tattoos? Come on."

Mayweather's father, Floyd Mayweather Sr., has also seen the transformation in Mosley and attributes it to one thing — fear.

"He's scared is why he's talking as much as he is," Mayweather Sr. said. "Shane is not a person that runs his mouth, but he's trying to talk the fight into himself. He's trying to build himself up and be the man that he wants to be when he gets in there.

"He wants to be the man he was when he beat Antonio Margarito. But that's not going to happen. Because he's not fighting Antonio Margarito. He's fighting Floyd Mayweather Jr., and he's in trouble."

As entertained as Mayweather has been with Mosley's attempts to keep up with him verbally, he says he's expecting a similar outcome when he tries to keep up physically.

In the same confident tone that the boxing world has come to know, Mayweather (40-0, 25 KO) stood by his perfect record and didn't seem to think that Mosley (46-5, 39 KO) or any other fighter, stands a chance at ruining it.

"I don't think no fighter has a chance of beating me," Mayweather said. "Floyd Mayweather is a born fighter. It's not my fault I'm so much better than the guys I'm facing. People want to see fights that are a toe-to-toe battle, but I'm just too smart and intelligent of a fighter."

Mayweather had an answer for every possible question thrown out regarding his upcoming opponent during Wednesday's open workout. He even used Mosley to answer a few questions he obviously didn't like.

Mayweather originally was set to fight Manny Pacquiao in March before negotiations broke down because of Pacquiao's unwillingness to undergo Olympic style drug testing.

Since the collapse of that fight, Mayweather has grown increasingly restless with the nonstop questions on a potential fight with Pacquiao in the future.

When asked Wednesday if he thought that fight could still be made, Mayweather responded, "Shane Mosley is a great fighter and that's why we chose Mosley. Tune in on May 1."

Mayweather Sr. also seemed disinterested on the topic of Pacquiao, but hinted on one thing.

The Filipino boxer filed a defamation lawsuit against the Mayweather camp after negotiations broke down. The suit was based on what Pacquiao said were false accusations the camp made that he used performance-enhancing drugs.

Mayweather Sr. said that in all his years involved in the sport, he's never seen a fighter turn to the courts over pre-fight trash talk.

"Right now, there's litigation going on with the courts," Mayweather Sr. said. "There's really nothing to talk about. He ain't nobody anyway. I've never heard of anybody doing something like this in boxing."

When asked if the lawsuit has been a distraction to him in his preparations for Mosley, Mayweather answered shortly.

"I don't know what lawsuit you're talking about," Mayweather said. "I'm famous. I get lawsuits from people all the time. Next question."

Another report regarding the addition of a rematch clause in Mayweather's contract with Mosley has raised the question in some fans of his confidence that he can win the fight.

Under the condition in the contract, Mayweather can demand an immediate rematch should he lose.

Mayweather's adviser Leonard Ellerbe laughed at the notion that it could affect his fighter's performance May 1 and said that a rematch clause is a basic piece of business designed to protect his fighter.

"First off, I want to be very clear and direct on this rematch clause," Ellerbe said. "It is a piece of business that has nothing to do with the fight. Somehow it's been misrepresented out there that Floyd wants the rematch and will fight based on the rematch. Floyd knew nothing about it.

"There are many unforeseen circumstances in a fight. You have cuts, no contests, disqualifications. If you don't have a rematch clause in place, you're screwed. So it's just a normal piece of business that we do and have done to protect our guy."

Regardless of what matters come up outside of the ring before Mayweather fights, he's proven time and again to be immune to distraction.

Whether or not a pending lawsuit or rematch clause is enough to break the trend is a question that will be answered May 1.

As one might guess, the Mayweather camp doesn't seem overly concerned.

"What does Shane Mosley bring to the table?" said Mayweather Sr. "He brings his ass to the table to get the (expletive) whooped out of him. Because that's what he's gonna get."

Source: lasvegassun.com

Floyd Mayweather hits the mitts, heavy bag during intense training session

Mayweather vs Mosley
Las Vegas Boxing Examiner | Chris Robinson

After speaking with the media and shadowboxing on Wednesday afternoon from his personal gym, Floyd Mayweather Jr. stepped up the intensity by closing out a rigorous training session with mitt and bag work. While Mayweather’s quickness and deft movement was on display while shadowboxing it was his tremendous shape, speed, and grit that next took center stage.

Earlier during the day Floyd’s trainer and Uncle Roger had implied that training his nephew was like clockwork but seeing the two men in action was captivating stuff. Firing off blazing combinations over and over, Mayweather’s talents are undeniable and his work ethic is pristine. Floyd rotated from hitting the mitts with Roger to doing body work with an assistant. This seemed to last roughly 40 or so minutes as Floyd simply never slowed down.

Mayweather then exited the ring and proceeded to hit the heavy bag tirelessly. With a hoard of people watching him, some of them fighters in the gym, some of them members of the media and some simply people from his entourage, Floyd was completely in his zone as he continued to train for his May 1st clash with Shane Mosley at the MGM Grand.

Mayweather finished up his bag work with a ten-minute drill where he fired off repeated one-two’s over and over again, never once stopping to take a break. Watching his good buddy go to work, former champion and Mayweather stable mate Steve Forbes shook his head and stated ‘I’ve never seen anybody train as hard as him’.

When the hour plus training session had come and gone Mayweather dried off and spoke some more to the media while engaging in conversation with his father Floyd Sr. While the sport of boxing is full of outstanding athletes the world over, there was no better place to be as a both a fan and reporter than in Mayweather’s own personal gym in Las Vegas on this day. Mayweather’s grueling session spoke of his dedication and desire that he still has for the sport and he will be looking to make a bold statement come May 1st.

Source: Examiner.com

Floyd Mayweather arrives in a Ferrari and proclaims his greatness to the media

Mayweather vs Mosley
Las Vegas Boxing Examiner | Chris Robinson

Earlier today Floyd Mayweather Jr. conducted an open media workout at his own personal gym in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mayweather was fashionably late, arriving around 3:45 pm as opposed to the scheduled 2 o’clock time but the buzz in the air and the characters in the building kept everyone’s interest until then.

Arriving in a sleek white Ferrari, Mayweather's presence was instantly felt. As he entered the gym Floyd immediately headed to the southeast corner of the facility where he conducted an in depth interview with several members of the media. Not holding anything back, Mayweather spoke of his flamboyant lifestyle, his god-given abilities, and of course his May 1st clash with ‘Sugar’ Shane Mosley.

Taking place at the MGM Grand, the Mayweather-Mosley contest could very well be this year’s most anticipated fight. Mosley is considered by many to be Floyd’s biggest challenge to date and if Mayweather’s training regimen was any indication he is surely going into this contest with much focus and determination.

After speaking to the press Mayweather made his way to the ring and started shadowboxing with much vigor. Looking extremely fit, Mayweather rattled off combinations in mid-air at a lightning quick pace for the better part of ten minutes. The gym was chalked full of fighters, members of the media, and several people from Floyd’s entourage. During Mayweather’ shadowboxing there was probably thirty or so photographers and people filming Floyd’s every move.

Mayweather returned to the sport in September of last year with a whitewashing of proud Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez. It was Mayweather’s first fight since his retirement from the sport and today’s media workout showcased the fact that Floyd is right where he wants to be as he is again the center of attention fighting in the sport he loves most.

Source: Examiner.com

Opinion: Shane Mosley is Manny Pacquiao's Newest Boxing Fan

Shane Mosley has some good words for Manny Pacquiao. He says he'd love to be shown around by the Filipino boxer if and when he visits the Philippines. He is also doing great in his political career, Mosley said during a recent press conference.

Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao has gained a new friend in Shane Mosley who is lining up for a crack at the pound-for-pound king's WBO welterweight belt.

In a recent news conference about the USADA random drug testing protocol which he and Floyd Mayweather, jr. have agreed to take in connection with their May 1 encounter at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas, Nevada, Mosley says, he wish Pacquiao can show him around if and when he visits the Philippines.

Mosley who is eyeing a match with Manny Pacquiao if a rematch clause in his fight with Mayweather is not exercised, says 'Pacquiao has the spirit of a champion in and out of the ring'.

"I think it's a great thing that he could be President or a congressman in the Philippines," said Mosley. "I think it's a great thing. I'd love to come to the Philippines and visit and say hi and have dinner and hang out in the Philippines. He can show me around.
"I'd like to congratulate him on the campaign," he added. "To even get that far, and to be able to run for Congress is a great thing, a great accomplishment for a fighter, for all fighters. He's doing a great thing.

It appears that a Pacquiao-Mosley fight will take place within the year. The match has a better chance of becoming a reality as Mayweather is expected to continue his demand for the Olympic-style USADA drug testing protocol which the Pacquiao team earlier declined.
A Pacquiao-Mosley fight would be easier to arrange as Mosley has earlier shown his willingness to face Pacquiao under the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) supervison.
Likewise boxing fans see an exciting fight in a Pacquiao-Mosley match as both boxers are known for their offensive boing stance.
Both boxers love to brawl and this is what boxing fans like to witness and enjoy. They are are of the opinion that a Pacquiao-Myyweather fight could end up as another boring fight similar to the Pacquiao-Clottey match which boxing fans did not like.

Similarly, a Pacquiao-Andre Berto fight could also present a good choice for millions of boxing fans around the world as the protagonists are known for their offensive fighting styles.
Manny Pacquiao has said earlier that he wants to entertain his fans by fighting actively inside the ring and a fight with either Mosley and Andre Berto would clearly satisfy the wishes of boxing fans.

Source: digitaljournal.com

MAYWEATHER LAS VEGAS MEDIA WORKOUT PHOTOS

Mayweather vs Mosley
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 15 Apr 2010

Six-Time World Champion Floyd Mayweather jumps rope on April 14, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada during a media workout in preparation for his May 1, 2010 mega-fight against Five-Time World Champion Sugar Shane Mosley at The MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas which will be televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View®.

Six-Time World Champion Floyd Mayweather (Center) speaks with members of the media on April 14, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada at a media workout in preparation for his May 1, 2010 mega-fight against Five-Time World Champion Sugar Shane Mosley at The MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas which will be televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View®.

Six-Time World Champion Floyd Mayweather (Right) hits the mitts with trainer Roger Mayweather (Left) on April 14, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada during a media workout in preparation for his May 1, 2010 mega-fight against Five-Time World Champion Sugar Shane Mosley at The MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas which will be televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View®.

Source: PhilBoxing.com

Click here to find out more! Mayweather may respect Mosley but he shows no worry as fight date approaches

Mayweather vs Mosley
By Lance Pugmire

Reporting from Las Vegas
Beyond the perks of massive wealth, national celebrity and his standing as one of the two best boxers in the world, Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s 40-0 record provides him the ability to answer tough questions simply.

Mayweather, 33, had a news conference Wednesday as he continued preparing for his welterweight showdown against Shane Mosley May 1 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Mayweather was asked how this stiff challenge was affecting him.

"There's only two game plans people try against me: bum-rush me or try to out-box me," Mayweather said inside his gym inside a string of small businesses a short drive from the Strip. "They can never do either one.

"You guys ask me the same questions, and it's the same result every time."

Mayweather camp insiders acknowledge their fighter is in for perhaps the toughest test of his career, a battle against Mosley, the proud 38-year-old from Pomona who's coming off a January 2009 pummeling of Antonio Margarito. And last September, Mosley stepped into the ring to call out Mayweather after his one-sided decision over Juan Manuel Marquez.

"This guy's bigger than Marquez, was a good amateur like Floyd, has good hand speed and power," Mayweather's trainer and uncle Roger Mayweather said. "I still say [if] we get him in the middle of the ring, we'll get him. There ain't a more skilled fighter in the middle of the ring than my nephew. But Mosley is among the elite my nephew's ever faced," pausing to scratch his goatee and think, "probably the No. 1 guy as far as skill level."

The respect is there. Mayweather's assistant trainer, Nate Jones, tells how Mayweather Jr. got off the plane in Las Vegas a few weeks ago after a Los Angeles news conference, and quickly summoned his friend to drive alongside him as he ran nearly 10 miles.

"He's fighting one of the best fighters out there, and knows he has to be in the shape of his life," Jones said. "He's done it. I predict he's going to knock Mosley out, the way he's hitting and letting his hands go. This is a fight where that can happen."

Such an outcome would be a major boost for Mayweather's reputation. Despite his perfect record, he's often criticized for not truly engaging his opponent and avoiding major tests to his chin as he follows his "hit and not be hit" style.

"He wants to show the world he's the greatest," Jones said. "It took this guy four days to get in shape, and he'll keep training up until about three, four days before the fight. I've told him, ‘Floyd, you're getting scary.' He says, ‘Nate, I gotta beat this [guy].' "

Talking as he shadowboxes and hits the mitts of his uncle in the ring, Mayweather only concedes that he "trains harder every fight. I push myself hard, I know what I need to do.

"I already shut everyone up," he said. "This fight is for me and my family."

Mayweather said of Mosley's power, "Nothing bothers me. I got nothing to worry about. There's a way to beat him. He wants to rush me? He'll get clipped."

He then mocked Mosley, joking that his opponent "punches with his eyes closed," is distracted by divorce proceedings and has acted differently, getting an arm tattoo and "nose job."

"Shane's talented. I'm gifted."

Want to argue? Tough to do against 40-0.

Source: latimes.com

Mayweather-Mosley Can Produce Fireworks. And Split Personality

Mayweather vs Mosley
It's April and like most that enjoy Boxing at the highest level I too am excited by the fact that Mayweather vs. Mosley is approaching. If you're a fight fan of a certain age you've been wanting this showdown for years, you even tucked it away in your "it will happen too late file," next to Hopkins and Jones.

Thanks to the timeless wonder that is Mosley, the fight is not only viable but some could say the winner enters a possible battle with Manny Pacquiao as the recognized "man" at 147. We will argue and debate the merits of both champions for the next month and some of us in the media will become notorious "flip floppers." I stand guilty as charged; I've flipped more than John Kerry in the last month and on all social media platforms! Since you, the fan, deserve more, deserve men of conviction and knowledge who can provide perspective, I've come up with a solution to this dilemma of faulty "Intel" and conviction. And trust me, I'm doing this because I love ya'll -and also because the only person I can think of who can match me for hot air is me.

I've decided to debate myself!

That's right, I'll debate myself. Don't act like you've never been so torn that you had to talk yourself in and out of certain decisions. That's all we've ever wanted from Floyd Mayweather, a fight that we'd have to think about and now that he gives us one, ole "Marty Mar" develops a full blown personality disorder. Ok, truthfully, it's always been there. We've been so used to saying "Mayweather UD" that frankly I've never pondered the responsibility of having to write about an actual pick 'em that involves Floyd. I just mailed in predictions and focused my energies on “fantasy matches" and articles about the ID that is Floyd Mayweather, you know deep stuff. I've become like that eerily calm dude who gets to host those celebrity rehab shows when it comes to Floyd, because there's no real fights to speak of. So, without further delay allow me to introduce the debate combatants.

The "pro-Mayweather" Martin is a part of my personality that is kind of, well, as Floyd would say FLASHY. I've always been in awe of the reflexes, the brashness and his ability to reduce world class fighters to a 21% connect rate. I like money, and as a kid growing up I wasn't exactly shy about telling cats what I could do to them. In other words, I get it! The whole self-aggrandizing, attention seeking, self-absorbed package and I can't see anybody at welterweight touching this guy. The only reason he hasn't torn through the welterweight division is because you have to show the champ his money; nothing personal. Mosley? He's a tough little fighter but he'll get shut down like the rest of them, he's merely a superstar tune up en route to exposing another "good little fighter" named Pacquiao. The pro-Mayweather Martin is all "eyeball test" and from what his eyes see, Floyd is clearly an All Time great fighter... To hell with the fighters of old, because if they could get 10-40 million a pop they wouldn't fight as much either.

The "pro-Mosley" Martin is also a part of my personality, the adult in me who "knows better." I look at Mosley and I see a real pro, the one guy cut from the cloth of a Carmen Basilio who is too hardened by facing real guys to be thrown off the trail of this petulant child. I understand Mosley's trials and tribulations, that his defeats have actually made him stronger mentally than a guy who never put himself at risk against much larger men. Redemption is different from payback; redemption of a good man who has made mistakes is practically overwhelming, even in the face of “perfection." Class personified in and out of the ring, his nickname "Sugar" is well earned because he has never stopped trying to challenge the toughest cats out there.

When he's gone there will be few "holes" in his resume because he knows (like I know) they don't engrave your purses on your plaque in Canastota. Later in life I know his way, his approach, is best because modesty keeps fences firm when Floyd's approach will wither a bridge, when he is no longer useful. When I see him standing over Floyd smiling like a Cheshire cat I think to myself, too big, too tough and even at 39 fast enough. Remember, Floyd may be talking a good game now, but when Shane stepped to him after the JMM "sparring session" Floyd was visibly rattled. He had no intention on tangling with a big strong welterweight like Mosley, ever.

Ok "Martins" how do you see this fight unfolding?

As the “expert" representing Floyd Mayweather I have two words that none of you want to hear but you'll realize by May 2nd. EASY WORK. This whole notion that Mosley is a complete boxer is a myth, actually boxers handle him easy and “Money May" is the best in the business. The man never saw a real jab that didn't throw off his rhythm and his jab isn't affective enough to give Floyd pause. That little flicking thing he's throwing is a range finder, but it won't land, nor freeze Floyd long enough for combinations. Shane “was" special because he was a speed guy with a taste for going after his man and taking it to him. He's still talking about catching Floyd with a good shot and finishing him. Really? What kind of plan is that against a defensive wizard with a great chin? Yeah, he's got a reach advantage but do any of you believe he knows how to use it? At 39 age won't manifest against brawlers and punchers like Mayorga and Margarito, but Floyd can turn Shane into a senior citizen in about 6 rounds!

Remember a slugger like Cotto was able to outbox Shane and make him look ineffective in cutting off the ring. Cotto! How in the world is Shane going to play high speed chess with the Bobby Fischer of Boxing?!? How Martin? Floyd is the deluxe version of everything Shane tried to be; not only is Shane's suit “off the rack," but his ideas on how to attack Mayweather may be just as unimaginative. The only thing Shane will provide Floyd with is a platform to show the boxing world that he can get nasty and put a tough guy out of his misery. If Cotto is accurate enough to bust him up with combinations, Floyd is sure to paint a masterpiece on Mosley with relative ease.

Whoa!!! Slow down little fella, here's how the Sugar Man will use May 1st to give your boy Floyd his 1st “L" that is. Are you so sure Miguel Cotto “out boxed" Shane in the last two rounds of their 2007 classic? Or did he run? My observations says once Cotto realized he was in there with a real champ that he couldn't run over, he kept the small edge he had and got out of there Oscar de la Hoya (vs. Trinidad) style. I would also propose that this is the same posture he took the next time he was seriously hurt vs. Margarito and that guy may have had loaded gloves! You're also dismissing the emotional factor that surrounds this bout, the force of intensity of a good man wronged. All Mosley ever did was fight the toughest fighters while Floyd “navigated" his way to the top of Fist Everest avoiding potential pitfalls. How do “squirts" like Sharmba Mitchell and Zab Judah prepare Floyd to deal with a legitimate welterweight like Mosley? Are we even sure this guy is a full 5' 8" when it clearly looked as if Shane (5' 9") had more than an inch on him?

Floyd likes to take an opponent's losses and chime that this figure is the number of "ways" to beat him. Shane's loses may add up to 5, but only 3 men beat him and none of them utilized a passive-aggressive style. Winky Wright and Vernon Forrest, 5' 11" and 6' 0" may have boxed but they came forward behind stiff jabs and gave Shane something to think about when he got aggressive. They showed him they were the bigger men, so how does a guy who took 10 rounds to dispatch a smaller foe (Hatton) running at him with his chin stuck out have the "stones" to come forward on Shane? Even Oscar, (5' 11") in 2003 in my opinion beat him -but I'd take that version of Oscar to beat Floyd! Miguel Cotto came forward, engaging Mosley and putting his punches together but by the end of the evening was doing his own Boricua version of the shoulder roll. Factor in Floyd's "scheduling" and you have a great talent who is mentally unprepared to deal with resistance and that ain't good against a genuine tough guy like Mosley.

Genius is so captivating that it engraves a unique "signature" style into our psyche and when the geniuses evolve -we find it hard to see them as they are. When Jordan was winning with post-up fade always, we still assumed he dunked on everybody. When Ali started standing flat-footed and hitting harder, we still believed he stung like a bee. It's natural and it takes a while to wash off. Floyd Mayweather is not as mobile as he was at 135 and 140 and the idea that he can avoid Shane Mosley and just "outbox" him is based on a 2001 fight we all recorded in VHS. He is a better boxer, but Shane is the better "fighter" and there will be moments on May 1st when Floyd will have to fight his way out of a jam, and that's exactly what Mosley is counting on. Remember, one man "had" to take this fight and the other man "wanted" this fight, and inspiration beats obligation every time.

So who am I picking? Hell, I don't know but I'll string you out for at least two more weeks!

The Adam Corolla Debacle

Hopefully one day soon, my big mouth and I may generate as much attention as someone like Adam Corolla. Like the luxury version of the comic/wannabe boxer Howard Stern made a media empire out of classless, irreverent comedy. Unfortunately, in America, Black voices could never profit so greatly by verbally hurting so many, unless it's a "gangsta" rapper and he's specifically talking about shooting another black man, but I digress. Anybody can sink to that level and generate blog hits, tweets or just plain old negative attention. Apparently Mr. Corolla recently ignited a firestorm of unfriendly attention with sickening remarks aimed at the Philippines, home of boxing legend Manny Pacquiao. Because 'hate speak" is weak speak I refuse to use what little exposure I have to repeat the comments made by the D-lister. He deserves no more attention. But, I will say this for Mr. Corolla, he "manned up."

Once he realized that his attempt at cheap laughs with gutter humor was poorly calibrated, he went on Twitter and apologized to Pacquiao Nation for his transgression. It is never too late to set the record straight when you have crossed the line. People, appreciate this fading quality in the age of malignant narcissism. My question to certain members of Pacquiao Nation is this: for those of you who sat down without conscience and created the most racist and vile images of Floyd Mayweather and his family members, can you too step up to the plate and apologize? Floyd Mayweather, Jr. is a professional athlete who you presume you would not like personally, who happens to be a future rival of your hero. Nothing more. To debase his image with racist stereotypes and suggest he is less than human in the name of your "hero" benefits no one. Do not ask for respect when you are in the act of disrespecting yourself. Manny Pacquiao is lionized by African-American writers like me because of his conduct, which you should keep in mind before you defend him as you have. If you believe it is fair to attack Floyd in this manner, then please, by all means leave Mr. Corolla alone and play by the same disgusting rules you set forth.

Hopkins and Jones, Leave Us Alone

The consumer fraud was one thing, but the actual fight took us to a low that I can only categorize as a call to arms. How long? How long will we present ourselves as a splintered disorganized mess in the face of blatant disregard for boxing fans and its future? "Reluctant" Roy could only blink at openings, wait for Bernard to billy goat his way in and tap him on the brain stem. Hopkins, as if by some strange irony spent a great deal of time rolling around on the canvas as a result of this foul play. I noticed that Bernard entered the ring with some cheesy Sinatra wannabe singing "My Way," which in Richard Schaefer's tongue probably translates to: "He bugged the hell out of us to get him the money to take out revenge on a fistic corpse." Each man took their trips to the "nether" region and each man had an excuse for why they "couldn't get off." Newsflash! Many men can't get off as they age but at least they don't charge you 50 bucks to share in their embarrassment. I say Bernard is still obsessed with Roy's byline, obsessed enough to push for a beating courtesy of David Haye. He's even taking offense to "The Swiss Banker" stating the obvious, that the next thing he should execute is retirement papers. Most of the great ones go out this way; maybe it's natural to come in kicking ass and exit via same door- just in a different direction. If GBP ever wants to play a role in the future of boxing they have to be pro-active in burying the past; if it's good enough for the boss it's good enough for Bernard. Let him go Oscar, what does he have out there more viable than David Haye? Holyfield?

Source: braggingrightscorner.com

Mayweather's got endurance, insurance while Mosley collars tighten

Mayweather vs Mosley
Boxing Examiner | Michael Marley

It may not be permissible and I may lose my Pacland pass but I have to agree with the Floyd Mayweather camp that getting a return bout clause in the contract for the Shane Mosley bout on May 1 was just a good business practice.

You may think it stinks from a sporting perspective and you may twist it around until you see it as an excuse for Money May to delay or prevent a megabout against Manny Pacquiao but, in my eyes, the explanation of adviser Laughing Lenny Ellerbe that the rematch proviso is merely an “insurance policy” is plausible.

In speaking to the LA Times and scribe Lance Pugmire, Ellerbe claimed that Mayweather did not even know about the rematch clause until after it was agreed to by the Mosley side. I can even buy that because maybe Mayweather' manager, Al Haymon, wanted Mosley's acquiesence on the matter before delivering it on a contractual plate to his fighter.

As Ellerbe pointed out, a rematch clause goes beyond a clean defeat and also covers a head butt, a disqualification loss and other extenuating circumstances which can crop up in big fights.

Now let me swtich over the Mosley camp where it seems to me both the fighter and his esteemed trainer, Naazim Richardson, are both acting a little bit out of their normal profiles.

I know it's just hype but Mosley never predicts fights, especially saying he will win by KO, so his appearance on the George Lopez Show struck me as a case of trying too hard.

Mayweather rarely loses a round, let alone a whole fight so how believable is it that Mosley can possibly win by KO or stoppage?

Which gets me to Brother Naazim.

On Tuesday's Trainers Conference Call, I asked him directly why he told Pugmire that if Mosley could sweep the first five rounds, Mayweather might contemplate quitting, at least mentally, knowing he can fall back on the rematch clause insurance policy.

I was stunned when Richardson said he never uttered those words and I checked by email with Pugmire. With the aura of integrity, The Times has and Pugmire's solid reputation, I could only think Richardson suffered from memory loss or did not want to repeat such an inflammatory supposition over the call.

Pugmire told me, and wrote in his follow up article today, that the trainer did say those very words to his face while they were up at Shane's Big Bear Lake training camp.

Is Richardson's collar getting tight with just 17 days to go? He got a big image boost when he caught Antonio Margarito and his trainer with the funky handwraps and he does a solid job handling Bernard Hopkins but a victory over the undefeated Mayweather would be a gigantic career boost for the tutor from Philadelphia.

Make no mistake, I'm not calling Richardson a liar. Sometimes the inner circle around the big stars get caught up in emotion, that I understand. Been there, done that.

Mosley usually seems like nothing can fluster his equanimity.

Maybe I'm only looking at tea leaves but the Mayweather camp is chilling while fighter and trainer in the opposite corner are showing signs of being extraordinairly uptight.

If Shane or Naazim or both remain uptight, then Mayweather's precious “O” isn't going anywhere.

Source: Examiner.com

The Pressure of a Perfect Record; When Someone's "0" Just Might Go

Mayweather vs Mosley
Boxing is not a sport that readily lends itself to statistics, but one set of numbers is as elemental as a left-right combination: a fighter's wins, losses and draws. We often overvalue a good record and misinterpret a mediocre one; there are dozens of 10-loss veterans who are better than young fighters with only one or two defeats.

Nothing, however, catches our eye like a perfect record and when one or both undefeated fighters square off, you can count on either the ring announcer or the TV commentators declaring, "Somebody's '0' has got to go!" or "Maybe tonight his '0' might just go!"

Yet the fascination with a fighter who's never lost remains strong. For instance, the appeal of Floyd Mayweather, who's "0" is on the line against Sugar Shane Mosley on May 1 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and live on HBO Pay-Per-View®, can be attributed to his sustained excellence and his star power, but there's something more. Over the course of his 15-year career, Mayweather's engaged in 40 fights, and each time he's proven himself the better man.

Maybe we focus on a perfect record more than the fighters do...

"I don't think about the '0'," said Mayweather, whose last loss came on July 22, 1996, at the Olympic Games in Atlanta. "I think about winning. Everything takes care of itself if you win.

"Of course it's a great thing to be undefeated, but I don't consciously think about it when I'm preparing for the next fight."

The record against which all others are judged is former heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano's mark of 49-0. In September 1985, then-WBC titlist Larry Holmes was 48-0 when he lost to Michael Spinks.

"I was always tying records, breaking records; it didn't mean [expletive] to me," Holmes said. "I didn't care. What was important was making money, keeping the title, and proving people wrong.

"The undefeated record meant I wasn't getting beaten up, and that meant a lot to me."

In November 2008, super middleweight/light heavyweight champion Joe Calzaghe fought for the last time. He retired with a record of 46-0. What made Calzaghe different from most unbeaten fighters is that his toughest tests, vs. Jeff Lacy, Bernard Hopkins and Mikkel Kessler, came toward the conclusion of his hall of fame career.

"I never really dwelled on the '0' until close to the end, when I realized I had only a couple of fights left, I was undefeated and I could retire that way," Calzaghe said. "I always hated to lose, and when I did so as an amateur, it burned me up inside and created my motivation for winning.

"Taking big fights wasn't a risk for me because I believed in myself and went for it. I can say, however, that it was a relief when it was all over and I finished undefeated and ahead of the game."

Calzaghe certainly fought the best available opposition, as did unbeatens Marciano and Ricardo Lopez (51-0-1), but in today's boxing world, there are four major titles per division and, as a result, champions can protect their records more easily than in the past. That's largely why alphabet titlists like junior welterweight Terry Marsh (26-0-1), welterweight Michael Loewe (28-0) and junior featherweight Ji Won Kim (16-0-2) were able to retire without having lost. Marsh and Loewe defended their respective titles only once each.

The question remains...is a perfect record a sign of perfection or does an imperfect record reveal anything at all? Consider the following:

*Ninety-nine percent of boxing historians rank Sugar Ray Robinson as the best fighter in history. He lost 19 times.

*Muhammad Ali was "The Greatest" despite losing five fights. In fact, he arguably gained more respect in his first loss, to Joe Frazier, than in building a record of 31-0.

*Since 1900, eight world champions have retired-and stayed retired-without having lost a fight. Even at their respective peaks, five of them never made the pound-for-pound top 10.

*Among today's elite, Bernard Hopkins lost his professional debut and Manny Pacquiao lost to an opponent who went 2-4-1 in his next seven fights.

THEIR FIRST LOSSES

Fighter / Record / Date / Result

Julio Cesar Chavez, 89-0-1, 1-29-94, L 12 Frankie Randall
Nino Benvenuti, 65-0, 6-25-66, L 15 Ki Soo Kim
Ruben Olivares, 60-0-1, 10-16-70, KO by 14 Chucho Castillo
Larry Holmes, 48-0, 9-21-85, L 15 Michael Spinks
Carlos Zarate, 52-0, 10-28-78, KO by 5 Wilfredo Gomez
Ricky Hatton, 43-0, 12-8-07, KO by 10 F. Mayweather
Marco A. Barrera, 43-0, 11-22-96, L DQ 5 Junior Jones
*Sugar Ray Robinson, 40-0, 2-5-43, L 10 Jake LaMotta
George Foreman, 40-0, 10-30-74, KO by 8 Muhammad Ali
Felix Trinidad, 40-0, 9-29-01, KO by 12 Bernard Hopkins
Sugar Shane Mosley, 38-0, 1-26-02, L 12 Vernon Forrest
Mike Tyson, 37-0, 2-11-90, KO by 10 Buster Douglas
Muhammad Ali, 31-0, 3-8-71, L 15 Joe Frazier
Oscar de la Hoya, 31-0, 9-18-99, L 12 Felix Trinidad
Sugar Ray Leonard, 27-0, 6-20-80, L 15 Roberto Duran

*Robinson's only loss in his first 132 bouts

In evaluating recent champions, then, we must look at their body of work, and not just their records. The resume of five-division titlist Mayweather is impressive, making his perfect record all the more eye-popping. Maybe, just maybe, remaining undefeated and keeping his "0" means more than he'll acknowledge.

"No one wants to lose their '0'," said Floyd Mayweather Sr., a top trainer and Mayweather's father. "I'm sure he thinks about it and it motivates him. Fortunately for my son, it's so far so good and I don't see anyone taking that '0' away from him either."

WORLD CHAMPS WHO RETIRED UNBEATEN
Note: In no particular order

Fighter / Years / Division / Record

Rocky Marciano, 1947-1955, Heavyweight, 49-0 (43)
Ricardo Lopez, 1985-2001, Strawweight; Junior Flyweight, 51-0-1 (38)
Joe Calzaghe, 1993-2008, Super Middleweight; Light Heavyweight, 46-0 (32)
Jimmy Barry, 1891-1899, Junior Flyweight, 59-0-10 (40)
Jack McAuliffe, 1884-1897, Lightweight, 34-0-7 (22)
Sven Ottke, 1997-2004, Super Middleweight, 34-0 (6)
Terry Marsh, 1981-1987, Junior Welterweight, 26-0-1 (10)
Pichit Sithbangprachan, 1988-2000, Flyweight, 24-0 (18)
Ji Won Kim, 1982-1986, Junior Featherweight, 16-0-2 (7)
Michael Loewe, 1991-1997, Welterweight, 28-0 (10)

Boxing superstar and six-time World Champion Floyd "Money" Mayweather and welterweight mega-star, five-time World Champion and current WBA Welterweight World Champion Sugar Shane Mosley, are set to meet on Saturday, May 1 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas in a spectacular bout which will be produced and distributed live on HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.



Tickets, priced at $1,250, $1,000, $600, $300 and $150 not including applicable service charges, are on sale now and limited to 10 per person and ticket sales at $150 are limited to two (2) per person with a total ticket limit of 10 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

HBO's fast-moving reality series "24/7 Mayweather/Mosley" returns with an all new episode on Saturday, April 17 at 9:30 pm ET/6:30pm PT. The four-episode series chronicles the preparations and back stories of both fighters as they train for their May 1 pay-per-view showdown. Episode one is available on HBO ON DEMAND.

The Mayweather vs. Mosley pay-per-view telecast, beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, has a suggested retail price of $54.95, will be produced and distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View® and will be available to more than 71 million pay-per-view homes. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD. HBO Pay-Per-View®, a division of Home Box Office, Inc., is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry. For Mayweather vs. Mosley fight week updates, log on to www.hbo.com.

Source: PhilBoxing.com