Shane Mosley Q&A: 'No Excuses'

A little more than a year ago, it seemed that boxer Shane Mosley's world was coming apart.

His marriage to the mother of three of his four children, was in tatters. The former world titlist was under scrutiny after having admitted during leaked grand jury testimony that he had used designer steroids before defeating Oscar De La Hoya in September, 2003.

But after stopping Antonio Margarito in the ninth round on Jan. 24 of last year, the 38-year-old Mosley (46-5, 39 knockouts) is on the verge of earning his largest career payday against five-time champion, Floyd Mayweather (40-0, 25 KOs) on May 1, but only after having to agree that each fighter will be randomly blood- and urine-tested for steroids -- Olympic-style.

"They can test me every day, twice a day, if they want. I'm a clean athlete and I've been a clean athlete. I'm willing to do this for every fight I have for the rest of my career," Mosley told Kevin Iole of Yahoo! Sports. "I want it so you guys [in the media] know, so the public knows, so everybody knows. I'm clean, I've been clean and I have nothing to hide."

Mosley spoke to FanHouse about all of the above in this Q&A.

FanHouse: If you were to explain to your fans, who have stuck with you, what it was like to perform against Antonio Margarito while being under the microscope, and what it's been like to be in your position of scrutiny over the last year, what would you say to them?

Mosley: To my fans, this is what I do. I've been a fighter from Day One. I've been boxing since I was eight years old -- that's 30 years of fighting. This is what I do, and this is what I know how to do.

You will always get the best out of me, regardless of what's going on in my life. I would never put, or, have something in my way and use that as an excuse to say, 'Well, I had this going on, that going on, and that going on, and that's why I can't perform like I'm supposed to.'

I'm a professional, and it's my job to be mentally strong in the ring, out of the ring, whatever. It's my job to be mentally strong when I get into the ring and to do my best. You're always going to get the best out of me, that's all.

No excuses.

FH: Are you pinching yourself concerning how fortunate you are to be getting this fight after the long layoff, or are you still in disbelief until you actually get into the ring with Floyd Mayweather?

Mosley: You never know if the fight is there until you get into the ring. But I'm pretty sure that Mayweather needs and wants this fight as much as I do.

FH: After what you've been through over the last year, were you wondering if you would ever get an opportunity such as this after defeating Antonio Margarito?

Mosley: I love to fight, I love to box, and it doesn't matter who I get into the ring with. So, I'm happy that it's a big fight, and I'm happy that the fans will get a chance to see a good fight.

And maybe they won't be so quick to want to go to the MMA and watch them fight. They'll be able to watch a big fight, and a very good fight.

FH: With this being two American welterweights, you and Floyd (pictured at right), there are some people who are comparing this fight to the Sugar Ray Leonard-Thomas Hearns fight. Do you see any elements of that, and if so, who do you cast yourself as?

Mosley: It's going to be a great fight. I do see myself and Floyd as being in the type of fight that is a Sugar RayLeonard-Tommy Hearns type of fight. Tommy was no joke as well. But my name is 'Sugar' for a reason. I liked Tommy, and I liked Sugar Ray Leonard.

FH: Can you break down the skills that each of you bring to the table?

Mosley: With Mayweather, Mayweather is an excellent boxer and counter-puncher, and his timing is very good. He has very good hand speed.

I think what makes me different and difficult is that all of the years that I've fought, that I'm a total fighter. I can box, punch, move, slip-slide, I can do everything. I can imitate fighters really well.

I'm well-rounded, so it's hard to train for somebody like myself, because you don't know if I'm going to bring my fighting style out, my boxing style out, the counter-punching, or whatever.

I have different things to my arsenal that I can bring to the ring.

FH: Will you be bring back the body-punching that made you so good as a lightweight (135 pounds) champion, considering it's been virtually impossible for someone to hit Floyd's head, let alone, his body, consistently?

Mosley: It could be a good tactic to bring the body shots. Against Margarito, I went to the body as well, which is what basically broke him down, was the body shots.

But yeah, the body attack will definitely be a good tactic to use. I mean, there are so many different things that I'd like to use against Mayweather.

I can't just go, 'Okay, I'm just going to the body.' Or, 'I'm going to throw right hands,' or, 'I'm going to throw a lot of jabs,' or, 'I'm going to try to get past his defense with the leads.'

There are so many things that I can do and that I'll need to do to confuse Mayweather.

FH: At the age of 38, Shane, are you more mature, a better fighter, how has the age manifested itself in you?

Mosley: It's wierd, because I thought that I'm getting better and better. When I'm moving around, and I'm working out, and I'm fighting, and I'm training, I just felt better.

But, you know, maybe, I don't know, I might not be able to be rejuvenated as fast, or recover as fast, but I feel good. I think I'm a lot better, but I really don't know, but I feel good.

FH: Mentally, are you a better fighter than you've been in the past?

Mosley: Mentally, yeah, I'm better. I understand the boxing game a lot better and a lot more. I know when I'm making different mistakes, and I know when I'm doing different things, I know why they're happening and why they're not.

But as a younger fighter, you just kind of do things spontaneously, and you don't always know what you're doing. You're succeeding, but you don't understand or know why you're succeeding at what you're doing.

Once I sat down and watch tapes of myself, and of different people and different fighters, and why they are successful at doing what they do, that made me more of a better fighter, mentally, in the ring.

I became better at understanding the moves that I'm making and why they're working.

FH: This is the largest payday that you're going to get, and there's a rematch clause in the event that Floyd Mayweather loses, correct?

Mosley: Yes.

FH: If you were able to map out the end of your career, what would your dream closure be?

Mosley: I guess that it would be fighting Mayweather twice, and then, fighting Manny Pacquiao. I could fight Pacquiao twice too, if I need to.

And then, I think, by then, there should be nothing else for me to do. Other than that, that would be it, probably, pretty much. Unless I went back and fought Winky Wright or somebody at 154. But other than that, there's no one else to fight.

FH: So you want to get some payback against Winky Wright for the two losses on your record?

Mosley: Either that, or give Andre Berto (pictured at right) a shot at the title, because he's been waiting for a long time as well. He's a world champion, and if he's still on top, maybe I could give him a shot.

Berto's a young warrior, and he wants to fight as well, so maybe I would do that. Other than that, I'm not sure what else is out there.

FH: Speaking of Andre Berto, is there anything that you would like to say to him?

Mosley: Yeah, I would really just like to send my condolences out to him and his family. I know that some of the people in Haiti, and some of his family members might have been hurt out there.

Hopefully, he and his family are together. Hopefully, mentally, he can get back into the boxing game and get back on top.

He's a great, young fighter, and I'm just wishing him all of the best for him.

Author: Lem Satterfield

Source: boxing.fanhouse.com

Golden Boy CEO: Mayweather-Mosley 'one of the most anticipated fights of this generation'

For weeks, Richard Schaefer honored a self-imposed gag order and refused to talk in depth about the failed Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao negotiations.

In a matter of days, the boxing promoter struck a compromise plan for a Mayweather-Shane Mosley megafight in a negotiation he called “an absolute pleasure” with Mayweather’s advisers, Al Haymon and Leonard Ellerbe.

"We know each other well, we respect each other, and that is a great start for any negotiation,” Schaefer, chief executive of Golden Boy Promotions, said Wednesday. “It is a fight Floyd really wanted and it is a fight Shane really wanted. That provided the necessary ingredients to get this negotiation going and signed.

"It's exciting to be part of a historic event where you have two of the best fighters of this generation, two of the best pound-for-pound fighters, two Americans, fighting each other -- and two guys who are at the top of their craft. We have seen what Shane did to Antonio Margarito and what Floyd did to Juan Manuel Marquez."

The May 1 fight at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas became official after Mayweather’s signed contract arrived at Golden Boy’s Los Angeles office Wednesday, five days after Mosley signed.

Mosley agreed to the Olympic-style random blood and urine testing at which Pacquiao balked during the failed Mayweather-Pacquiao negotiations.

Mayweather also will be subject to random testing.

AP File Photo

Richard Schaefer said a future fight with Manny Pacquiao isn't a certainty because neither Pacquiao nor Floyd Mayweather appear to be willing to budge on their stances on drug testing.

Ellerbe has said Olympic-style random testing will be a negotiating mandate for any future Mayweather fight, which means a future matchup against Pacquiao is anything but a certainty, even if both fighters win their upcoming bouts.

Pacquiao scheduled a March 13 fight against Joshua Clottey after Mayweather talks fell apart.

"I don't really know if it’s possible and I don't really want to think about it because, the fact is, both parties felt rather strongly about their position, as it relates to Olympic-style drug testing,” Schaefer said. “I can not speak for Pacquiao because I'm not his promoter. But I can tell you that I would be surprised if Floyd was going to change his position as it relates to that. For this fight, he obviously hasn't.

“Floyd feels strongly that the time has come for boxing to introduce Olympic-style blood testing. Given the fact that I don't think Floyd is going to change course, and I think, with regret, that Pacquiao may not change his position, it basically just is what it is."

Schaefer confirmed that Mayweather-Mosley will be conducted at the 147-pound welterweight limit but said it is uncertain whether Mosley’s World Boxing Association title will be at stake.

That could hinge on what percentage of each fighter’s purse the WBA is willing to accept to sanction the fight. Sanctioning fees typically run about 2-3 percent of each fighter’s purse, although WBA by-laws allow for that amount to be “modified to the discretion” of its Board of Directors, and such downward negotiation is common practice when fighters earn enormous purses for a title fight.

Ellerbe said in December that Mosley was Mayweather’s backup plan if Pacquiao negotiations failed.

Shane Mosley

At that time, Mosley was scheduled for a Jan. 30 fight against Andre Berto.

But Berto withdrew from that bout two weeks ago -- only days after the Mayweather-Pacquiao talks officially ended after a failed mediation attempt -- which paved the way for Mayweather-Mosley.

“In a way, the promotion for Mayweather and Mosley started right in the ring after Mayweather's victory against Juan Manuel Marquez, when Shane Mosley grabbed the microphone and started things going,” Schaefer said, referring to Mosley’s forced interference with Mayweather’s post-fight interview following his comeback fight after a 21 1/2-month layoff. “Then, of course, the Pacquiao discussions started and Shane's position was that he didn't want to sit around and wait, so he moved on to fight another undefeated fighter in Andre Berto.

“Then, when the Pacquiao talks collapsed and the fight didn't happen, we didn't really think Mosley, because Shane had a very tough fight against Andre Berto, who is a great champion, he's undefeated. He had a very tough fight ahead of him. I think it would have been a very big mistake to underestimate Andre Berto and start thinking about, or even discussing, a later fight between Mayweather and Mosley."

Other potential fights were discussed for Mayweather, but when Mosley became available, those were dropped.

"With these megafights, they sort of have dynamics of their own in place,” Schaefer said. “Sometimes, they fall apart. And sometimes, they come together unexpectedly.

"The fact is, at the end of the day, it is up to the fighters if they want to fight. Floyd Mayweather made it clear to me he wanted the big fight. After the Pacquiao negotiations fell out, there weren't that many big names out there that warranted a super fight. When Andre Berto had to withdraw because of the Haiti situation, that opened the window, opened the door, and Floyd was immediately interested in that. And Shane was very much on the same page."

Schaefer said he did not view Mayweather-Mosley as a method of trumping Pacquiao-Clottey with pay-per-view buyers who might not be inclined to spend $50 or more for both fights, saying his philosophy is strictly to focus on his own business and his own fight.

ARE YOU ON TWITTER?

Follow David Mayo at twitter.com/David_Mayo

He acknowledged, however, that some customers in a depressed economy might have to choose.

"If you are a consumer like that, and you have to pick which one is the bigger show, and which one is the more historic event, and which one has all the ingredients, then you're going to have to pick,” he said.

It was clear Schaefer is enamored of the Mayweather-Mosley fight, as are many boxing fans.

"It's certainly one of the most anticipated fights of this generation,” he said

Author: David Mayo

Source: mlive.com

Pacquiao awes Cowboys' billionaire owner

Texas billionaire Jerry Jones had an unforgettable experience during the ongoing whirlwind tour of Mexico to promote his ambitious project – the March 13 fight between Manny Pacquiao and Joshua Clottey.

“Manny Pacquiao is an enigma,” Jones told the Bulletin in his Texas twang Wednesday from Mexico City where he is holed out with Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum.

Jones, who owns the Dallas Cowboys and the Cowboys Stadium that will be the site of the Pacquiao-Clottey bout, said he marveled with the way the Mexican media and public responded to the event and specially to the Filipino fighter.

“Manny is well-respected, well-liked and beloved by Mexico, whose men he had beaten up,” said the awe-inspired Jones, who is joining hands with Arum‘s Top Rank Inc. in staging the world title match.

“The reception (here in Mexico) is unbelievable” added Jones, whose next stop will be the city of Monterrey where he and Arum are expected to preside over another press conference.

Jones and Arum decided to visit Mexico to further hype up the fight with the inclusion of Mexican fighters – featuring one-time Pacquiao sparring partner and ex-world champion Jose Luis Castillo – on the undercard.

“We are mesmerized with the reception given to us,” said Arum.

Meanwhile, Clottey is back in New York after a week-long stay in his native Ghana.

Top Rank publicist Lee Samuels could not confirm if Clottey was able to bring in his trainer-of-choice, Godwin Dzanie Kotey, whose application for the renewal of his US visa was denied in the capital city of Accra.

Samuels said Clottey made sure he did not let up in training while he was in Ghana.

“I was told by his manager Vinny Scolpino that Clottey trained hard while he was in Ghana,” said Samuels.

Team Clottey is headed for the Contenders Gym in Fort Lauderdale, Florida this weekend.

Author: NICK GIONGCO

Source: mb.com.ph

Vegas Beat: Heavy opinions on Floyd Mayweather and his reported reluctance towards Mosley

It’s either make or break for Floyd Mayweather Jr. at this point.

Yesterday it was reported by ESPN’s Dan Rafael that Floyd Mayweather Jr. has still yet to sign on the dotted line for a May 1st clash with Shane Mosley at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. Despite previous reports that Mayweather was ready and willing to sign on for the bout, Golden Boy Promotions’ Richard Schaefer is apparently at wits end regarding Floyd and his apparent reluctance.

Schaefer isn’t the only one who is tired of waiting. All across the net fans and boxing insiders alike have begun again to start seriously questioning whether or not Mayweather has the intentions of facing off with Shane. While his fallout with Manny Pacquiao was a debacle it looked as though Mayweather had turned a corner by agreeing to face Mosley. It is a contest that would bring a lot of attention to the sport but if the bout somehow falls apart Mayweather’s image will take a big hit.

Wanting to get a feel for what fans have to say about Mayweather in particular, I dug up on some select comments from random message boards and forums online. Full of venom, hatred, disgust, and frustration, the words from the public rang out loud and clear. While some people stepped up to support Mayweather and others simply feel he is trying to play games and that he will eventually sign for the fight, the majority of people seem to be simply fed up at this point.

In their own words, this is what everyone is saying…

(wowzabean @ BoxingNews24.com)…

“It’s amazing that fans defend him. Are you a procrastinator by nature? I don’t get paid tens of millions to do my job, but you damn well better bet I get it done. There is no need to wait and take your time. Sign and send in a timely fashion. Either that or he’s acting like a 12 year old and saying I’ll sign when I feel like it. So immature, just get it done, or duck him! Stop the wait.”

(Rapid @ EastSideBoxing.com)…

“Seriously how long does it take to sign a contract that you've already agreed too?? I wonder how long it took to sign for marquez?? I keep going back to what I've always said....Actions speak louder than words.. And right now Floyd is saying I don't want to fight Shane....If he did he would have sign the contract. Come on Floyd your the badest man to ever lace em up...whats the hold up??

You can't compare what Ali was doing with what Floyd is trying to do. Ali had a problem with going to war....Well, I guess Floyd does too....He wont fight any legit threats....I guess you can then.... Ali talked alot of smack....but he fought eveyone....Floyd talks as much, but doesn't fight any real threats...If he doesn't fight Shane....his career is over.”

(TriPHP @ BoxingScene.com)…

“Pure hype. The "did not signed" articles will be everywhere then the next few days he will sign it.”

(kaevyo @ ESPN.com)…

“writers, brian kenny and floyd's family have said that floyd acts out because he was deprived of a childhood. i can see it. floyd's like michael jackson-- never had a job, always surrounded by an entourage, never had to deal with the real world, never grew up. now his bubble is starting to tear. the golden pac goose flew away and floyd has big bad shane to deal with for much less money. on top of that, you have writers, promoters and fans taking pot shots at him. it's not looking good but i hope floyd can pull something great out of this situation.”

(FlyByNite @ BadLeftHook.com)…

“Much ado about nothing. If the fight doesn’t happen due to Floyd being the one not to sign even though all the terms were agreed to, then the naysayers can get their pitchforks ready. For the moment, it’s much ado about nothing.”

(lex_fugitive @ BoxingNews24.com)…

“How could you get more press than this??? The longer he waits the more attention from the media he gets. All publicity is good publicity. Roy Jones was notorious for being late to press conferences and other antics similar to this. I love this! No one can keep Mayweather out their mouth or computer! Mayweather called out Mosley in 99. He did it again in 2006. Mosley ducked him both times. That and theres always been tension between PBF and GBP, Floyd and Oscar have never liked each other. Now, the only people suffering from Floyd delaying the signing are Shane and GBP. Regardless of when he signs Floyd knows damn well that it will get over 1.5 million PPVs. LMAO Come May 1 the world will see Floyd Mayweather easily defeat the best welterweight Shane Mosley. Yea, Mayweather is shaking in his boots, the coward he’s been calling out for 10 years finally agreed to fight him. No one has heard from Mayweather since Mosley signed? Huh, thats odd because I just heard him a day or two ago say he was fighting Mosley on May 1. It was actually on this site. The audio and everything. Say what you will, but Floyd is keeping his name in the media everyday!”

(Spreadking @ Boxrec.com)…

“He still hasn't signed the paperwork that Shane signed on Friday.

Golden Boy wants to start promoting at the Super Bowl, but Floyd won't sign and his team won't say why, just it's coming.

Floyd just learned to read and he's practicing I guess.”

(Gurkha @ BoxingScene.com)…

“fight is a done deal...floyd has no other option...if berto had pulled out earlier , arum and roach would have been all over shane's nuts to get a fight...shane is floyd's only option...they'll fight in may. i doubt floyd will just sit around and wait for pacquiao.”

(Ryan Tical @ BadLeftHook.com)…

“Floyd probably has other business. He’ll sign, ontop of that, he probably wants to enjoy Superbowl weekend instead of having people jumping all over his back about the fight. He even said on Shade 45 that he’ll be back in training camp AFTER NBA All-Star Weekend. It’s all a matter of time.

There hasn’t been a fight negotiation Floyd has been in that he’s pulled out at the last minute other than the Pacquiao fight — a fight Floyd wanted — but Pacquiao pulled out, Floyd just wanted him to take a blood test, however that’s another story for another day.”

(Exittored @ Boxrec.com)…

“I'm sure he'll sign, i mean he's got no choice but to and if he finds a way to pull out of this then his credibility is pretty much gone for good.”

(Rubee Starr @ BoxingNews24.com)…

“You see this is why I desrespect floyd so much, he couldn`t care less about his fans. you see it`s proof that pacman wanted to fight, he said he wasn`t going to play floyds games. So he moved on and the fight promotion is in full swing and he`s allready in his second week of training for his up coming fight, sounds like somebody who just really wants to fight. And floyd on the other hand is still playing games. And it`s not like he doesn`t have somebody thats willing to fight. Why the delay? you floyd fans have had his back all the way, defending him the whole time. But what it comes down to, he doesn`t care less about you fans. We are the ones that pays his bills! shanes doing every thing he needs to do to make his followers happy. Im proud to say Im a loyal fan of his,win or loose. becouse I know he cares about how his fans feel. Why the delay? if he really wants to fight the contract has to be ready by now. how long does it take ? Shane has already sighned his. Shanes ready to dance. Come on floyd at least show your loyalty toward your fans,you guys sure have. I believe he should at least make showing of some sort, becouse Ithink he`s making fools out of all of you guys. so go on and bragge on him some more.I think he`s really selfish!!!!!!”

(GTR @ BoxingScene.com)…

“how can this be good for his image?

Even schaefer is making him look like a p**** by releasing this kind of statements”

(Diamond WEAPON @ Boxrec.com)…

“I really don't think Floyd was at all scared of Pacquiao, but I do think he may not be entirely confident in his ability to beat Mosley. He and Shane have mentioned that they play basketball together sometimes, and I'd be willing to bet that when each are guarding the other and or looking for rebounds that Floyd feels just how strong Mosley is, which I've heard is VERY from his opponents (he's an avid weight-lifter too apparently). Couple that with Shane's good handspeed and the fact that he's only ever been beaten clearly and conclusively by naturally bigger opponents with good chins and skills (Forrest and Wright) and I could see Floyd either stalling because of being unsure or perhaps trying to piss Mosley off into being wild come fight time given that Floyd is at his best against overly aggressive and under-contemplative opponents He did seem a bit freaked out when Hopkins and Mosley stormed the ring after the Marquez fight.”

(The Duel @ BoxingNews24.com)…

“I have two theories.

1. He’s just prolonging it to have everyone curious, mystified by him (which he likes)

2. He’s so scared of the possibility of losing. Coming from a clean record of undefeated from his last retirement, if he loses this fight then it would be like coming out of retirement to take his first loss. Coming out of retirement to have his already perfect record marred. He can’t stand that. He should have just stayed retired.”

(BenDover @ BadLeftHook.com)…

“It makes perfect sense Mayweather is scared of Mosley. Everybody knows Mosley is at his beat at 38 years of age. That is when boxers hit their peak not retire!

Seriously though I’m no Mayweather nuthugger but this isn’t a big deal Mayweather will 100% unquestionably sign that contract I don’t think this is a concern at all.

Honestly though why on earth would Mayweather not want to fight a 38 year old Mosley? There isn’t a human being with a capable brain who thinks Mosley has a chance at winning that fight and maybe even a round. Much ado about nothing my friends.”

(RockStar45 @ BoxingScene.com)…

“Like with the Pacquiao-Mayweather drug test fiasco, I don't see how a negative story helps promote the upcoming fight. There's already a perception among fans that Mayweather doesn't want to fight the tough competition. Why even try to perpetuate those thoughts by not signing right away? Why not just sign immediately and say "Hey, I'm not afraid of fighting the best."”

(tacuvang06 @ ESPN.com)…

“the fight will happen. second biggest fight for him. of course PBF will take it. it's all bout the money for him right. so it will happen. he just like to make people anticipate a big fight and will make it happen. and if he doesn't then damn PBF got some issue. he's fighitng for money not the fans. so make the money go his way so he will sign it . lol if it don't happen then PBF shoudln't be considered great in my opinion”

(sean @ BoxingNews24.com)…

“i’ve heard that jr’s waiting for his order of xylocaine to arrive, get his hands numb so he can hold a pen and sign”

(Lenny Anaconda @ BoxingScene.com)…

“Floyd is doing what Margarito did last year being afraid of signing on the dotted line. Same exact thing. Everybody remember when Margarito took like weeks to sign the contract and jerked everybody involved around claiming Mosley was pissing his pants and then Mosley signs to fight him and he tried to punk out? He went MIA for a couple weeks and some people thought he was kidnapped in Mexico. Floyd is doing the same exact thing. Schaefer may have to force his ass to sign the contract.”

(akknelleinafghanistan @ ESPN.com)…

“I'll say this. I am a PBF fan. So I usually give him the benefit of the doubt, because no matter who he's in the ring with, his record is unblemished. And that's hard to do for ANYBODY. Hell, even Lennox Lewis got caught with a fluke KO (which he redeemed). Even the GREATS lost ONE. So I give him more breathing room than most. He's the bad guy, that's his persona, he built that. So it doesn't REALLY bother me that he hasn't signed yet. Probably a head game he's playing right now. NOW WITH THAT BEING SAID. IF he does not sign this contract and backs out of it, I WILL BE THE FIRST TO COME ON HERE, AND DENOUNCE MY FAN FOLLOWING OF PBF. There's no reason why this fight should not happen, there's no demands that are keeping it from happening. All PBF has to do is sign the contract and fight the way I know he can. BUT if he backs out of this, I will not be a fan ever again, won't watch another PBF fight, interview, show, whatever. HONOR YOUR WORD.”

(KevvyKev @ BoxingNews24.com)…

“Lets see what Mayweather did in the past 5 years. Dancing with the stars. Beat a bloated slow counter puncher in Marquez who went from 130 to 147 with Mayweather not cutting weight and came in with a 5-6 inch reach advantage. Fought Hatton at 147 who kept coming head first and took Mayweather 10 rounds to beat. Beat Zab Judah who has a losing record as a Welter weight LOL. Mayweather is a Welter Weight. Which top welter has he fought? His defining fight was a split decision win vs Dela Hoya. Pacman gets love (and hate) for killing/destroying people his size or bigger. A natural weight Marquez gave him hell but at least Pacman faced him twice and knocked him down 4 times. Other than that Dela Hoya quit, Hatton was knocked unconscious, Cotto- a top 3 Welter weight ran from Pacman. Has Mayweather faced a top 3 welter weight in the past 2 years? NO.”

(Dorian @ BoxingScene.com)…

“This fight will get made/signed because it's the only good fight for Mayweather at the moment, he has no other option. I'm just a bit shocked that Mayweather is playing these pointless mind games with everyone, make it official.”

(TB @ BoxingNews24.com)…

“if floyd doesnt fight mosley i will no longer be a mayweather fan.”

(General Moza @ ESPN.com)…

“It appears that $40M is not worth the humiliation of getting beaten to a pulp in front of millions of people in Fraud's mind. Also, funny how Floydboys finally admit that Fraud passed on the fight...”

(c0remaster @ BoxingNews24.com)…

“What are you people riling about? This is expected to happen…you people are dealing with the best ducker in boxing history here. He’s gonna keep on pushing Shane to submit to all of his demands, and Shane will agree to all of it. And then the ducker will back out of the fight. Enjoy your life people…don’t let Mayweather ruined it.”

Author: Chris Robinson

Source: examiner.com

Freddie Roach Searches for Guillermo Rigondeaux’s Offense

At the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, CA, you will find one of the most dangerous, offensive fighters in recent memory, one Manny Pacquiao. During his training camp for his upcoming bout with Joshua Clottey, Pacquiao’s training sessions are closed to the public from 1 PM to 4 PM. However, if offense isn’t your thing, then come a little earlier and you will get to see one of the sport’s true masters ply his trade. Celebrated Cuban amateur star and now burgeoning professional Guillermo “El Chacal” or “The Jackal” Rigondeaux, 4-0 (3), makes his home here and trains under the guidance of veteran trainer Freddie Roach. It’s an odd match as Roach is known as a more offense-oriented trainer while Rigondeaux loves to make opponents miss, while not necessarily always making them pay. Just speaking with both men gives one the sense that while they both agree the bantamweight Rigondeaux can do big things in the sport in a short time, how he will do that is still a point of contention.

“He is a very challenging guy,” Roach told me after a recent sparring session, as Rigondeaux prepares for a February 5 bout with Adolfo Landeros, 20-12-1 (9), televised on ESPN2. “Very clever and all that, but I need him to be more offensive. He gets kind of stuck in the Cuban style, amateur boxing, where he scores points and don’t let you score back. He is very hard to hit. Anyone coming to brawl, he will eat up. But when someone comes to box, he is going to have trouble going forward. He is working on being more offensive and it’s going slowly.”

“Naturally I had to do some adjustments because of the styles,” Rigondeaux told me of the change from amateur to pro.. “A professional compared to an amateur is a little different so I had to change somewhat with my distance and with my short punches. So yeah, I have had to make some adjustments. In the professionals, it’s more about strength and give and take. That kind of style and you have ten fights and your career can be over.”

Rigondeaux is one of the greatest amateur fighters of all times. He boasts two Olympic gold medals in two separate Olympics and countless other awards. His amateur record is 374-12. The man knows fighting. In particular, he understands the art of hit-and-not-get-hit.

Watching him in the gym on this particular day, I saw him work with three separate sparring partners; an unknown Armenian kid who was rough, tumble, and too slow to get to Rigondeaux, Gerry Penalosa, who couldn’t hit him with a bucket of water, and Bernabe Concepcion, who made Rigondeaux pick up the pace both with his feet and hands in the final rounds of the session. It’s like watching a scientist in the lab. Rigondeaux is a southpaw who understands how to make that work for him. Always shifting his feet side to side, back and forth, but never in a hurry. Relaxed and calm in what he calls “the Cuban style” of holding his lead hand down in an “L” around his waist, ala Floyd Mayweather Jr., while picking off shots with his rear hand. Nothing is rushed; each movement is used to keep his opponent off-balance and unsure, and all of it worked on this day. I got the sense he wasn’t toying with his opponents so much as tweaking and testing his own style to see what would work and what wouldn’t.

When he is at his most effective is from the outside. Jabbing one or two at a time, baiting his opponent by not throwing the left, feinting, and then flashing that powerful left while getting out of the way of return fire. I saw him do this move over and over but each time, it was a little different. He’d move left first, or right, come back to center ring and leap forward with the left or right. He’s feint both punches then slip the incoming while diagonal stepping past an opponent and turn just in time to get off a beautiful counter. This is the guy you don’t want to see in a phone booth.

“Every day in the gym, I am coming up with different ways to improve my style,” said Rigondeaux afterward. “Nothing in particular, defensive skills. Just stuff that has worked for me for a long time. I plan to do some things different, but not much. My style has worked for me up to this point. I don’t see a need to change much up in it. I know I can change up my style when I want. I can fight on the inside or the outside. I just prefer to fight on the outside because that has been effective for me. So I don’t plan on changing much on it.”

Rigondeaux does not watch tape of his opponents, instead leaving that to Roach. He prefers instead to gather intel from his trainer and then get in the ring. His opponent will tell him the rest.

“Most of my thing is to get the other guy into my rhythm, my type of style, and that is boxing. That is what I plan to do,” explained Rigondeaux. “I just need to find my rhythm. Find the other guy’s rhythm and have that work for me. After that, I can figure out what will work for me and what won’t.”

At age 29, it’s hard to say if Rigondeaux can change his style much. While he is as versatile and as skilled a fighter as I have ever witnessed in the gym, at 370+ fights, he may be set in his ways. This is the challenge that Roach faces. Plus, when you’ve only lost 12 times in your life, it’s hard for anyone to tell you what you are doing is wrong. Still, this isn’t the amateurs. In the United States, where ESPN, HBO and Showtime are respective kings in the boxing world, entertainment is key.

“It’s hard,” said Roach of his efforts to get more offense from Rigondeaux. “You fight the same way for 375 fights, it hard. He’s getting better at it but I am not sure we will get to where I want. I told him he can be like Gamboa. He beat Gamboa in the amateurs. He does have that kind of power. The problem is, once people feel that power, they start moving and running away from him. Winning is one thing, but being a TV superstar is another. It’s why you’re here. That’s why he needs to be more offensive.”

The 122-pound super bantamweight division has seen some of its stars, as of late, leave for the more lucrative featherweight division. Juan Manuel Lopez and Yuri Gamboa are just two stars who have vacated Rigondeaux’s weight class, leaving him free to pick up vacant belts and make a quick move despite his few fights as a pro. The problem is getting anyone ranked to fight him.

“I feel very comfortable at 122 and before I move up to 126, I’d rather conquer all the titles at 122. After that, I will see if I can go up to 126.” said Rigondeaux. “Mostly everybody has gone up in weight leaving titles vacant. So I feel secure in fighting anybody at this weight. I’m just waiting for the opportunity. What happens, though, is that you get guys with 20-something fights and I only have four fights, their excuse is that I don’t have enough fights. They don’t want to give me a shot. I say, ‘Why not?’ The money is there so why not give me a shot? Who cares about how many fights I have?”

Despite his pupil’s confidence in his own abilities, Roach feels Rigondeaux needs a little more time adjusting his style to the pros. Proper matchmaking at this stage is key.

“I’d put him in with Israel Vasquez today,” said Roach. “But someone who can box and move a little bit? Those styles I will hold off on for a while until I get him more comfortable coming forward.”

For now, Rigondeaux has Landeros in front of him. At 5’ 6”, Landeros gives up an inch in height but is only a year older than the Cuban. With losses to also-rans or never-wases, it’s safe to say this fight won’t go many rounds. But dangerous foe or not, Rigondeaux is the consummate pro. He doesn’t make predictions and has no preconceived notions about the fight.

“I am not putting too much thought into the fight. Meaning, I’m just focusing on winning and then getting ready for the next fight.”

Whether it’s an offensive fight or a defensive show, Rigondeaux’s considerable skills will be on display this Friday on ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights.” Judge for yourself whether he needs more offense or not; one way or the other, the skills are undeniable. What he does with them remains to be seen.

“In the States,” said Roach, “it’s about entertaining people. And that’s by knocking people out. [Rigondeaux] has knockout power for a little guy. He just has to use it.”

AUthor:Gabriel Montoya

Source: maxboxing.com

Interview with Russ Anber: The TSN Analyst Discusses David Lemieux, Jean Pascal, Lucian Bute, Pacquiao/Clottey, Mayweather/Mosley & The Super Six

The Boxing Bulletin's Ivan Montiel caught up with trainer and TSN boxing analyst Russ Anber.

Ivan Montiel: Thanks for taking the time to talk with The Boxing Bulletin, Russ. Let’s start things off your fighter David Lemieux. He’s going to be in action this Saturday against Jason Naugler. How’s he looking in the gym?

Russ Anber: Good. I am happy with the way he’s looking. Fighting at 168 is not exactly what I wanted, but I think this is a good fight for him. It’s a chance to get his hands on the Canadian title and it should be an exciting fight as well. Naugler is a tough experienced fighter and this is a good fight for David to step up in competition.

IM: Can you tell us a bit about Naugler?

RA: I’ve known Jason for quite a while now, and if you take a look at his record you will notice that he isn’t one to stray away from a challenge. He was supposed to be fighting Sergio Mora on the Mosley/Berto under-card, but of course that card got cancelled and Naugler became available. He is a very tough guy with lots of experience, and he’s fought here in Montreal before. His most recent outing was against Nicholson Poulard in which Jason showed incredible stamina. He backed Nicholson up the entire night, and he’s capable of really testing David’s resilience.

IM: That’s if David doesn’t knock him out early.

RA: Obviously it’s no secret that David has explosive power. He doesn’t just hit hard, but he picks his spots and lands good clean punches. I think we saw evidence of that in his recent fights with both Donnie McCrary and Delray Raines. He really picked his punches well and landed quality shots. But based on Jason’s record, I believe he will probably give David some rounds to work and test him at least. That’s what we’re preparing for.

IM: From what I’ve noticed, David keeps improving with each outing.

RA: Yes, his fight against Delray Raines was certainly a testament to the improvements that David has made. I think if we take a look at the last year and the quality of opponents that David has fought, he’s really progressed well and matured as a pro. As a fighter matures, they start to understand what goes on inside the ring, and with that understanding, they become a better fighter. Age and experience do that for a fighter.

IM: Let’s move on to Jean Pascal. He looked really good against Diaconu in his most recent battle, but of course hurt his shoulder. Can you tell us how the shoulder is coming along?

RA: Pascal more than hurt his shoulder. He actually broke a bone in his shoulder, but he has had surgery and is on the mend. To the people who wrote on the message boards questioning his injury, I tell you it’s amazing how some people can sit at their laptop typing nonsense without knowing what’s really going on. I actually got into a big argument with a local radio station here in Montreal that accused Pascal of faking his injury and saying that it was just showmanship on his part. It’s unbelievable how people can say stupid things, yet none of those same people say a word after hearing that Pascal had surgery. He had a broken bone on the back of his shoulder blade. Thank God that the surgery went fine and now let’s hope we can see him back in the ring come June.

IM: Any word as to the opponent?

RA: I work Pascal’s hands and cuts, and assist his trainer Marc Ramsay but Ramsay is the man who guides Pascal’s career, therefore you would have to speak with him. I honestly couldn’t tell you who’s next, but Pascal versus Bute would be a great match-up.

IM: Many fans want to see him fight Dawson.

RA: Fans might want a fight with Dawson, but there isn’t a fight on earth that could be worth more money to Jean than against Bute… and the same goes for Bute. It would be a great move for him too. He could try to avenge the loss of his friend Diaconu and fight for a second world title at the same time. Bute is huge in Montreal, and can you imagine how well a fight with Jean Pascal would do?

IM: You’re probably right. Montreal is crazy for boxing.

RA: Boxing is part of Quebecois, its part of Montreal’s soul and has an important role in Quebec sports. The blue collar Quebecois identifies with boxing.

IM: Speaking of Quebec and its most popular fighter, rumours are that Bute’s next opponent will be Edison Miranda. Any word on that?

RA: I heard Jesse Brinkley could be a possible opponent after beating Curtis Stevens in a elimination bout. I did hear about Edison Miranda as well, yet unfortunately I don’t know any details.

IM: Fair enough. Let’s move on to the latest big news in boxing which is of course Mayweather versus Mosley. What do you think about this great match up?

RA: After reading Dan Rafael’s column, the fight isn’t official since Floyd hasn’t signed yet, but I think the fight will happen and I’m happy it’s being made. But as great a fight as this is, a certain lustre has been lost. If this fight would have been made prior to talks regarding Mayweather vs Pacquaio, it would have been huge bombshell for boxing and made a great impact. It would have gone into the mainstream, yet I get the feeling the belief now is that Mayweather vs Mosley is a second best offering. We didn’t get Mayweather vs Pacquiao and that’s unfortunate.

IM: Speaking of Pacquiao, how do you see his fight with Clottey going?

RA: Clottey is a tough strong fighter; this guy will give heck to anybody put in front of him and he’ll try and wear Pacquiao down. But at the same time, I just can’t see Clottey being able to handle Pacquiao’s speed. I think it will be a tough fight that goes the distance, and even if Pacquiao wins 12-0, Manny will have to work hard to win every round, because Clottey makes you work hard to beat him.

IM: The next round of the Super Six is starting soon. Who’s your pick to win the tournament?

RA: I liked Kessler, but he looks somewhat exposed after not firing away with the confidence he once had. Arthur Abraham is going to give anybody trouble with the style he has. Andre Ward was my dark horse and I am leaning towards him. He’s a versatile fighter, and I don’t think anybody will have an easy time against him. He’s capable of getting on his bike and moving and that speed is very frustrating for any opponent and anyone that plans of beating him, better not just be ready physically but also mentally. I believe the only fighter in the tournament to beat Ward could be Abraham, but if Abraham doesn’t get to him then Ward will win it. Who do you pick Ivan?

IM: I like Abraham, and I still believe he will be the last man standing. One last question, Russ. This Saturday, Edwin Valero is facing Antonio DeMarco. Who do you see winning the match-up?

RA: I like Valero; I’ll take him in this fight, it should be a good one!

IM: It looks like it definitely will be a good one. I’m also picking Valero, but it wouldn’t surprise me if DeMarco pulls the upset. Thanks again Russ, for talking with us at The Boxing Bulletin. As always, it was a pleasure talking boxing with you.

RA: Anytime Ivan, adios!

SOurce: boxingscene.com

Top Rank Promoting to Mexico Photos

FORMER PRESIDENT BUSH MAY HAND PACQUIAO 'FIGHTER OF THE DECADE' AWARD

Elation written all over his face Bob Arum, by far the pre-eminent boxing promoter in the world jetted to Mexico City with the owner of the Dallas Cowboys $1.2 billion state-of-the-art stadium Jerry Jones and created further excitement about ‘The Event” on March 13 which pits pound-for-pound icon Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines against Ghana’s tough former champion Joshua Clottey for Pacquiao’s WBO welterweight title.

The affair was given added prestige with the presence of WBC president Don Jose Sulaiman and his son and WBC secretary general Mauricio Sulaiman as well as well-known Mexican promoter Fernando Beltran and the added glamor of the gorgeous Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders.

Arum was obviously elated over his prized possession Pacquiao not just being voted as the “Fighter of the Decade” by the prestigious Bowing Writers Association of America but that he whipped his closest rival Floyd Mayweather Jr by a bigger margin than 2-to-1.

BWAA president Jack Hirsh told us earlier that he was looking at an international figure to present the award to Pacquiao and www.insidesports.ph, Standard Today and Viva Sports learned that Arum was keen on having former US President George Bush who is apparently a huge Pacquiao fan do the honors.

Reflecting on Pacquiao’s achievements, Boxing Writers Association of America president Jack Hirsch put it best when he said “If there was any doubt that Manny Pacquiao is the biggest star of his sport, it was put to rest by members of the Boxing Writers Association of America. By an overwhelming margin, Pacquiao took home not only the BWAA's newly named "Sugar Ray Robinson Fighter of the Year" award, but went one better by also winning "Fighter of the Decade" honors. For Pacquiao, it was his third BWAA "Fighter of the Year" award, tying him with Muhammad Ali and Evander Holyfield for the most in the history of the organization.”

According to Pacquiao’s adviser Michael Koncz, the Filipino boxing hero was his usual humble self thanking the boxing writers for the honor bestowed on him which he dedicated to his country and people who have supported him all these years, and promising always to uphold the integrity of the sport and serve as an example to the youth.

Koncz said “everything is going perfectly. Manny did seven rounds of sparring and looked like he never left off from the (Miguel) Cotto fight. He stayed in physical condition by playing a lot of basketball in the Philippines and that helped.”

Respected boxing writer and television reporter James Blears of boxingscene.com reported out of Mexico that Jerry Jones revealed he wants to be right up there in the fray of competition for the chance to hold the Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr, should the difficult negotiations ultimately prove fruitful after he finishes with the March 13 sporting extravaganza..

Blears quoted the Dallas Cowboys owner who said “I want to earn that, and want to earn that with boxing and with the fans of boxing. I appreciate what Las Vegas has meant to boxing, and it’s been special. But fights of this stature can be shown when you have four or five times the amount of people and you can get the atmosphere too.”

Jones pointed out that the NFL “as great a game as it is on television, and it was built for television, would be nothing if it didn’t have the pageantry and crowds of the stadium. The crowds and the fan experience that comes your way through television are important to enjoy that game. You and I want to know they’re playing before thousands and thousands of people. Boxing can have that and we can have that at the cowboys stadium!”

Jones explained his pride and love for sports and spoke of his determination to put on the best show with Pacquiao and Clottey and indicated he was determined to make it a resounding success.:

Explaining the about the unsurpassed financial commitment in building the new stadium, Blears quoted Jones as saying “The bottom line- I emptied my bucket to build that stadium. Before they play, I tell the team, empty your bucket today. We have emptied our bucket to have Manny Pacquiao be the first fight in that stadium. We will do everything we can."

“We will take that huge screen that makes him seventy two feet tall, and we’ll hang it thirty feet above their heads. And when they’re in there competing and fighting, every fan in the stadium, will feel as if they’re in there with them!”

The astute Arum, banking on the support of Mexican fans who themselves have embraced Pacquiao despite the fact that he has demolished every Mexican legend, added up an exciting undercard which features Irish hope John Duddy and Salvador Sanchez - the nephew of the late, great world champion who died in a tragic car crash and a enthralling encounter between WBC Welterweight Intercontinental champion Alfonso Gomez and ring legend Jose Luis Castillo who battled Mayweather in two exciting bouts and served as one of Pacquiao’s sparring partners as he prepared for the Cotto fight last November.

Author:Ronnie Nathanielsz

Source: PhilBoxing.com

PACQUIAO OVERWHELMS MAYWEATHER IN BOXING WRITERS VOTE FOR ‘FIGHTER OF THE DECADE’

The president of the Boxing Writers Jack Hirsh says pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao won the “Fighter of the Decade” award by a huge margin.

Although stating he would “rather not give a vote breakdown” of how the members balloting for “Fighter of the Decade” turned out, Hirsch told us “the margin of Pacquiao’s victories were enormous” although he conceded a handful of members voted for someone else.

The respected president of the BWAA said “the decisiveness of Pacquiao’s victory for ‘Fighter of the Decade’ surprised me.”

He said Pacquiao “got more than twice as many votes as the second place finisher, Floyd Mayweather Jr.”

Hirsch said the BWAA was negotiating with Madison Square Garden to have the dinner at the famed venue on June 11 and said he was hoping they could work something out but that “right now it's no better than 50-50.”

He indicated that after last year’s awards dinner Madison Square Garden had reached out to the association asking to host this year’s dinner and Hirsch said he was hoping MSG would give them “a good enough deal to make this a reality.”

He said Top Rank promoter Bob Arum had already guaranteed Pacquiao’s attendance at the awards event.

At the same time Hirsch said he hopes to “have a major international personality to present Pacquiao with the “Fighter of the Decade” award.

Aside from Floyd Mayweather Jr whom he beat overwhelmingly in the boxing writers association voting by its members, Pacquiao also bested such greats as Bernard Hopkins, Joe Calzaghe, Shane Mosley, Juan Manuel Marquez and Marco Antonio Barrera.

Pacquiao was clearly overjoyed and humbled by the honors bestowed upon him and thanked the members of the BWAA for their support and respect for his achievements the past decade where he emerged as the most exciting boxer in the world today and a genuine box office hit.

The awards notwithstanding Pacquiao was in the Wild Card Gym of celebrated trainer Freddie Roach who was named “Trainer of the Year” for the fourth time and cemented his position, like Pacquiao, of being regarded as one of the greatest of all-time.

Pacquiao’s adviser Michael Koncz said Pacquiao had another fine day at the gym, going through his regular routine and looking better than ever in preparation for his March 13 showdown with Joshua Clottey at the Dallas Cowboys state-of-the-art $1.2 billion stadium.

Author: Ronnie Nathanielsz

Source: PhilBoxing.com

Money-Sugar match gets helping hand

We've been down this road before with Floyd "Money" Mayweather, but this time should be different.

Mayweather (40-0, 25 KOs) has agreed to all conditions to fight Pomona's Sugar Shane Mosley (46-5, 39 KOs) in a megafight on May 1 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. They are considered two of the best fighters pound for pound, and Mosley's WBA welterweight title will be at stake.

Fate seemed to have a part in this long-awaited match that only came to fruition because Mayweather would not agree to fight Manny Pacquiao unless he took a blood test to detect human growth hormone. Another factor was Mosley's fight against WBC titleholder Andre Berto that fell apart due to the earthquake in Haiti. Berto withdrew to fly to Haiti, where he lost family members.

One major reason this fight will definitely take place is both fighters are contracted by Golden Boy Promotions.

"I'm confident this fight will take place," said Oscar De La Hoya, the president of Golden Boy. "Everything is agreed upon."

Last Friday, in Las Vegas, Mosley was present at a fight card and told the media that he had signed the contract that could net him $20 million. Also present was Mayweather's advisor, Leonard Ellerbe, who said that all of the major issues are acceptable and that their attorneys are looking over the items.

Mosley, 38, and Mayweather, 32, have a long history of wanting to fight each other. I was at a post-fight victory party in 1999 for Mosley when Las Vegas resident Mayweather approached him and asked for a fight. Mosley told him to sign a contract.

That was 11 years ago. It's finally going to happen.

With Pacquiao set to fight Joshua Clottey on March 13 in Dallas, it's conceivable that the winner of that fight will meet the winner of Mayweather and Mosley.

Mosley's journey to this point has been a cluttered road. The speedster had one of his greatest moments a year ago in upsetting Mexico's feared Antonio Margarito for the WBA welterweight title. That win was clouded by the fact that Margarito's hand wraps were deemed illegal by the California State Athletic Commission and he was ultimately suspended for one year along with his trainer Javier Capetillo. It seems Mosley was punished, too, as he was unable to secure a fight until now.

"I almost wish they hadn't found anything in his gloves," said Mosley, who knocked out Margarito in the 10th round. "He never touched me anyway."

Mosley's offer to fight Pacquiao last autumn was ignored, with promoter Top Rank preferring its superstar fight its own Miguel Cotto. Even Pacquiao wanted Mosley but was given Cotto, whom he soundly beat last November.

The stars never seemed aligned for Mosley until fate reached in and set the table for the Southern Californian who lives in Big Bear. But the road to success has always been difficult for Mosley.

It was back in 1999 that Mosley was trying everything possible to get a match with budding superstar De La Hoya. His father, Jack Mosley, asked the publication I worked with at the time if we could help. We set up a photo shoot for a feature story that we guaranteed would reach De La Hoya.

It did.

Soon after Mosley and De La Hoya agreed to meet at the fight that took place in June 2000 at Staples Center. Mosley won in a riveting 12-round rumble for the WBC welterweight world title. Now, 10 years later, he's still considered one of the best fighters in the world.

As for Mayweather, I remember sitting down with him about eight years ago in an arena filled with mostly Latino fans screaming for a Mexican fighter, and he muttered "I wish I was Mexican so I could have these fans." But after signing to fight De La Hoya in 2007, he discovered he could bring millions of fight fans to watch him by using tried-and-true pro wrestling antics. Now he sits as one of the most marketable fighters in a matchup that has taken 10 years to finally nail down.

Author: David A. Avila

Source: pe.com