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Earlier today at the MGM Grand casino and resort in Las Vegas, Nevada, the final press conference for this Saturday?s Floyd Mayweather-Shane Mosley bout took place. The heavily anticipated contest is just three days away now and the buzz is certainly building. Some highlights of the press conference can be found below.
Floyd Mayweather gets deep
Heading into the bout Mayweather has been full of trash talk and bravado but at the presser he seemed to be reflective instead. When speaking of this camp in particular Mayweather opened up about his belief in his team.
“It’s been a tremendous camp,? Floyd stated. ?Roger [Mayweather] has done a tremendous job getting me ready for a fight of this magnitude. I know what it takes, hard work and dedication, prayers and belief in a good team. I believe in loyalty. I am loyal to my team. I have been with the same team from beginning to the end.?
Mayweather also elaborated on the keys to winning on Saturday night. While giving Mosley obvious respect, Floyd doesn?t feel that the Pomona fighter is as prepared for this moment as he is.
“Be smart, be sharp and fight hard,? Floyd said. ?May the best man win. I am pretty sure that Shane feels deep in his heart and deep in his soul he is going to win. I’m pretty sure Shane is in good shape. I don’t think he is in better shape than me. If you put in the hard work, you get great results. Once I get in the ring, I get great results.?
When speaking of results of another kind Mayweather turned his attention to the strict drug testing that has been enforced on this fight. Ever since rumors of a fight with Manny Pacquiao surfaced Mayweather has been adamant about enforcing Olympic style drug testing for his fights and gave his reasoning.
“I brought USADA in to keep the sport on an even playing field,? he stated. ?Everyone knows this is done for the betterment of the sport. After I get blood taken, I’ll go in and box 12 or 13 rounds, no problem whatsoever.
Mayweather went on to state that he will be family forever with HBO and noted that he doesn?t plan to break up his team anytime soon, as they have been with him for all of his 40 fights. In closing Floyd took a few last barbs at Mosley and spoke of status in today?s landscape.
“I’m the biggest thing, because numbers don’t lie. The proof is in the pudding, I take less punishment, I land the highest percentage and I work the hardest. As far as drawing power and superstardom, me and Shane are not on the same level.
Shane Mosley thankful for the opportunity
When it was his turn to speak Shane Mosley showed his appreciation of what this fight means to his career.
“I have to thank God for this match up,? Mosley said. ?It’s been a long time since I’ve been in a big fight like this. I’m excited. I’m happy. We have three more days. None of you guys would be here if it weren’t for two great fighters getting it on. I’m very thankful to be in this position and have this opportunity. I’ve put everything I have into this fight.?
Mosley has had a hall of fame career without question and has won titles at 135, 147, and 154 pounds while never shying away from a challenge. Speaking on the foundation for his success, Mosley noted that his father Jack was vital.
“I have to thank my father for giving me life, for bringing me to the gym when I was such a young guy and staying with me through the hard times,? he stated. ?He had to go to work, my mom had to go to work. I am very thankful to be in this position and have a great fight.
At 38 years of age Mosley?s ambitions are still high and his skills are remarkably sharp, as seen in his destruction of Antonio Margarito in his last bout. Mosley is adamant about the danger that awaits Floyd and the significance of the fight.
“I hope Mayweather is ready for this,? Mosley stated. ?This will be one of the great fights of this decade or maybe even history. It’s going to be a great fight. It’s going to be one, if not the biggest fight of the decade, even of all history.?
In closing Mosley was asked what his plan was in order to emerge victorious. Keeping things simple, Shane notes that he simply has to be himself.
“The plan is to be Sugar Shane Mosley. To be the best in the ring.
Members from Team Mayweather and Team Mosley speak out
– Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer said that the MGM Grand is like home away from home, calling it an iconic venue. Schaefer also noted that the promotion for the event has been great and that the fans won?t be disappointed.
– Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions, was obviously high on his fighter Floyd. Ellerbe said that anytime the ?Mayweather? word was mentioned in boxing, that it was in reference to nothing but the best. Finishing up, Ellerbe seems to realize the magnitude of everything taking place but was still low key about his approach.
?Here we go again? Ellerbe closed out.
– Roger Mayweather took his turn addressing various people associated with the fight. He claimed that Floyd was the greatest thing alive while he also told Mosley that he is not his enemy and that ?It?s all good man?. Roger finished up with some emphatic words.
“You asked how boxing goes. It goes on in the gym or outside of the gym. We are here for one of the biggest events in the history of boxing. We have two great athletes my nephew and Shane Mosley. This is going to be one of the biggest events in the history of boxing. When it is all said and done, the better man is going to win.?
– Floyd Mayweather Sr. noted that his son is going to show up and give a good fight. He also pointed out that on May 1st Mosley was going to get a chance to see everything he wants in the ring. Despite foreseeing a good fight this Saturday Floyd Sr. still took time to warn Shane of the threat that awaits him.
“Guess what, he’s here now. You are in trouble. You’re scared now, as I’m talking to you. You’re scared because I’m the one who brought him into this world.?
– Last but not least, Mosley?s trainer Naazim Richardson gave his thoughts on the relevance of the fight. Richardson?s parting words speak of the faith he has in his fighter and the belief of how Team Mosley has carried themselves throughout the pre-fight process.
“This is going to be an outstanding performance. As I have said before, you have good fighters, you have champions, you have elite fighters and you have guys that are special. In this fight you have a rare occasion where you see two special guys going against each other. I said before, when the cameras come on I would never turn into a buffoon. I would rather see my fighter behave like Shane Mosley than to see him fight like some of the fighters out there. I would rather see him have that conduct and that character. We represent more than just ourselves.?
For a picture by picture look at today?s final press conference please click on the collage below.
