LAS VEGAS ? Shane Mosley said Wednesday he?s got Floyd Mayweather to thank for.
But first, he thanked God.
?I thank God for everything and for me being in this position,? said the boxer from Pomona, previous winner of four titles in three different weight divisions.
At 39, Mosley should be very thankful. Not that he?s still around, but because on Saturday he?ll be fighting the biggest fight in boxing today.
It?s the fight against Manny Pacquiao, boxing?s biggest draw.
Mosley will earn a guaranteed $5 million for the fight, perhaps a nice retirement pay in case he loses. If he wins, then definitely there?s more to come.
He took the microphone during Wednesday?s final press conference, and spoke of this wonderful opportunity to fight at the sport?s highest level.
?For being in this sport so long and at this level, I thank my camp and everybody who did their part. We worked hard for this we?re ready to go,? he said.
?And I?m very happy to be here.?
To his right, Pacquiao was whispering something to Freddie Roach.
?I thank Manny Pacquiao for the fight because if it wasn?t for him… Thanks to Mayweather too because if he stepped up then it wouldn?t have been me,? said Mosley.
The world had wanted to see Pacquiao vs Mayweather, but the undefeated American is not letting it happen. Now, the world is getting Pacquiao vs Mosley.
The seasoned fighter who defeated Oscar dela Hoya twice, and knocked out Antonio Margarito when Pacquiao couldn?t, is out to prove a lot of people wrong.
At the least, he said he?d put up a good fight, unlike his previous ones.
?We?re both warriors. We?re both winners,? said Mosley, again looking to his right.
?And if you get two winners in there you know it?s going to be a heck of a fight. Tickets are all sold out so go ahead get the pay-per-view.
?It?s going to be a blockbuster. I?m happy to be a part of this,? Mosley said.
He did look very happy.
