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Philippines, 23 Nov 2024 |
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Pacquiao -- Mosley shifts gear as hard sparring begins PhilBoxing.com Mon, 28 Mar 2011  Former multi-division titleholder Shane Mosley who had a crafty reign in three weight divisions is back in his hub at Big Bear lake of the Golden State, training like mad for his May 7th title-struggle with the world's top welterweight Manny Pacquiao. Shane's early start at his training quarters is almost two weeks ahead of his rival's stint in Baguio City the Philippines. Both rivals start a gruelling sked of heavy sparring at the start of the week. Not a key edge but a pivotal move that might allow Mosley to acquire all that's needed in his frenzied pursuit at stardom. A win over Pacquiao means the world for Mosley who's been repeatedly boasting a knockout defeat of the highly-fancied Pacman. A lucky accident or a fluke of a triumph if Mosley embarrasses Pacquiao, a feat which serves a parallel purpose for Shane as well--- return bout with Floyd Mayweather. Jr. Shane is eligible for a spot at Floyd's flaky calendar if he's able to stow away the century's upset. But will Manny permit such anomaly---that of allowing the Pomona star to hijack his own agenda of battling Mayweather? Nonsense! Or as the Brits would put it---'balderdash'.. Fight chronicler Larry Merchant is emphatic no one has emerged better than Manny Pacquiao, stressing the Pinoy Idol has impressed him the most and that the Pacman has become a complete fighter. Continuing, Merchant, in a candid chat with your new Manila Standard Counterman says "Manny has broken through to be the kind of international pop culture superstar and that's very rare. I've been impressed with his whole career; certainly with the way he came back and fought Erik Morales twice and destroy an outstanding fighter. Then, surely as he moved up in weight, becoming completely dominant since campaigning in three heavier weight classes." When asked if Shane has a chance against Manny, Larry, ever the tactful scribe says' "I am not saying he'll beat Pacquiao but the possibility of winning against the pound for pound champ is there." Now, the fistic world know that a meeting between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr.is the need of the hour. This, to settle the score as to who is better between two highly regarded ringsters---one undefeated welterweight and the other undisputed P4P welterweight. The Philippines' Idol is not about to let a hungry belter like Mosley steal his WBO welterweight sash. But try as hard as he could to inveigle followers of the sport he'll hand Manny a wicked setback, Mosley's' intense plea is falling on deaf ears. The posted odds stays against his favor by a 6 to 1 margin. Is there a clear sense of it all in what Shane Mosley is most insistent of--- that of a nasty beating of Manny? I don't see it, do you? Pacquiao is heavily favored since Mosley has'nt learned innovative ways of dismantling Pacman's defenses. Neither has he broken grounds for new means of victimizing the Pinoy Ace since losing to Mayweather and drawing with Sergio Mora. When most boxing fans see this barn-burner on tv and witnesses who'll troop to the arena remain unconvinced that Pacquiao gets atypical loss this time around--- a more than primed, fit and able Mosley must answer the opening bell or else he is toast. * * * Hermie Rivera's column also appears at the Manila Standard Today every Saturday. * * * Top photo: Filipino world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao trains with his coach Freddie Roach in northern Philippine resort city of Baguio March 23, 2011. Pacquiao is in Baguio on a month-long training programme for his May 7 WBO welterweight fight with Shane Mosley of the U.S. REUTERS/Erik de Castro Click here for a complete listing of columns by this author. Click here for a complete listing of this author's articles from different news sources. |
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