Shane Mosley’s trainer Naazim Richardson talks about what we can expect to see during the May 1st bout betwwen Mosley and Floyd Mayweather Jr.
CraveOnline: How are you doing Naazim?
Naazim Richardson: Holding on with both hands man. The wind is blowing heavy up here.
CraveOnline: Before we get into the bout between Floyd Mayweather and Shane Mosley on May 1st, I want to ask you about the rematch that took place between Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones. How’d you feel about Bernard’s performance?
Naazim Richardson: I was comfortable with it. I felt as thou like I said before, much like the fight we got comin’ up that it’s difficult to be at your best when a guy is fighting very defensively. Like the old statement ” The other guy is not comin’ to bring his ass to get your ass”. So it’s a little difficult to get it done.
CraveOnline: On May 1st , Shane Mosley has the chance to become the number 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world. Before that, he had a bout scheduled with Andre Berto who had to pull out obviously due to the earthquake in Haiti. How has Shane handled the transition in training going from Berto to now Mayweather?
Naazim Richardson: It’s a lifestyle for Shane man so you won’t have any problems with him. He’s gonna be right in the gym, he’s gonna be on time, he’s comin’ to work. It’s just a lifestyle for him.
CraveOnline: Did you watch Floyd’s last fight with Juan Manuel Marquez?
Naazim Richardson: Yeah, I did.
CraveOnline: What’d you think of his performance?
Naazim Richardson: I think he did what he had to do. See that’s what I mean that different fighters are cut from different cloths. Shane would have never felt comfortable coming out fighting a man that small and not knocking him out. When the 12th bell would have rung, Shane would have still been tryin’ to swing on this guy. He’s a gladiator. I felt that where Floyd tried to push the issue to get him – he’s such a safety-first kinda guy – when he saw he couldn’t do it without taking a chance, he just backed up and took the round.
CraveOnline: I know you watch alot of fight tapes in preparation. What fights of Floyd’s have you paid attention to in particular when preparing the game plan for Shane?
Naazim Richardson: I was impressed with some of Floyd’s younger stuff because I think he’s gonna have to try to apply that here. He’s a little younger and he took a few more chances. He’d stand there and fight with you a little too. Think about it, this guy throws 30 to 40 punches a round and he’s still winning rounds. That’s hard to do.
CraveOnline: What do you think Shane has to do to bring Mayweather into his game?
Naazim Richardson: He’s gonna have to maintain being Shane Mosley and just not feed in to the trap that is Floyd Mayweather. People say ” Put alot of pressure on him” ,” do this, do that”. Unless that’s in the fight contract, we don’t have to chase him around the ring.
CraveOnline: Both fighters are taking random drug tests. In your opinion. are these tests necessary in the sport now?
Naazim Richardson: I don’t know if it’s necessary. To put those accusations on that kid Pacqauio with no proof..I don’t think those accusations prove anything to anybody. And I understand from Floyd’s side. He performs from a defensive stance. I mean when you look at Pacquaio’s performance against Cotto..I understand. He looked like Superman in that fight. But you gotta have proof.
CraveOnline: Speaking of Pacquaio, it seemed like for a minute he and Freddie Roach were entertaining the idea of a fight between him and Shane. What exactly happened?
Naazim Richardson: I try not to get into the negotiation and business aspect of it but in my opinion, the Pacquaio negotiation with Shane Mosley was purely a negotiation ploy. Shane Mosley said “I’ll come down to 140 and fight you for your belt”.The next day, the Cotto fight was made. The very next day, the Cotto fight has now been made. I don’t think there was ever any serious notion about fighting.
CraveOnline: The Edwin Valero murder/suicide was all over the internet. Were you paying attention to any of his fights in his short-lived career?
Naazim Richardson: I caught his fight. I have an up and coming lightweight. I was looking at the guy from before. I think he was very special. He was someone we had to start studying early. Valero is a special guy. He was exceptionally talented. It was a shame it took him so long to fight over here for a viewing. I pray to God for his wife’s family and his family also. It was a tragedy all the way around.
CraveOnline: Naazim I wanted to ask you. What does swim without getting wet mean?
Naazim Richardson: I’m gonna put out a little pamphlet to explain what “swimming without getting wet” means. Walkin’ the yard, bobbin’ the chain. I’m still in negotiations to put that deal out.
CraveOnline: I hope so man! I’ll be picking that up. Lastly Naazim what do you honestly feel is going to happen May 1st?
Naazim Richardson: I think we could be the best Shane Mosley we could produce. I think the people who don’t know will be shocked. People will remember and be proud.
CraveOnline: Thanks Naazim.
