GL: It’s always a pleasure to chat with you. What can boxing fans look forward to seeing from you on May 7th against Manny Pacquiao?
Shane Mosley: “I’m looking forward to fighting Manny Pacquiao. I think that the fans must be looking forward to me landing a lot of shots on Pacquiao and if I land like I know I can land it’s not going to be a good night for Pacquiao.”
GL: How do you feel about this fight getting exposure on CBS?
Shane Mosley: “I think it’s going to have a lot of exposure. I think they’re going to do a great job with CBS and Showtime on PPV. I think it’s going to bring a lot more viewers. There’s a 100,000,000 more homes [potential buyers], so it’s going to be good.”
GL: In my opinion, your fight with Antonio Margarito was over after you hit him with a body shot he never saw coming in the first round. What weaknesses do you see in Pacquiao that you plan on exploiting?
SM: “I think that my size will make a difference. I know a lot of guys have felt that way before and it hasn’t been the case, but I believe my size will be the difference because I have strength with my size. Everybody knows I throw body shots very well and my body shots could be make a difrerence also. I’m just looking forward to the fight.”
GL: You’re obviously the underdog in this fight. It’s not the first time you’ve been in the position and you’ve been borderline written off before. What difference is there between this Shane and the Shane going into the Margarito fight?
SM: “I like to be the underdog. It’s going to be good for me. People can write what they want and say what they want, but after the fight when they see this performance, they will have to acknowledge me as one of the greatest fighters of this era.”
GL: In your opinion, is Pacquiao too hittable to last twelve rounds with you?
SM: “Well I know if I land solidly a lot, I don’t think anybody can stand up to my punching power. If he’s going to be doing a lot of moving it will go long, but if he wants to sit there and fight with me, it could be an early night for him.”
GL: Do you expect him to be stylistically less difficult than Floyd Mayweather? If so, why?
SM: “I think Mayweather is more of a counterpuncher than a boxer. Pacquiao is a fighter. Same with Margarito. He’s not a boxer, he comes at you and fights. Pacquiao gives more angles, but he’s a fighter. That’s what makes his fights exciting and that’s what will make me able to land big shots against Manny Pacquiao.”
GL: Even though Pacquiao is on top of the world right now, is this do-or-die for you as it relates to your status as an elite fighter?
SM: “Not at all. It’s going to be a great fight. I’m going to bring it. It’s a fight that will have fans talking. Styles make fights and we have the styles that will give the fans what they want to see.”
GL: Closing thoughts?
SM: “We’re having an open press conference in Vegas and New York this week. If you’re in the area come out and show your support. Let the fans know my twitter is @SugarShaneM if you want to get updated on what’s going on with me, the best way to do is to follow @SugarShaneM.
