LAS VEGAS ? Proof that Manny Pacquiao has high regard for Shane Mosley, he sees the American challenger as someone who still moves like a 30-year-old and reminds him of the image of the same man who beat Oscar De La Hoya a decade ago.
Never mind that in reality, Mosley is now way past his prime, and a big 6-2 underdog going into his welterweight title showdown with the faster and heavy-favorite Pacquiao this Satruday (Sunday in Manila).
?Shane Mosley is still very strong and he moves more like he?s 30 years old,? said Pacquiao of his 39-year-old challenger. ?I remember watching him when he fought De La Hoya. I?ve always respected his ability and I know I can?t underestimate him.?
Pacquiao and Mosley arrived in the ?Entertainment Capital? of the World Tuesday afternoon, with the World Boxing Organization (WBO) reigning 147-pound champion coming over 30 minutes following Mosley?s grand arrival at the lobby of the MGM Grand.
Accompanied by trainer Freddie Roach and an entourage that keeps growing and growing with every fight, Pacquiao, wearing a polo shirt over jeans, repeatedly waved and smiled to a large crowd that never got tired of chanting Manny! Manny! Manny!
Despite the big confidence boost brought about by those fan support, Pacquiao, 32, is not about to take chances.
Pacquiao said Mosley?s noted footwork and hand speed remains dangerous even if he?s already nearing 40.
?I?m most impressed by his hand and foot speed,? said the Pacman. ?Lots of people criticize him, but he has trained very hard for this fight and he wants to prove he is still good and is still strong.?
Fighting in Las Vegas for the first time in two years, Pacquiao (52-3-2, 38 Kos) is facing a fighter bigger than him for the fourth straight time after Miguel Cotto, Joshua Clottey and Antonio Margarito.
But Mosley separates himself from them for being a three-time world champion in three different weight classes, and was at one time, briefly considered as the world?s top pound-for-pound fighter, a title now being held by Pacquiao.
Even Pacquiao?s trainer Freddie Roach, despite being confident about not having any room for an upset on Saturday, still has some issues to be concerned about going into the title bout.
?Mosley brings speed, power and he has a good team behind him. I think we have a big challenge ahead of us,? he said.
