LAS VEGAS – Did Shane Mosley come to fight? Or did he just fight to survive?
He said neither.
“I just fought the best fighter in the world. He is exceptional,” said the 39-year-old American, who did fight like his age against Manny Pacquiao last night at the MGM Grand.
In the run-up to the fight, the pride of Pomona in California said he has the size, speed, power and experience to pull off the biggest boxing upset in many, many years.
But he showed none of the above, from start to finish. He looked tentative in the first two rounds, got knocked down in the third, and ran away from trouble ’til the end.
Mosley was guaranteed no less than $5 million for the fight, and in the post-fight press conference he just threw praises at Pacquiao, just sounding so thankful for the fight.
“He has the power. He has excellent power like I’ve never been hit before. Manny is the fastest I’ve ever fought,” said Mosley.
“Manny has the speed and the power. He is a warrior. I was looking to land, but the problem was we started a little late,” he said.
He was either late or he can no longer pull the trigger.
Yes, he caught Pacquiao with some good punches, some stiff jabs and left hooks, but didn’t really throw when there was the opportunity.
“I’ve been down before against Vernon (Forrest) and again with Manny Pacquiao. I really thought I was pretty hurt. He was very strong and very fast and he won the fight,” said Mosley.
“I guess I can say there were opportunities but I always had to watch out. It could be a trap,” he added.
There was booing in the fight because Mosley refused to engage. He was asked if the booing, which started in the sixth round, bothered him.
“I didn’t hear them because I was concentrating on the fight. I was into the fight,” he answered.
So, what is he looking at right now – retirement perhaps?
“Probably not. I will have to think about it. I’m looking at vacation, relaxation, and enjoying myself,” he said.