By Mark Vester
Trainer Naazim Richardson is not underestimating the size of Manny Pacquiao. Richardson's fighter, former three division champion Shane Mosley, faces Pacquiao for the WBO welterweight title on May 7 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Since Pacquiao's made the move to 147-pounds, several of his opponents have underestimated his size and power. Because Pacquiao began his career at 106-pounds, opponents immediately view him as the "smaller man."
Richardson respects Pacquiao's physical qualities, and regards him as a solid welterweigh. He disagrees with anyone who calls considers him a small welterweight.
"They constantly talk about Pacquiao being a little guy. I totally disagree. I've said it a 1000 times and a I'll say it a 1000 more times. Pacquiao being a little welterweight is like calling Mike Tyson a little heavyweight. He's a solid welterweight," Richardson said.
"If Shane didn't have an amateur career, he probably would have been a champion at 106, 108 and 112, but he was fighting in the amateurs then. Shane is another guy from the small weight class who came up to 154 and won a title."
