By Chris LaBate
Trainer Freddie Roach is still very much in tune for Manny Pacquiao to become the first boxer to knock Shane Mosley out. Pacquiao defends his WBO welterweight title against Mosley on May 7 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Roach believes it would further cement Pacquiao's position as the best fighter in the sport, pound for pound, and also upstages the performance by Floyd Mayweather Jr., who won a dominating twelve round decision over Mosley last May.
“Shane’s a tough guy, a very durable guy. It would be incredible for Manny to be the first one to stop him and just prove to the world how much better he is than that guy that couldn’t stop him (Mayweather). I think Manny will fight at a fast pace. I don’t know if he’ll (Mosley) be prepared to fight at that pace but we’re going to force the action and we’re going to go for it this time. If it comes, it comes. I think Manny is definitely the guy to do it," Roach said.
Not many are giving Mosley a shot to beat Pacquiao. Roach is in no way underestimating Mosley. Roach and Pacquiao watched tapes with the best performances by Mosley. They trained for every possible scenario and Roach doesn't see any possibility of an upset.
“We’re 100 percent ready for the fight. If Mosley brings his best we’re ready for his best. I don’t think there is any room for an upset, but in boxing you never know. We’re 100 percent ready on our end. We’ve done everything we can to get ready for the fight,” Roach said.
“We’re definitely looking at his best fights because we expect him to be at his best. The Margarito fight he looked great and Margarito has an aggressive style like Manny and that’s how we’ll attack him. It will be a little more scientific, of course, but we’re ready for the best Shane Mosley out there.”