By Michael Marley
LAS VEGAS – It has been one year and two days since undefeated Floyd Mayweather Junior's last fight.
That was, of course, his unanimous, 12 round decision over the ubiquitous Sugar Shane Mosley who, not coincidentally, now fights on a tear Manny Pacquiao Saturday night at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino.
Mayweather's inactivity certainly has not gone unnoticed by Pacman's boxing guru, Coach Freddie Roach.
I asked the Dedham, Mass., native if was beginning to think that the 34 year old “Money” may never lace up the gloves for pay again.
Could it be possible Mayweather has turned into “Maynever?”
“I would not be surprised if Floyd never fights again,” Roach said Tuesday as he and Pacman made their Grand Arrival.
“Fighting at this level is something that is addictive and maybe Mayweather doesn't feel the urge to fight anymore. If that is the case, he is better off not to fight.
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“I just can't see why the guy has taken a whole year off, I just don't get it. So, if he does not fight
Manny or does not fight anybody, no, I will not be surprised,” Roach said.
As for his charge's strategy against 39 year old Mosley, Roach said he expects both boxers to start the fireworks early.
“Manny will start fast and I want him to do that,” Roach said. “Shane will start fast because he thinks that is his best chance to win, to catch Manny early.”
Against Mayweather, Mosley briefly wobbled the favorite in the second round but Mayweather recovered his composure and then boxed the rest of the way for a one-sided points verdict.
Roach also revealed that Pacman weighed in at 145 pounds earlier on Tuesday.
