The world will be watching tonight as two of the greatest pugilists to ever step into a boxing ring battle at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Floyd Mayweather (40 wins and 0 losses) is favored to beat “Sugar” Shane Mosley (46 wins and 5 losses) in what is expected to be a memorable show down. Several boxing experts provided their thoughts on who would be victorious in this highly anticipated match up. –a.r.
“I’m picking Mosley. I’m not sure how much Floyd has lost, having fought just once in two years. Mosley has equal, if not better, hand speed, and I just don’t know what Mayweather has or has not lost in his defensive genius in two years. Mosley in a decision.” – Bert Sugar, boxing writer and historian
“This is such a good fight. I’d long thought that Shane is the one guy that had the tools to beat Floyd. He’s almost as fast; I think Mosley is stronger, has good skill. What he has to do is cut off the ring and stop Floyd from getting away. If Floyd times Shane, he’s going to be in trouble. But if Shane keeps him in place, I think he has a really good chance to work Mayweather. If I was a betting man and was forced to make a pick, I’d have to go with Floyd, but I think Shane has a great chance. Whoever wins, it’s going the distance.” – Kieran Mulvaney, Reuters/ESPN.com
“Mayweather wins by decision. Floyd has pushed himself as never before in training camp, surrounding himself with top sparring partners and grinding through exhaustive workouts that Mosley, at 38, will have trouble matching. Clearly, Shane will attempt to pressure Floyd, but Mayweather’s defensive brilliance is still in peak form, which should protect him from Mosley’s knockout power. That’ll reduce the fight to a workout session, precisely the formula Mayweather needs to improve to 41-0.” – Lance Pugmire, Los Angeles Times
