A star-studded crowd converged at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on May 1 to witness a boxing match that promised to make history. Floyd Mayweather added to his legacy by defeating “Sugar” Shane Mosley in that match, a 12 rounder that was full of excitement. Mosley struck first by hitting Mayweather with several right hooks during the second round. Mayweather, who has rarely taken hard hits throughout his career, seemed stunned and a bit hurt from Mosley’s onslaught. But Mayweather quickly regained his composure after the second round and was able to control the rest of the fight by using superior defense that frustrated Mosley. Rolling out was ringside as Mayweather revealed his keys to victory. –amir shaw
You seemed to be in a bit of trouble during the second round of the fight, were you hurt by Mosley?
I think he tried [to hurt me], but it’s just me being able to show my versatility to adapt and adjust. My game plan was going to work, break him down in every way. Zab Judah hit me with a better shot and DeMarcus ‘Chop Chop’ Corley hit me with a better shot.
There seemed to be a lot of talk going on in the ring after the sixth round. What was being said?
Mentally, in the fight, I was talking to him. Telling him ‘Your jab isn’t faster than mine; if it is let me see.’ After a while I think Mosley went into survival mode. All he was trying to do was survive.
After defeating Mosley, the only other big-name fighter near your weight division is Manny Pacquaio. Will that fight happen?
If Manny Pacquaio wants to fight, it is not hard to find me. We were going to make the fight a couple of months back but it didn’t happen. I take my hat off to Mosley. He had problems in the past but he’s a warrior. He took the blood and urine tests. I just want everyone to be on an even playing field. If every athlete is clean in the sport of boxing, take the test. If Manny Pacquaio takes the blood and urine tests, we can fight. If he doesn’t, we won’t make the fight.
