Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs Shane Mosley - Advance Preview

Sugar Shane Mosley wants to prove that he is the best. This competitive nature has been the foundation of a great fighting career which began in 1993. It forces him to train endlessly. To push a body, dented by the pain and suffering in boxing, up mountains in California.

Unfortunately, no amount of preparation allows a warrior to do battle forever. This sport doesn't kindly suggest that old fighters consider the benefits of retirement. At 38, Mosley must be near the limit.

Even those who believe Mayweather would have been in trouble against Mosley at any point during the last 12 years are forced into admitting that they do not know how the older man will handle being off for nearly 16 months, while sweating through 2 training camps. Considering Shane's zeal, any concerns that he may overwork himself are justified.

A flat performance will not do it against Floyd's quickness. He sees everything and reacts with expert timing. While he never would have been allowed to be so careful (in and out of the ring) during what old-timers refer to as 'the golden era", I have no doubt that his skills would have made him stand out. In fact, perhaps he would have been avoided in those days.

Sure, he appears to be a tad insecure. Yeah, his act can be irritating. And I can see why many boxing fans think he's overrated, but the man was born to box.

"Money" (his on-camera personality) is quick to point out that no one has ever beaten him as a professional. The most important number in the world to him is the zero in his 40-0 (25) record. It's his everything. In his mind, all one needs to do is look at his spotless ledger if they want proof that he is the best and smartest fighter of all time. Shane and head trainer Naazim Richardson know better, but they still have to prove him wrong.

You've got to think that they have come up with a plan that revolves around perceived advantages in size, strength and power. Hard men of the past have beaten down some slippery operators with the same set of weapons Team Mosley will have at their disposal and it doesn't appear that there is much to be gained in a contest of reflexes or wits.

Jose Luis Castillo was big, strong and could whack. The great lightweight champion from Mexico doesn't own an official win over Mayweather, but he was able to make it closer than anyone else so far during their two meetings. I actually had him winning the first one. That said, I also feel a prime JLC could get inside on just about anyone.

Being bigger and hitting harder didn't keep Diego Corrales, Arturo Gatti, Ricky Hatton, Zab Judah or Oscar De La Hoya from getting beat up. The speed of the last two opponents was bothersome at times, but neither man is known for finishing strong.

Still, if you add up some of the ingredients that have given Floyd a bit of trouble in the past and then think about what he's up against, the potential starts to test the cynicism that surrounds his fights.

The boxing public wants to know exactly what he has on the inside, but so far he's been able to avoid the tough questions with defense and automatic responses. This could be the opponent who forces him into achieving true greatness. Or perhaps what we've never really seen, isn't really there.

I know Mosley is coming with everything he has. I don't know how Mayweather will deal with it.

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Make sure to check back soon, as I'll be analyzing the Mayweather vs Mosley match-up in much more depth between now and May 1.