Shane Mosley vs Floyd Mayweather - Questions & Answers

With May 1st less than 2 weeks away I thought I would take a closer look at the Floyd Mayweather vs Shane Mosley match-up. I've put together some questions fight fans may have about the welterweight showdown along with my answers.

Is Shane too old?

To get into a reflex contest, yes. He's got too many miles for that. However, when he hits other men, it hurts. Perhaps more now than ever. Despite the age, wear and time off, I still think we can expect to bring everything he has left.

Of course it would be easier to pick Mosley if he were in his prime, or at least closer to his prime.  His overall skills are not what they were ten years ago, but he still hits hard enough to change the fight at any point.

What advantages does Shane have?

I would guess the weight difference the two fighters will be around 8-10 lbs on fight night, so the size edge goes to Shane.  He's also stronger, and hits harder. You can argue about how effective they will be in this fight, but those are the obvious edges he carries into the ring.

What can Naazim Richardson do for Shane?

He can lay out a realistic fight plan that his fighter will believe in. He's a real boxing guy who Shane trusts to do the thinking. Mosley has some physical stuff going for him, but it's going to take right plan to beat Mayweather. Richardson has been dissecting the film, and I'm sure he's picked up more than Jack Mosley could have.

What can Floyd take from Shane's losses?

Not too much, in my opinion. The fighters who were hard on Mosley matched or exceeded what he brought to the table in a physical sense. Forrest was too long and was able to maintain control in the clinch because of his natural strength. De La Hoya also had enough reach to stand up straight and work the jab overtime. Cotto was strong enough to hang in the clinch too. His powerful legs and low center of gravity allowed him to bully Mosley around a little. Wright was a 154 lb tank. Too big, tough and with the tightest defense around.

If Mayweather wins, I think he'll be doing it mostly on his own. He has the tools.

Can Floyd take Shane's best punch?

I'm not sure. I don't know if any welterweight can. If Mayweather catches one on a bad spot, upstairs or down, it'll probably hurt him. Like I've said in the past, the human skull is not designed to withstand a Shane Mosley left hook.

Who is the faster man?

I don't see any difference in the speed department. They're two of the fastest guys in the game.  I think that if you measure the amount of time it takes a punch to travel from point A to point B, there wouldn't be much difference between the two men. I do think Floyd will look quicker though, as he'll be getting off first most of the time.

Who holds the mental edge?

That's tough to say. Sure, Floyd is the master of getting under his opponent's skin, but I honestly believe that Shane is at a point in his career and life where he truly doesn't care about all the talking. He just wants to get in the ring and fight. That's a scary individual to deal with. I also know that the Mayweather group respects Mosley more than anyone they've ever gone up against. I've heard uncle Roger call him a throwback. High praise from an old-time fight guy.

I think Floyd is a little intimidated, but at the same time, he better be. It will keep him sharp in there.

Best plan for Shane?

Do what he loves to do, but just add a consistent jab to the body. I've been watching a lot of Mayweather fights lately and it's very difficult to find a hole Shane could possibly take advantage of, but I have noticed that he freezes when he gets poked in the body. I think a low stick will get Floyd to sit still for a second while perfectly setting up his two best power punches (left hook from underneath and overhand right).

Best plan for Floyd?

Be patient and don't get too brave. He has the jab, reflexes and defense to take advantage of Mosley's aggressive nature. The usual pot-shotting is probably what we'll get, but I can't blame him this time around. They're his brain cells, not mine.

e-mail Lee Payton