Michael Nelson gives his thoughts on this past Saturday welterweight showdown between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Shane Mosley.

I found it peculiar that in the aftermath of Floyd Mayweather's deconstruction of Shane Mosley, many in the online community were suddenly convinced that Mayweather would not only beat Manny Pacquiao, but embarrass him.

Make no mistake, Floyd put on one of the more spectacular performances of his career. Most of us thought he would use his legs to outmaneuver and potshot his bigger opponent. Nope. He came forward behind his shoulder and stalked a man proven to have threatening power. Most of us thought his punches wouldn't bother the granite-chinned future hall of famer. Nope. He stunned a man who's extraordinarily difficult to hurt on more than one occasion.

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It's fight night.  In approximately 3 hours, Floyd Mayweather Jr and Shane Mosley will be stepping into the ring to settle their differences.  We have gathered predictions from The Boxing Bulletin writers as well as some of the sport's leading blogger.

Let's get to them...

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The last time Welterweight Champion Shane Mosley fought he made a man pay for trying to bring a weapon inside the ring with him. On May 1st he'll be looking to give Floyd Mayweather a taste of some more harsh justice.

His crime? You might assume that the old pug just wants to shut Floyd up, but that's not what this is about. He has been around too long for Mayweather's classless comments to have much effect. Shane sees through the fits and the ready-made responses. I don't think it's in him to beat someone up just because they're insecure.

It goes much deeper than that. Mosley has always wanted to prove that he's the best fighter in the world, and that competitive spirit has cost him. Losses lowered his stature in the game and made him face the fact that he's not invincible. That may be the toughest pill to swallow for a great fighter, but that kind of suffering is a part of the sport for fighters unafraid to take the hard road. Shane has always accepted that and has continued to try and fight the most threatening men he could get his hands on.

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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.

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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.

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By Lee Payton

Ten weeks from now when he tackles crafty sharpshooter Floyd Mayweather Jr., veteran welterweight star Sugar Shane Mosley will be looking to add yet another outstanding performance to a remarkable professional career that dates all the way back to 1993.

From a stylistic point of view, the welterweight from Pomona, California would have been better off facing Manny Pacquiao, as the Filipino southpaw would no doubt have engaged Mosley in the type of combat he loves.  Mayweather on the other hand will likely do his best to keep the explosive Mosley from ever setting his feet, fighting a perimeter battle in which exchanges will be kept to a minimum.  Long story short - Shane will have a difficult time adding to this list when steps into the ring on May 1.

I'll have more to say on that tricky match-up in the future, but for now let's get to the list...

I've narrowed down Mosley's 52 professional outings (I'll admit to not having seen many of the earlier ones when he was just beginning his career) to the 10 performances I feel stand out as his best.  Today we'll take a look at numbers 10 through 6, before getting to the top 5 tomorrow.

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