Majority of experts going for Pacquiao
LAS VEGAS—Majority of boxing pundits and former champions believe Manny Pacquiao will beat Shane Mosley on Saturday.
They said that Pacquiao’s hand speed, footwork and power in both hands will eventually overwhelm the 39-year-old Mosley.
They disagreed, however, on how the victory will come.
Some say it’s by early stoppage, others by a late knockout, and a few by decision.
A small minority is hoping for Mosley to defy Father Time and stun Pacquiao while some choose to stay in the middle.
Here’s a random sampling of pre-fight predictions culled from wire stories and online articles.
Noted trainer and fight commentator Teddy Atlas is giving Mosley just a slim chance of stunning Pacquiao, whom he said is at the peak of his career.
Hall of Fame promoter Don King simply said Pacquiao is the best fighter in the world.
Roy Jones Jr., the only boxer to start as a junior middleweight and eventually won a heavyweight title said Pacquiao should be a clear winner over Mosley because he’s been consistently beating bigger guys.
Despite getting stopped by Pacquiao and beating Mosley, Puerto Rican 154-pound king Miguel Cotto believes the fight is going to end by decision and could go either way.
ESPN picks Manny by KO in 7th
ESPN boxing analyst John Scully is batting for a Pacquiao knockout victory in either the seventh or eighth round.
Having seen first hand how hard Pacquiao trains at the Wild Card Gym, former heavyweight champion Michael Moorer said Pacquiao will be successful against Mosley.
James Buster Douglas, who stunned the world when he knocked out Mike Tyson as a 42-1 underdog, said the fight is going deep into the rounds and should be a great fight.
Former five-division champion Sugar Ray Leonard has been vocal about his likeness for Pacquiao in the past and said he’s the man to beat right now.
Of course, former two-division champion Gerry Peñalosa picked his bosom friend Pacquiao to win by knockout in the later stages (nine to twelve rounds).
Peñalosa said Pacquiao seems to have turned faster and stronger for this fight.
Bernard Hopkins, a close friend of Mosley, said Mosley has always been good when given little chances and should give Pacquiao a good fight.
Like Peñalosa, 1984 Olympic gold medalist Jerry Page sees a late stoppage by Pacquiao.
Active boxer Robert Guerrero picks Mosley to prevail.
NOTES:
A Unity Walk will be held today in support for Manny Pacquiao’s call to fight poverty. International pop princess Charice Pempengco is reportedly joining the cause with apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas. Those interested are enjoined to wear yellow.
A basketball game was held at the Dula Gym here Friday pitting the MP GenSan Warriors against the PBA Legends led by two-time PBA MVP Benjie Paras and former MVP Kenneth Duremdes.
