Since knocking out former welterweight champion Antonio Margarito twelve months ago, reigning WBA titleholder Shane Mosley has been lobbying for a big fight with either Manny Pacquiao or Floyd Mayweather Jr. to reclaim recognition as the best boxer in the world on a pound-for-pound basis.
Evidently, after a year of inactivity, his wish has finally been granted by Floyd Mayweather Jr., as the two elite welterweights have reportedly come to terms for a match on May 1st at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas, NV. Mayweather advisor Leonard Ellerbe indicated to ESPN today that while the contracts are not signed yet, all terms have been agreed to by both parties, including drug testing, an issue that sunk a proposed Mayweather – Pacquiao bout in March. Considering Shane Mosley admitted under grand jury testimony that he used performance enhancing drugs back in 2003, his agreement to random urine and blood testing was crucial in coaxing Floyd Mayweather Jr. into the ring.
Although this is not the Pacquiao – Mayweather bout everyone has been demanding, it is clearly the second best option, and quite frankly, the Manny Pacquiao – Joshua Clottey bout which will take place this March in Dallas, TX, isn’t bad either. In fact, fight fans will now be treated to the four best welterweights in the world squaring off against one another. Logically, fans and media will demand the winners of the two bouts face each other to settle the matter of best welterweight in the world.
The Shane Mosley – Floyd Mayweather Jr. bout, like the Manny Pacquiao – Joshua Clottey fight, will be huge in terms of fan interest and generated revenue. Both Mosley and Mayweather have chased each other at different times over the years, but for one reason or another the moon and stars were not in alignment and the two were never ready and willing to fight at the same time. But when Haitian-American Andre Berto bowed out of his match with Shane Mosley which was scheduled for tomorrow night in Las Vegas, attention immediately switched to Floyd Mayweather Jr., given he too was left without an opponent after negotiations with Manny Pacquiao broke down earlier this month.
Not to get too ahead of ourselves, but boxing fans can expect an intriguing and entertaining fight. Considering Shane Mosley, even at the age of thirty-eight, is still widely considered among the best five boxers in the world pound-for-pound, on paper this should be the most challenging bout of Mayweather’s unblemished career. Plain and simple, that is why people should want to see this fight.
Source: examiner.com
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