Pacquiao - Mosley: Outcome and Thoughts

Manny Pacquiao and Sugar Shane Mosley is supposedly one of the greatest fights in this century and a possible relative successor for the fight of the decade if Floyd Mayweather Jr. didn't fight Manny. People had their hopes high in seeing a slug fest between the two, noting their records and their individual accomplishments in the ring. Sugar Shane Mosley is a future hall of famer. He defeated the likes of Oscar de la Hoya, Ricardo Mayorga, and Antonio Margarito. Mosley is a fighter with great power and hand speed, but we all know that Pacquiao is going to be too much for the older Mosley. Manny Pacquiao has won eight world titles in separate weight classes from flyweight to welterweight. He has been knocking out opponents with the likes of Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Ricky Hatton, and a lot more. There would be two outcomes to expect in a Pacquiao fight, either be knocked out, or opponents get too scared to exchange with the puncher in Pacquiao as seen in Barrera II and Clottey. (Who would have thought another one will come) It all comes down to the conclusion that this match-up is going to be one of the greatest fights we would see in boxing history.

The Entrance:

It all starts with the entrance. Both fighters entered the ring with great entrances. Mosley went first with LL Cool J - Mama Said Knock You Out. It made the impression in my mind that Mosley is heck serious that he believes he would knock Manny out. (A dreaded scenario that has been haunting me, perhaps realizing Shane Mosley's capabilies) After Mosley's entrance it was Manny's turn. Manny Pacquiao went in with the tune of Survivor - Eye of the Tiger. I thought it was great to see the caption eye of the tiger going, not only because it was nostalgic in Rocky III, but also because it is seen that Manny must have lost intensity in his previous fights since the Cotto fight. The introduction by Jimmy Lennon Jr., was superb. He gloriously introduced Mosley as a future Hall of Famer and Pacquiao as one of the all-time greatest, which Micheal Buffer might reluctantly do. All in all, the entrances were great. I didn't actually had the time to weigh the quality of the program, as I was shaking profusely, like a guy with Parkinson's. I must have been real nervous, or was it just the air-conditioning facing straight to me.

The Fight:

The fight started with the two trying to feel each other out, with great action in the early goings. I shouted every time a punch landed flush either on Pacquiao or Mosley. It was exciting, and as it reached the third round Manny treated us with a vintage knock down of Mosley with a classic one-two combination. The left straight landed flush on Mosley, knocking him down. As he knocked Mosley down, I jumped right off my seat without hesitation, almost as if adrenaline was rushing all over me in an instant. It was a great feeling! Ending the round, I had to clap in appreciation to the round. (Confirming my prediction that Mosley will be knocked down early by the Pacman) As the fight progresses, it has been found to be fewer actions throughout the sixth round. Hearing some jeers from the crowd, which was unusual in a Pacquiao fight. I couldn't blame them. The fight was becoming relatively boring. I noticed the people around me seemingly quieter compared to previous Pacquiao fights. As it reached the 10th round, Manny seemed to be coming back into the fight, perhaps hearing the jeers from the crowd and wanted to step it up a bit. Manny hit a left hook but missed wildly and they both clashed together, and as they clashed, Mosley seemingly pushed Manny out of balance which sent him to the canvass. It was called a knock down by referee Kenny Bayless. As Manny took the mandatory eight count, seemingly frustrated, Manny turned the heat on and gave Mosley a beating to remember until the final round. Manny Pacquiao won by Unanimous decision.

Thoughts:

The fight was played in a wrong way. It almost looked like a well payed sparring match. I have to criticize the fighters in this instance. In a boxing match, it is not pleasing to the eye, seeing fighters keep tapping their gloves at each other. I mean, what did you come here for, a handshake or a fight? My frustration grows. I thought Pacquiao and Mosley had too much respect on each other that they didn't engage as much in the fight. This could be attributed with Jimmy Lennon Jr.'s intro of both fighters. I mean, what would have gone through your mind if you're facing a future hall of famer, let alone an all-time great. It must be mind boggling. Despite these external factors, I was expecting a champion to have emerged in the fight anyways. It ended disappointingly, as Manny couldn't get Mosley out of there, attributing to Shane's great chin. (as I talked about in my prediction) Manny Pacquiao's intensity is now a question, if Floyd Mayweather Jr. is looking for the perfect time to fight this guy, well it must be time. Manny Pacquiao just had the worst performance of his career. Floyd if you're reading this, take the fight, you have a chance to beat him now. (A chance that I never thought would come until this poor performance from Pacquiao) The fight had jeers going, it was unusual for a Pacquiao fight, but completely understandable. Although it made me think that there were like two or three guys who were clearly the jeer origin, this could be a Mayweather Operative of some sort perhaps sabotaging the Pacquiao fight? Who knows? The program was great, but the fight could be four to five rounds boring, but most rounds were entertaining and the drama made up for the rest of the fight. I mean, not all the time can you see Manny get called for a knock down. I commend the referee for that wrong call, without it, it would be too boring. It was like a wake up call for Manny to summon his intensity. It brings the excitement and drama a boxing fight rarely have. I hate to say it, but this will be part of the collection of Pacquiao's great career, despite its lackluster performance.

Picture: Manny Pacquiao fell down after a push from Sugar Shane Mosley. Kenny Bayless looking to give the mandatory eight count on the Pacman.