LAS VEGAS, (Reuters) – Shane Mosley’s trainer Naazim Richardson expressed confidence yesterday that his fighter would land plenty of blows on WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao when the two men meet in the ring tomorrow.
The biggest challenge for Mosley, according to Richardson, was whether he would be able to prevent the Filipino southpaw from raining blows on him.
“It’s never been an issue about whether you can hit Pacquiao,” Richardson told reporters at the MGM Grand. “The issue is whether you can stop Pacquiao from hitting on you all the time. And can you continuously do that? Because in the second half of the bout, this guy’s energy is unbelievable.”
Richardson has told the 39-year-old Mosley (46-6-1, 39 KOs) to forget about trying to match the younger Filipino’s constant movement and fusillade of punches. Instead, he wants the seasoned American to utilise the experience and strength that brought him world titles in three weight divisions.
“You’re not going to match Pacquiao for energy,” Richardson said. “How many people have ever done that? You have to use what you have to try and get something against that.”
Richardson, who believes Mosley’s ‘boxing IQ’ and punching power would be equalising factors, said he would not be surprised if the famously aggressive Pacquiao (52-3-2, 38 KOs) looked to box and move to avoid the American’s right hand.
“I told him, ‘Shane, it wouldn’t surprise me if Pacquiao came out and fought you with a lot of movement, circling, trying to dart in and out instead of standing there slugging’“ said Richardson.
“You can’t just prepare to think, ‘It’s going to be a war, it’s going to be a showdown, we’re going to bang it out.’ That could change in a second.”
Richardson predicted that both boxers would need to change their game plan several times during the course of the contest.
“I don’t care how successful you are against Pacquiao, he’ll bite down on his mouthpiece, tuck his chin and come on and try to turn it into something else,” he said.
“Even when you’re doing well, there are still adjustments to be made. You can’t get comfortable.”
