Karim ‘Kato’ Godfrey – The biggest super – matchup of 2010 so far will take place on May 1st between the #2 & #3 pound for pound best in the world. Mayweather, who is sporting an undefeated record of 40-0-0 (25 KO’s) will finally take on a legitimate Welterweight in Sugar Shane Mosley who’s record speaks for itself, 46-5-0 (39 KO’s). The last time Floyd took on a legitimate Welterweight challenger was in 2006 when he fought then-in-his prime Zab Judah. However, I don’t think this fight will be as close as many think. Mosley’s got plenty of room for an upset but safety-first Mayweather will do everything in his power to come out with a win. If that means putting on a boring show then he’ll employ it..
Mosley’s got the advantage in punching power while the hand-speed of both boxers is almost identical. Mayweather throws his punches much more accurately while Mosley tends to launch his power shots from a much wider angle; looping-style punches. Both Mosley and Mayweather have great foot-speed but Mayweather tends to use the ring much better than Mosley and generally controls the fight by his lateral movements. Floyd has the best defense in the game right now and there isn’t anyone in sight that can even come close. His upper body movement is a clear advantage and can slip and roll his shoulders to avoid his opponents’ punches.
Mosley will eventually catch Floyd and when he does, Floyd will smile and grin. If Shane can connect with something good expect Floyd to grab immediately or retreat to the ropes and goad Shane to come forward as he turtles into that Philly shell and shoulder rolls his way to another grin. If Mosley can compose himself while he has Floyd on the ropes he can measure his shots and make them count instead of wildly hooking-off.
Does anyone really think that Floyd can hurt Mosley? I don’t think so. Floyd will have to take chances to make that happen and that’s not his MO, especially against an elite welterweight, even if he is 38 years old.
Jeff Ryan wrote a great piece in the May issue of Ring Magazine in his “Ryan Out Loud” column as he pleads with Floyd to take chances.
“Hey, Floyd, get in there and get your uniform dirty! Your fights have become predictable. Use the jab to establish control early, punish offensives with blistering counter combinations, feint, duck, slip, slide, and never take chances. Then listen to a one-sided reading of the scorecards, take a bow, and cash a big check. Rinse and repeat.”
I really can’t fault Floyd for using and reusing a winning strategy because so far it has worked for him. But how can you spout of that you’re the greatest in the world and that you’re better than Ali and not take chances in the ring. Boxing is called the sweet science, and yes, the point of it is to hit and not be hit. But it takes a certain level of intestinal fortitude to call yourself a boxer and with that title comes the chance that you will get hit. I work a 9 to 5 job and when I get home and turn on boxing I want to be entertained. If I wanted to see a boxing clinic, I’d tune into the amateurs. This is the pros for-christ-sakes.
Unfortunately this will be the same strategy Floyd will try to employ against Manny if/when they do fight. However, I do think Manny will be a little easier to hit than Mosley since his defense has not improved all that much since he took out Ledwaba back in 2001.
Regardless of all of Floyds’ skill and technique we’ve got to consider the human factor; the intangibles. Floyd’s a cocky, very confident son-of-a-gun who hasn’t been stopped yet. Mosley on the other hand has a lot to prove and will most likely go into this fight ready for anything. Determination can will a fighter to victory; see Abraham vs. Miranda 1. This might be a little too much to ask from the 38 year old Mosley but, rest assured; Mosley is not the type of fighter that will put on a boring show. He’s not the type of fighter that quits or looks for an easy way out either. Expect him to want to give us a great show but, will Floyd engage or will we hear Michael Buffer say “via split decision, and the winner is Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather”???