Top Celebrities, Athletes, Boxers and Trainers Weigh In: WHO R U PICKING?

Top Celebrities, Athletes, Boxers and Trainers Weigh In:

WHO R U PICKING?

...Some of the most recognized boxing fans in the world are weighing in on the match-up between undefeated six-time world champion Floyd "Money" Mayweather and WBA Welterweight Super Champion Sugar Shane Mosley, who are set to meet in Mayweather vs. Mosley: Who R U Picking? on Saturday, May 1 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas in a mega-bout which will be produced and distributed live on HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

From real estate moguls to NFL Pro-Bowlers, NBA All-Stars to Hall of Fame fighters and trainers, we have their opinions on who they believe will emerge victorious this Saturday. Below please find the predictions of these prominent personalities as they lend their thoughts on this historic match-up.

CELEBRITIES

"I'm picking Mayweather. Although I think they are both champions and I'm really looking forward to the fight!"

- Donald Trump, Chairman and CEO of The Trump Organization, host of NBC reality-series The Apprentice

"Some people fight with their fists, some people fight with their mouths...May 1^st FIST meets Mouth. Sugar Shane by knockout!"

- George Lopez, comedian and host of Lopez Tonight!

"I like the weather in what month? May. Put it together - Mayweather."

- George Wallace, comedian and Las Vegas headliner

"I predict the hurricane punches of Floyd Mayweather will prove to be too much for the Sugar Shane Mosley."

- Frank Caliendo, master impressionist and headliner at Monte Carlo

"I don't see any advantage for Mayweather. Mosley in a 9^th round KO."

- Omar Miller, actor CSI: Miami

"Mosley will chin check Mayweather!! But alas. Mayweather will win a decision!"

- Andre Royo, actor The Wire

"I will take Mosley with a TKO in the 10^th."

- Louie Anderson, stand-up comedian and star of "Louie Anderson: Joker of the Castle" at Excalibur ® Las Vegas

"Knock-out! Mayweather, though April weather is better."

- Carrot Top, stand-up comedian and star of "Carrot Top" at Luxor Las Vegas

"I have to go with Mayweather on this one...Because Money can buy Sugar, but Sugar can't buy Money."

- Terry Fator, ventriloquist and star of "Terry Fator: Ventriloquism in Concert" at The Mirage ® Las Vegas

"Pretty Boy Floyd wins! Mayweather is a great boxer with amazing defensive skills and the ability to hurt guys in bunches. He likes to hang on the ropes luring opponents to make them punch themselves out so he can capitalize on their fatigue and mistakes. He's a crafty boy with superior footwork. Floyd is a warrior besides even being aesthetically....'hot.'"

- Angelica Bridges, actress and star of "Fantasy" at Luxor Las Vegas

"I am a fan of BOTH of these amazing fighters, but in boxing, there can only be ONE TRUE winner. So if I had to bet the farm on it..."Pretty Boy" Floyd Mayweather is going to win. Sorry Sugar, but not this time."

- Tichina Arnold, actress, "Everybody Hates Chris"

"I'm going with Money Mayweather in 12!"

- DJ Drama, critically acclaimed Hip-Hop DJ

BOXERS

"I give the edge to Mayweather. How can I not based on his unblemished record? Mayweather is the man to beat and if there were any fighters that I thought had a chance to beat Floyd Mayweather, one would be Shane Mosley. We will find out on May 1st. One thing I personally know is that Shane has to become "Sugar" again to become victorious. Intriguing fight."

- Sugar Ray Leonard, Seven-Time World Champion

"This fight will be a real welterweight contest. Mosley can win if he is capable of closing Floyd's [Mayweather] exits and using his speed along with his power."

- Juan Manuel "Dinamita" Marquez, WBA, WBO and The Ring Magazine Lightweight World Champion

"I'm for Shane Mosley...He must do the right preparation. If he does, then he has a very good chance against Mayweather."

- Manny "Pac-Man" Pacquiao, WBO Welterweight World Champion

"I think it's a 50-50 fight. It's the most dangerous fight Mayweather has ever had. Mosley could upset him, but I think it will be close."

- Joe "The Pride of Wales" Calzaghe, former WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO and The Ring Magazine Super Middleweight Champion

"Floyd Mayweather and Shane Mosley are my two favorite modern day warriors, who I've studied in-depth over the years. Both fighters are guaranteed to go down in history as 'Greats' as they've fought and beaten great World Champions in many different weight divisions. This fight will be a very tense and competitive contest from the start, similar to the De La Hoya-Mayweather fight, but the difference I feel will be that Mosley will push hard down the final straight. This fight can go either way, but I edge towards Mosley. If there's anyone on the planet with the tools and experience to beat the pound-for-pound King Floyd "Money" Mayweather, Sugar Shane Mosley will be the man."

- David "The Haymaker" Haye, WBA Heavyweight World Champion, former Unified WBA, WBC, WBO and The Ring Magazine Cruiserweight World Champion

"I think it's going to be a good fight, but it's a pick'em fight for me. I don't know. They both have a chance."

- Ronald "Winky" Wright, former Undisputed Junior Middleweight World Champion

"I think its going to be a great fight. I'm picking Mosley in the early rounds but in the end, Mayweather will take the decision."

- Juan "Baby Bull" Diaz, former Unified WBA, IBF and Lightweight World Champion

"I believe Shane will impose his strength and speed in the early rounds, but after the first few rounds Floyd will adapt and figure Shane out, and start picking his shots as the fight goes on and Shane starts to slow down. Mayweather will win by decision."

- Andre "The Beast" Berto, WBC Welterweight Champion

"I want Mosley to win but I think by the 6th round Mayweather's talent will start taking over anything Mosley has to offer. Mayweather wins a unanimous decision in a typical Mayweather fight."

- Sergio "The Latin Snake" Mora, former WBC Junior Middleweight Worldd Champion

"It will be a very competitive fight. Mosley will press the action, but Mayweather will use his defense to out-box him. Many people want Mayweather to lose because of his personality, but no one can take it away from Mayweather that he is, pound for pound, one of the best fighters in history. It will be close, but Mayweather will win."

- Sergio "Maravilla" Martinez, WBC Junior Middleweight World Champion and WBC and WBO Middleweight World Champion

"It's a close fight to call, but I pick Floyd in a competitive fight. He's had the ability to get up for the biggest moments of his career and this will be no different."

- Paulie "Magic Man" Malignaggi, NABO Junior Welterweight Champion and former IBF Junior Welterweight World Champion

"I believe Mosley is going to get the victory. Shane has the talent and skills to beat Mayweather."

- Saul "Canelo" Alvarez, WBC Youth Welterweight World Champion

"I strongly believe Floyd has a lot of talent, but Mosley is so strong and still has a lot of speed, so it will not be a surprise if he wins."

- Israel "Magnifico" Vazquez, former Three-Time World Champion

"I'm picking Mayweather by decision, but he won't knock Mosley out."

- Fernando "The Aztec Warrior" Vargas, former WBA and IBF Junior Middleweight Champion

"I think Mayweather is going to win by close decision, but I'm pulling for Mosley."

- Ricardo "Rocky" Juarez, Junior Lightweight contender

"It's going to come down to whoever's got the best strategy. That's the guy who will take the other guy out. Mosley's bigger, but has good speed. We'll see how Shane is going to press Floyd, and how Floyd is going to press Shane. How they adapt to each other is going to be the difference. Shane is definitely Floyd's biggest test. I couldn't tell you who'd win. I'd pick it a draw. I really don't care who wins, but I want the winner either way."

- Paul "The Punisher" Williams, former Two-Time Welterweight World Champion

TRAINERS

"Shane's my friend and I hope he wins, but he has trouble with speed and movement and likes guys to come to him so it's going to be difficult."

- Freddie Roach, Trainer of Manny Pacquiao and Amir Khan

"This is a very interesting fight. Mayweather will have his toughest fight yet against Mosley, who came up the ranks and fought every tough Mexican. When Mayweather covers up and brings his right hand up, Mosley is going to hit him with left hooks to the liver. He'll go under the elbow. This is a tough, tough fight, and a great fight. I'm looking forward to it. Mayweather is going to really have to hustle because Mosley is at the top of this game. Mayweather has to fight his best fight ever, because Mosley's stronger, more mature than anyone Mayweather has ever faced. While Mayweather is truly a one of a kind fighter, I would have to give the edge to Mosley by decision."

- Angelo Dundee, Hall of Fame Trainer of Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard and George Foreman

"I like Floyd in this one. If it was 3 years ago I would have said Shane, but styles make fights and I just think that at this point in time Floyd's style is going to give Shane problems. Margarito stands in front of you, and Mosley just hit him up. I have to go with Floyd. He makes adjustments very well and once he makes that adjustment it could be a boring fight. Mosley is saying he's going to knock Floyd out. Floyd rises to the occasion. The better his opponent is, the better Floyd is. Shane has a shot, don't get me wrong, and Floyd has to be on his p's and q's all night. But I'm picking Floyd in a decision."

- Buddy McGirt, Trainer of Arturo Gatti and Antonio Tarver

"I think Floyd Mayweather is going to win. I think he's too good of a counterpuncher for Shane Mosley. Shane is going to have to make the fight and that's going to play into Floyd's hands. Mosley is a really good fighter, but watching his last few fights, I just don't think he can keep up with Mayweather. He's not going to be able to keep up the pace that can stop Floyd from throwing punches. I think Mosley will have a good first four rounds, but then Floyd will take over after that. Mosley's got a shot, but if he tries to box Floyd, Floyd will dominate early. His best shot is to jump on Floyd and dominate early, and hurt him. If he tries to come out and make it a slow pace he's in trouble. He has to come out and hurt Floyd, but I don't see him doing that. I pick Mayweather in a wide decision."

- Ronnie Shields, Trainer of Tomasz Adamek, Evander Holyfield, Mike Tyson and Juan Diaz

"I'm picking Shane Mosley. I think he will stop Mayweather. Mayweather hasn't had the competition that Shane has. Mayweather always had the advantages. He never went into an even fight. Mosley has the knowledge, ring generalship, speed, power and just the ability in general that will lead to a win. Mayweather has been cherry picking and not challenging anyone. Mosley by knockout. No doubt about it."

- George Peterson, Trainer of Paul Williams

ATHLETES

"Magic votes for Floyd all the way!"

- Magic Johnson, Five-Time NBA Champion, Three-Time NBA MVP, Twelve-Time NBA All-Star, Three-Time NBA Finals MVP

"Mayweather in a decision. He [Mayweather] is a smaller guy who can dance. Mosley can't let him hit him."

- Charles Barkley, 11-Time NBA All-Star and TNT/NBA TV basketball analyst

"Mayweather in a unanimous decision. Mayweather will knock down Shane once but Mosley will be his toughest fight to date. Mayweather is the best boxer this world has seen in 20 years so he'll win."

- Chris Webber, Five-Time NBA All-Star and TNT/NBA TV basketball analyst

"Mayweather KO in the 9^th. He is in his prime and blazing it right now. I see his strength, speed and endurance being just too much for Mosley. Mayweather is a beast!"

- Caron Butler, Two-Time NBA All-Star Forward, Dallas Mavericks

"Shane has a great chance. I will predict a victory. He has a great chin, and he's the type of fighter who can give Floyd problems, with the pressure and the discipline, and he still has the quickness. So it's going to be a great fight."

- LaDainian Tomlinson, Five-Time NFL Pro Bowler, 2006 NFL MVP, Running Back, New York Jets

"I need to hold one of them belts and walk in the ring with Money May on May 1^st. No way I am missing this one."

- Chad Ochocinco, Six-Time NFL Pro Bowler, Wide Receiver, Cincinnati Bengals

"I want Mosley to win but I really have no clue. Floyd is a badass and will be tough to beat."

- Jared Allen, Three-Time NFL Pro Bowler, Defensive End, Minnesota Vikings

"Money Mayweather is going to get Mosley in the 10^th round by TKO. Mayweather's the best fighter around right now, at least until someone can prove otherwise by beating him."

- Shawne Merriman, Three-Time NFL Pro Bowler, 2005 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, Linebacker, San Diego Chargers

"I think that Mayweather is going to win in eight rounds. Mayweather is 40-0 for a reason. He's got youth behind him and he's just too quick for Mosley."

- Patrick Willis, Two-Time NFL Pro-Bowler, 2007 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, Linebacker, San Francisco 49ers

"I think Mayweather's going to win versus Mosley. Floyd is way more athletic and technically sound than anyone else in boxing right now."

- Kellen Winslow II, NFL Pro-Bowler, Tight End, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

"I'm picking 'Money' Mayweather. I say he gets unanimous decision but it goes full length."

- Ryan Grant, Running Back, Green Bay Packers

"I'm calling a 7^th round knockout and Mayweather wins"

- Shaun Phillips, Defensive End, San Diego Chargers

"I like Sugar Shane in a split decision. Floyd probably is the better talent, but that only gets you so far. Shane WANTS this more, and at 39, and 5 losses, he's fighting for redemption!"

- Tiki Barber, Three-Time NFL Pro-Bowler, Former New York Giants Running Back

"I think Floyd will win based on his speed, his ability not to get hit and how he counter-punches. Also his ability to fight any style, but I think this going to be his toughest fight to date."

- John Starks, NBA All-Star, Former New York Knicks Guard

"Mayweather is the master of not getting hit. His quickness and defense will be too much for Shane to match."

- B.J. Upton, Center Fielder, Tampa Bay Rays

"Shane Mosley will win, because Orlando Hudson picked Mayweather and he also picked Roy Jones in the last fight and was way off!"

- Justin Morneau, Three-Time MLB All-Star, First Baseman, Minnesota Twins

"Mosley. He's got the power, the size and the reach."

- Gordon Beckham, Second Baseman, Chicago White Sox

"Mayweather will take it. He's undefeated so he must be doing something right."

- Justin Verlander, Two-Time MLB All-Star, Pitcher, Detroit Tigers

"Money Mayweather is winning this fight. He is the Muhammad Ali of our generation. His swagger, his demeanor - Mayweather has it all. I think the fight will go the whole way, and I think he just beats him [Mosley] up throughout the fight. It will go to a decision, but Mayweather will outclass him because he is the real deal."

- Santino Quaranta, Midfielder/Striker, DC United

See you at the Fights.

Thank You for your time.
EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey
EL Boxing Empress; Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com

©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 All rights reserved

Watch exclusive interviews of Floyd Money Mayweather and Sugar Shane Mosley

Watch exclusive interviews of Floyd Money Mayweather and Sugar Shane Mosley
www.hbo.com/boxing/index.html?cmp...





See you at the Fights.
Thank You for your time.
EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey
EL Boxing Empress; Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com
©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 All rights reserved

Watch the Mayweather/Mosley Live Weigh-In at 6 pm ET today.‏

Watch the Mayweather/Mosley Live Weigh-In at 6 pm ET today at http://www.hbo.com//boxing?cmpid=ABC183"




See you at the Fights.
Thank You for your time.
EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey
EL Boxing Empress; Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com
©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Mayweather vs. Mosley Fight Night Undercard Preview To Be Shown By Cable Providers & Satellite Distributors‏

MAYWEATHER VS. MOSLEY: WHO R U PICKING?
FIGHT NIGHT FREE UNDERCARD PREVIEW TO BE SHOWN BY

CABLE PROVIDERS AND SATELLITE DISTRIBUTORS

...With the Mayweather vs. Mosley: Who R U Picking? mega-fight tomorrow night, fans now have something extra to look forward to on fight night, as a free undercard preview will be broadcast by several satellite and cable providers, including DirecTV, Dish Network, inDEMAND and TVN. The "free-view" will feature two of the exciting non-televised undercard fights before the pay-per-view telecast begins. The special one and a half-hour show will begin at 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT.

The two fights included in the broadcast will be Mayweather Promotions' fast-rising star Jesse Vargas (9-0, 4 KO's) vs. Arturo Morua (25-13-1, 14 KO's) in an eight round junior welterweight fight and Golden Boy Promotions' undefeated junior lightweight prospect Eloy Perez (16-0-2, 4 KO's) vs. Gilberto Leon (23-7-2, 7 KO's) in a ten round NABO title fight. The free telecast will feature color commentary by "The Colonel" Bob Sheridan and Dave Botempo.

"Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions both have young talent featured on this show that we feel deserve a chance to showcase their talent," said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. "Both of these fights are expected to be competitive and exciting, and will be a great start to what is going to be the biggest night in boxing this year."

"May 1 is going to be a great night of boxing from start to finish," said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. "The Mayweather vs. Mosley undercard is so packed with talent, we wanted to give fans a chance to see even more than what is already being offered on the pay-per-view telecast."

The finale of HBO®'s all-access reality series "24/7 Mayweather/Mosley" debuts Friday, Apr. 30 at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT. Episodes one thru three are available on HBO ON DEMAND®. All four episodes will air consecutively on Saturday, May 1 at 9:30 a.m. ET/PT on the main service.

Mayweather vs. Mosley: Who R U Picking? is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions, and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, AT&T, DeWALT Tools and StubHub. The 12-round welterweight battle is set for Saturday, May 1 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live on HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets, priced at $1,250, $1,000, $600, $300 and $150 not including applicable service charges, are on sale now and limited to 10 per person and ticket sales at $150 are limited to two (2) per person with a total ticket limit of 10 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

Seven of the MGM MIRAGE properties will host closed circuit viewing of Mayweather vs. Mosley. Tickets for the closed circuit telecasts at all venues are priced at $50, not including applicable service charges and handling fees are on sale now. All seats will be general admission and will be available at each individual property's box office outlets and at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith's Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino). To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000, or visit www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com. Ticket sales are limited to 20 per person.


The Mayweather vs. Mosley pay-per-view telecast, beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, has a suggested retail price of $54.95, will be produced and distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View® and will be available to more than 71 million pay-per-view homes. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD. HBO Pay-Per-View®, a division of Home Box Office, Inc., is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry. For Mayweather vs. Mosley fight week updates, log on to www.hbo.com.

See you at the Fights.
Thank You for your time.

EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/
ElLBoxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com

©®™2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 All rights reserved

MAYWEATHER PROMOTIONS' RISING STAR JESSE VARGAS TO FIGHT ARTURO MORUA IN EIGHT ROUND, NON-TELEVISED JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT BOUT ON THE UNDERCARD

MAYWEATHER PROMOTIONS' RISING STAR JESSE VARGAS TO FIGHT ARTURO MORUA IN EIGHT ROUND, NON-TELEVISED JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT BOUT ON MAYWEATHER VS. MOSLEY UNDERCARD

...Just shy of his twenty-first birthday, Mayweather Promotions rising star, Jesse Vargas (9-0, 4 KO's) prepares to defend his undefeated record in a showdown with Arturo Morua (25-13-1, 14 KO's) in a non-televised undercard bout on the highly anticipated Mayweather vs. Mosley: Who R U Picking? mega-fight night on Saturday at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

With an impressive amateur career including an appearance in the 2007 National Golden Gloves Tournament and a spot on the 2008 Mexican Olympic Team, Vargas is a fighter to keep an eye on. Relatively new to the boxing scene, the junior welterweight is quickly making a name for himself as he stands undefeated with nine wins, four of which were by knockout.

Boxing since the age of eight, the 20-year-old is eager to once again shine in his hometown of Las Vegas. "It's such an honor to be on the same card as Floyd Mayweather who's support and advice has already helped me a lot," said Vargas. "The opportunity to fight alongside so many talented fighters is a dream come true and once my fight is over I am going to sit down and watch the rest of them myself."

Vargas, who is trained by Roger Mayweather out of the Mayweather Boxing Gym, has been working as hard as his boss, six-time world champion Floyd "Money" Mayweather, to make sure he comes out victorious. Keeping a careful eye on the young fighter's development is Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe.

"Jesse is an exceptionally talented young fighter and has a very bright future in front of him," said Ellerbe. "We're happy to have him on the fight card. Mayweather Promotions continues to recruit and attract the best up and coming talent in the sport and I am sure that we will continue to see great fights from him too."

Vargas made his professional debut on September 5, 2008 with a 59 second knockout of Joel Gonzalez. Another eight wins under his belt and Jesse Vargas is well prepared for his chance to show the world yet again how great of a fighter he truly is.

Vargas will take on Morua prior to the HBO-Pay-Per-View® live telecast in a unique boxing showcase aired live by several satellite and cable providers including DirecTV, Dish Network, inDEMAND and TVN. The free undercard preview will also feature an exciting eight round showdown between Eloy Perez (16-0-2, 4 KO's) and Gilberto Leon (23-7-2, 7 KO's). The special one and a half-hour show will begin at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT.

See you at the Fights.
Thank You for your time.
EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey
EL Boxing Empress; Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/KeishadivineHonorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com

©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Bring On The Heat . . . Training Camp Intensity Like Never Before, Lights, Camera, Mayweather . . . Another 24/7, Mayweather Hosts Foundation Dinner

FLOYD "MONEY" MAYWEATHER

Bring On The Heat . . . Training Camp Intensity Like Never Before

The mood has been very serious in the Mayweather Boxing Gym as superstar and six-time World Champion Floyd "Money" Mayweather prepares for his May 1 showdown against WBA Welterweight World Champion Sugar Shane Mosley at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and live on HBO Pay-Per-View®. Since arriving back in Las Vegas on March 4 following publicity stops at the Super Bowl, NBA All-Star Game and a three-city media tour, Mayweather has made the gym his home, sometimes doubling-up boxing sessions before heading outside to run like a hare through the streets, parks and hills of Las Vegas. Never one to cut corners and already known for his intense, high-level workouts, Mayweather is pushing himself to a new level that is even amazing his own team. He knows the caliber of fighter that Shane Mosley is and the undefeated Mayweather, with a record of 40-0, is ready to make Mosley the 41st notch on his belt.

"I have kept my mind focused on training for this fight with very few distractions. Everyone knows I am pretty much an open book with plenty of access to my gym when I am training for a fight," said Mayweather. "But for this one it's different. I recognize what Mosley brings to the ring and he's going to be one hell of an opponent. He's one of the best fighters of this era and he's been talking a lot about knocking me out. That is not going to happen and on May 1 people are going to see another side of me. I am ready to capitalize on this opportunity and come fight night, I will leave no doubt in anyone's mind that I am the best in the world."

"Floyd always trains with intensity and passion but this camp is unlike others in that he has a singleness of purpose and a focus that is phenomenal," said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. "I can only imagine what is going to happen to Shane Mosley on May 1."

Lights, Camera, Mayweather . . . Another 24/7

Wherever Mayweather goes the 24/7 cameras are not far behind. Photo credit: Gene Blevins- Hogan Photos/Golden Boy Promotions Floyd Arrival
The Mayweather family is back on HBO®'s 24/7 starring none other than Floyd himself along with the ever-famous trainer Uncle Roger and father Floyd Sr. The tight-knit clan can't wait for the premier on April 10 at 10:00 p.m. ET/ 7:00 p.m. PT. when they too plan to watch "the rest of the story."

"I'm an entertainer, and the upcoming 24/7 will be the best one yet. The cameras have been rolling since the fight was announced, and you know you're going to see something exciting when you follow me. Fans will not want to miss it," said Mayweather. "Marquez tried drinking his own urine last time around, and people do crazy things when they know they have to face the best fighter in the world. Hopefully Mosley got the memo that drinking pee doesn't work. Let's see what he tries to do. Nothing, absolutely nothing works when you have to face me."

Mayweather Hosts Foundation Dinner

Mayweather hosted the First Annual Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation Benefit Dinner at the MGM Grand premier ballroom last Friday night, April 2 in Las Vegas. The event was attended by nearly 250 guests and raised money to fund the Foundations' generous charitable work throughout the Las Vegas community. The Foundation, which Mayweather started in 2007, has a mission statement of empowering and encouraging community alliances, impacting youth leadership and strengthening family foundations through community development, entrepreneurialism and education. The funds raised at the dinner will be allocated among various programs in the areas of education, community outreach, mentoring programs and a youth summer camp. Dinner honorees, recognized for their service to the community, included comedian George Wallace and local school Matt Kelly Elementary.

"I want to thank Floyd and his Foundation for honoring me at their first gala event," said Wallace. "Floyd is an integral part of this community and he gives back generously. Last year he helped me fund bicycles for kids in need and if it wasn't for his help, those kids might not have received those special gifts. I commend Floyd for his work and achievements as a boxer and as a man."

"The event was extremely successful and the funds raised will go directly to improving our community," said Mayweather. "Although I am very focused on my May 1 fight, giving back is always a nice break, whether it is feeding the homeless or working with youth in Las Vegas is something that is very important to me. It's something I'll continue to do over the next month and beyond."

Spring Break!

It might have been Spring Break for Floyd Mayweather's kids last week, but that only meant they could spend more time with their dad in the gym who was hard at work. No strangers to supporting their father ringside or while training, his four children Koraun, Zion, Iyanna, and Jirah (ages 6-10) came to the gym everyday to give their dad encouragement and great happiness by them just being there. As the boys Koraun and Zion continue to find their own love for boxing while learning from Roger or getting tips from their grandfather Floyd Sr., his beautiful girls Iyanna and Jirah made sure they were having fun and smiling with their Dad kissing them throughout the day. After the hard work was over, Mayweather took time to step away from the "office" to have some fun with this brood as the entire clan celebrated Zion's ninth birthday with a trip to the movies to see "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" followed by a night at the Thomas and Mack Center to see WWE Smack Down with his two sons.

"My kids are my life and when they have Spring break and can spend more time with me it is just the greatest feeling," said Mayweather. "Boxing is in the Mayweather blood, so they're no strangers to the gym. To see them here enjoying boxing is great. Having them around just gives me extra motivation to go out and do my job."
See you at the Fights. Thank You for your time.

EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com

©®™2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 All rights reserved

Mosley Confident With Camp Underway , Small Tribe, Strong Tribe, Ready For 24/7

Sugar Shane Mosley

Mosley Confident With Camp Underway

For Sugar Shane Mosley, his May 1 mega-fight against Floyd Mayweather cannot come soon enough. Having longed for this fight for many years, he is mentally and physically ready for battle, with training preparations well underway.

Following a three-city media tour which wrapped up in Los Angeles on March 4, Mosley immediately returned to Big Bear, Calif., where he owns a home and has trained since 1996. In the serene mountain environment, Mosley is relaxed, but working extremely hard in preparation for what he knows will be one of the toughest battles of his career. The fact that Mayweather steps into the ring with a record of 40-0 is not intimidating to the former pound-for-pound champ who is ready to take back his throne.

"I was 38-0 with 35 knockouts when I stepped into the ring and lost for the very first time," said Mosley. "So when you say 40-0, that doesn't mean a thing to me. All it means is that I'll be the one giving him his first loss. No disrespect, but I really don't think he's been in there with a fighter like me, and I believe that when I beat Floyd, I will send him into retirement. May first will be May's first loss."

Small Tribe, Strong Tribe

The calm, quiet, and relaxed atmosphere that Mosley is enjoying at camp has been coupled with intense workouts. He and the rest of the Mosley Tribe (as Shane refers to them) stay on the property Mosley has owned since 2000, which includes his private home and a boxing gym. There is also plenty of room for housing sparring partners recruited to help with training. Running begins by 7:00 a.m. each morning and is followed by work with fitness trainer and massage therapist Gustavo Satragni, who is in camp with Mosley for the second time.

Satragni, who has worked with the likes of Carlos Baldomir as well as some of the top soccer players from his native Argentina, concentrates his attention on improving Mosley's stamina, balance and flexibility. Then it is off to breakfast with his team and a small group of familiar faces including his trainer Naazim Richardson, his best friend from childhood and second assistant Hassan Abdulrahim Jr., Elliott Ness who handles personal security, sparring partner Karl "Dynamite" Dargan and most importantly, his son Shane Mosley Jr. eats healthy, though weight is not a problem. After doing media interviews and resting during the day, it's back to the gym in the evening, this time to concentrate on boxing training with Richardson and Hassan.

In addition to hitting the heavy bags, mitts, and sparring, the team works on a full arsenal of strategies. After boxing, Mosley's day wraps up with some additional stretching and a massage.

"I love Big Bear and have gotten very comfortable with the surroundings and the people who live up here," said Mosley. "It's quiet, peaceful, the air is clean and the altitude can't be beat. There is no other place that I could feel more relaxed and ready to prepare for a fight, particularly a big one like this."

Ready For 24/7

Mosley has been a fan of HBO's Emmy award winning 24/7 since the series debuted in 2007. With the shows first episode airing on April 10 at 10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT, Mosley, along with Mayweather, who has appeared on the show three times before, has allowed cameras behind-the-scenes to capture moments the often reserved Mosley has never shared before. Mosley was asked if he was concerned about the expected on-screen battle with the entertaining Mayweather.

"People who watch 24/7 Mayweather/Mosley will get to see the real me. I'm not worried about being over the top and doing anything crazy like Floyd. He's playing a character and doing his thing. I'm just excited to let the fans in and give them a glimpse of my life and what it's like leading up to one of the biggest fights of my career."

See you at the Fights. Thank You for your time.

EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/KeishamorriseyEL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com

©®™2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 All rights reserved

SUPER SIX FIGHTERS SEE BRIGHT FUTURE IN FRIDAY’S SHOBOX CARD ShoBox: The New Generation Friday, April 30, 2010, Live at 11 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIM

So what do several of the world’s best super middleweights think of the up-and-coming crop of fighters in boxing’s best and deepest division?

“The future of the super middleweight division is very bright, especially here in the U.S.,” said Andre Dirrell, who trails Arthur Abraham in the Super Six World Boxing Classic™ standings with two points. “European fighters have controlled the division recently, but all that has changed with what has happened in the Super Six.

“There are a lot of young, talented American fighters coming up the ranks who can make some noise in the division.”

Those talented 168-pound fighters will be on display come Friday night as unbeaten Marcus “Too Much” Johnson (18-0, 14 KOs) battles Derek “The Black Lion” Edwards (25-0, 13 KOs) in a 10-round main event live on ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME ® (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).

The exciting tripleheader being billed “The Next Generation of Super Middleweights” will take place at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago with Don “Da Bomb” George (19-0-1, 17 KOs) facing Osumanu Adama (14-1, 10 KOs) in a 10-round co-feature tilt and Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez (14-0, 10 KOs) tangling with Kevin Engel (17-2, 14 KOs) in an eight-round affair to open the telecast.

Back in November of 2009, Johnson made his SHOWTIME ShoBox: The New Generation debut on the Allan Green-Tarvis Simms undercard in Newkirk, Okla., remaining undefeated with a unanimous decision over Victor Villereal.

Fast forward six months and now Green finds himself as one of the elite fighters in the SHOWTIME Super Six World Boxing Classic and will meet Andre Ward June 19 in a Group Stage 2 matchup.

Green said he went back to watch Johnson on tape and was impressed with what he saw. “I think he’s a good fighter,” said Green. “The Super Six is all about proclaiming who is the best super middleweight on the planet and it looks like these guys are getting a chance to make a name for themselves on SHOWTIME.”

Johnson is a former U.S. National Amateur champion who lost to Ward by decision in the finals of the 2004 Olympic Trials. He was also a gold medalist at the 2003 U.S. Under 19 National Championships at 178 pounds and won the National Silver Gold Gloves title at 165 pounds in 2001.

“Marcus is definitely a fighter to look out for in the future,” Ward said. “Anyone with that type of amateur background is on the right track toward a professional world title. I look forward to great things from him in the future."

Both Johnson and Edwards are impressed with what they’ve seen from the American fighters, Ward and Dirrell, in the Super Six Tournament.

“Andre Ward is one of the smartest people in the ring,” said Johnson. “He taught me a lot. I have so much respect for Andre. He made me change my style. I’ve been really impressed with both Andre Ward and Andre Dirrell. I think Ward is going to win the tournament hands down.”

Said Edwards: “Andre Ward has been the most impressive. I had the opportunity to be in Andre Ward’s camp but it didn’t work out because we might meet each other [in the ring] some day.”

Presented by DiBella Entertainment, Warriors Boxing and Chicago’s 8 Count Productions, advance tickets for “The Next Generation of Super Middleweights” starting at $31 can be purchased through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com), by phone (800) 745-3000 and the 8 Count Productions Office, (312-226-5800). Doors will open at 7 p.m. with the first bell at 7:30 p.m.

Nick Charles will call the action from ringside with Steve Farhood and Antonio Tarver serving as expert analysts. The executive producer of ShoBox is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

For information on SHOWTIME Sports Programming, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries, complete telecast information and more, please go the new SHOWTIME Sports website at http://www.sho.com/sports.

About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. The growing list of fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Leonard Dorin, Scott Harrison, Juan Diaz, Jeff Lacy, Ricky Hatton, Joan Guzman, Juan Urango, David Diaz, Robert Guerrero, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Malignaggi, Kendall Holt, Timothy Bradley, Bernard Dunne, Yonnhy Perez, Yuri Foreman and Andre Ward.

See you at the Fights. Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com

©®™2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 All rights reserved

MAYWEATHER VS MOSLEY—A POUND FOR POUND FIGHT

By Kerry Daigle

MAYWEATHER VS MOSLEY—A POUND FOR POUND FIGHT

So, you ask……..Who is the best? Is it the Mosley who defeated Oscar De La Hoya twice and recently dismantled Alfredo Margarito or Mayweather who hasn’t been beaten in 40 professional fights? The mythical pound-for-pound title will belong to one of them Saturday night. Manny Pacquiao will not be able to claim the title with wins over Miguel Cotto and a Ricky Hatton who was previously knocked out by Mayweather before Pac-man took the Hit-Man on. This title will belong to one of Saturday night’s contestants.

I attended the last big welterweight showdown in Las Vegas in 1981 when Sugar Ray Leonard took on Thomas Hearns. That was one of the biggest fights in my adulthood until now. The welterweight division is now the ‘money’ division with even more competition as more junior welters will be moving up to the ‘cash’ division.

Golden Boy Promotions would like none other than their partner, Sugar Shane Mosley, to win this fight although Golden Boy is also doing the negotiations for Mayweather. Mayweather still remains independent and not is promotional tied down so the consensus is that Mosley is their ‘wish’ to win.

Come to think of it, I don’t know of many recent fights where Mayweather competed that he wasn’t really the opponent of sorts. It never did matter as he continued to dominate. The question is, “Will Mayweather dominate against a strong tough welterweight like Mosley or will he be in his first ‘real war’?”

Don’t kid yourself folks. This is a mega-fight. Are we going to see a super busy Mosley throwing punches at a defensive minded Mayweather giving Mosley the edge in punch output? Or will we see a Mayweather letting his hands go instead? I believe after round 4 we will see a very busy Mayweather throwing punches in bunches. Question is, “Is it going to be enough to win?”

The Mayweather/Mosley fight will be Saturday night, May 1^st, 9pm Eastern on HBO PPV. This event may be the best selling PPV in history with an estimated sale of 70 to 80 million homes at a cost of $54.95.

I’ve received numerous texts on who will win this fight and wanted to share those thoughts with you.

AARON NAVARRO, TRAINER, HOUSTON, TEXAS, LOU SAVARESE GYM

“I see Floyd’s safety first style squeaking out a decision.”

DR. ERIC PRATHER, CHIROPRACTOR TO ATHLETES, LAFAYETTE, LA

“Mayweather wins via majority decision, 115-113 is my score with a rope-a-dope and shoulder roll defense early then starts timing a tiring Mosley with slick and speedy angle counters in the later rounds. Mayweather’s ultra fast straight right hand starts finding its home in round 7. My heart is with Mosley though.”

JAY DEAS, TRAINER/MANAGER, ALABAMA

“It is a good fight and almost certainly a distance fight. Shane is in his late 30’s and has been off a year and a half and I think that is the difference. I think Mayweather is a little too fresh and a little too young for Shane. In a close fight, 115-133 Mayweather.

BEAU WILLIFORD, TRAINER/CUT MAN, LAFAYETTE, LA

“Mosley by late TKO or decision. Too smart for Mayweather.”

AHMAD ALAAJIY, PROMOTER, DALLAS, TEXAS

“This is a hard call because both are very good at what they do. I have to give the edge to Mayweather because he is better at developing a strategy to win and knows how to follow his plan perfectly.”

JEFF HORCHAK, SPORTSCASTER, KLFY-TV LAFAYETTE, LA

“For Mosley to win he will have to use his power. Mayweather, I feel, will get the fight to the later rounds and tire Mosley and win a decision.”

ANTHONY CAVAZOS, PROMOTER, MCALLEN, TEXAS

“Mosley upsets Mayweather and makes history. Mosley by decision.”

ISAAC MEDINA, FAN, CORPUS CHRISTI, TX

“Mosley has a chance if he beats Mayweather to the punch and avoids Mayweather’s counters. I have to go with Mayweather, however. Close fight.”

BRAD SOLOMON, UNDEFEATED JR WELTERWEIGHT PROSPECT, LAFAYETTE, LA

“Mayweather much too smart for Mosley.” Mayweather easily.”

SPARKY MCDUFFIE, FORMER PRO FIGHTER, TRAINER, WEST MONROE, LA

“Mayweather by decision. Speed about the same but I like Mayweather’s movement and youth.”

RONNIE SHIELDS, TRAINER, HOUSTON, TEXAS

“Floyd by 12 round decision.”

ACE MILLER, TRAINER, TENNESSEE

“It’s hard to go against Mayweather. I have to go with him. The kid can fight.”

TERMITE WATKINS, FORMER PRO BOXER AND OLYMPIC BOXING COACH, HOUSTON, TEXAS

“Mayweather in eight to ten rounds. He stops Mosley.”

RUDY SILVA, TRAINER, HOUSTON, TEXAS

“Mayweather wins even though I am a huge fan of all the ‘Sugars’ including Shane. Mayweather is too smart inside the square circle and his jab and defense will control the pace. I think Mosley’s age will show up in this fight. But I’m still pulling for Shane.”

DAMIEN ST. PIERRE, PROMOTER, LOUISIANA

“I think as fast as Mosley is that Mayweather is faster. Mosley will be Mayweather’s toughest test to date but his aggressive style will work against him. Mayweather by close decision.”

There you have it. Order the fight. This is one worth paying for.

Keep Punching.

Kerry Daigle

See you at the Fights.
Thank You for your time.
EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey
EL Boxing Empress; Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com
©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 All rights reserved

Sugar Shane Mosley Conference Call Transcript

The Who Are You Picking? Campaign is in full swing. You will see in the coming days the major websites here in the United States up with banners on their sites where people can vote. CNN, USA Today, ESPN, Spike, People Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, Univision, Yahoo! and The New York Times will all have polls, most of them on their front pages, where people will be able to vote. Some of those sites actually are up already and I just wanted to give you a very quick update.

For those of you who were on the call last week, remember on the whoareyoupicking.com site, which is the Micro site for the fight, last week we had Floyd Mayweather ahead, with 47% of the people voting for him to win the fight and 43% for Sugar Shane Mosley. Well, it’s interesting, that tightened considerably. Mayweather now is only leading 51% to 49% against Shane Mosley.

Interesting as well, on the ESPN site, which just went up yesterday with the poll, it’s reversed; 51.4% are picking Shane Mosley to win the fight against 48.6% with Mayweather. I think the general sports fans are clearly favoring Shane Mosley.

On Spike, a very urban site, an interesting picture there as well. Sixty-seven percent of the people think that Floyd Mayweather is going to win the fight versus 33% for Mosley. So, we actually are going to give daily updates on those polls so you guys, media members, you don’t have to go and log on all of these sites, but we will send out daily updates because I think it’s really fascinating to see on how the various segments of the population here in the United States are picking their guys, so we’re really excited about that.

The fight is virtually sold out. A few tickets left, only $600 and $1,250 tickets are left. The $1,000 are sold out and all other categories as well. As a result, we are now going into closed circuit. We are starting with the closed circuit seats tomorrow at $50. We will initially make about 25,000 seats available in the various MGM Mirage properties. So if you do plan to go to Vegas and spend the Cinco de Mayo weekend in Las Vegas, a great fight weekend here, then go, tickets are available for $50.

Other than that, the movie theaters are tracking tremendously well as well and getting a lot of calls from people who have actually seen the spots and the promotions in the movie theaters. They think that they will have a tremendous, tremendous turnout. On about 12,000 screens across the United States the fight is being promoted and it will be in about 600 screens where the fight will actually be shown. They’re going to be movie theaters in all states.

That’s that and now I’d like to acknowledge and see if he would like to say a few words, Shane Mosley’s advisor and attorney as well, Judd Burstein. Judd, would you like to say a few comments?

Judd Burstein

I have nothing to say. Shane can say it all.

Schaefer

Great. It is a pleasure then for me to introduce to you truly one of the greatest fighters of our generation. With a record of 46 and 5, 39 KO’s, he’s the current WBA Welterweight Champion and has during his 16 year career, compiled six world titles, has ruled the Lightweight, Welterweight and Junior Middleweight division, and is really a man who knows how to perform in the big events. He lives for those big events. Many of those big events, many of those big victories were coming from the MGM Grand, which some people call Mosley’s Greatest Moments, MGM. And it really is a pleasure and an honor for me to introduce to you my good friend and partner in Golden Boy, Sugar Shane Mosley.

Sugar Shane Mosley

Thank you. Thank you, Richard. I just want to say that I’m happy that the fight is taking place and I’m happy with the training camp that we’ve been doing with Naazim Jameson and all the sparring partners, Karl Dargan, Rock, Mike Sharp and Eloy Perez and a few others. I’m just happy and excited to show my stuff May 1. It’s going to be very exciting. I’m in great shape. I’m in tremendous shape and I’m ready to take on Mayweather.

Schaefer

Thank you, Shane. We are going to open it up now for the media members for any questions. Operator, please?

Q:

You mentioned that Karl Dargan and Rock, that you’re sparring with them. They’ve been a little bit inactive lately, but I was just curious of your impressions of them as they’re both Naazimm’s relatives obviously, son and nephew.

Mosley

This camp has been like a family and I’m happy to have all of them contributing. They have great backgrounds, and Naazim Richardson trains them. Karl Dargan is very fast, a little taller than Mayweather, but has very fast hands. I think that a lot of it is the reaction time that I’m dealing with when I work with Karl Dargan to emulate Mayweather. We try to figure out different ways and different strategies of attacking.

Q:

One other question is, is all the stuff that’s popping up now that Victor Conte is sending out, is that any kind of a distraction to you?

Mosley

haven’t really heard anything about it and I don’t choose to even talk about it. That’s been 2003 when that type of stuff happened, so.

Q:

Shane, what would a victory over Floyd Mayweather, Jr. do for your legacy?

Mosley

I think a victory would do very good. It gives the people a chance to see that Sugar Shane really means business when he gets in that ring and fights. I rise to the occasion at every big fight. It’s going to be great.

Q:

One other thing. On the second 24/7, and I don’t know if you watched it or not because you said you didn’t watch the first one, Floyd is saying he thinks he is better than Ali, better than Sugar Ray Robinson. Do you think he is perhaps overstating that a little bit?

Mosley

I think that you can’t say who was the best fighter. I think Sugar Robinson was the greatest. Everybody has their own opinions about different fighters and what they can do and their ability. I think that it’s important that it’s not for you; it’s not for myself to tell everybody that I’m the greatest, it’s for your guys to decide that. So when the people start deciding that Sugar Robinson is the greatest or Muhammad Ali is the greatest, it’s the people that have spoken. You’re not just tooting your own horn and saying, oh I’m the greatest. A lot of the people believe that Sugar Robinson was one of the greatest so I guess he’s one of the greatest, him and Ali.

Q:

Judd, obviously we’ve all, and I’m sure you’ve seen the YouTube stuff, I just want to ask you just a basic question, if I may. I know I can hear you in the background objecting to the form of the question. I believe that was you. It did seem like the person asking the questions had some difficulty forming his questions. Do you think that that defamation video made Shane look bad or do you think it made the questioner look bad because he didn’t know how to form his questions?

Burstein

Well, first of all, I’m going to answer it quickly, but the real answer is there’s no point in talking about this. This was 2003. Shane will be victorious in court and that will answer all the questions. The whole thing about the Conte video was not more a) it was he couldn’t ask questions; but b) that Conte edited it and took it out of context. But there’s nothing more to say about this.

Q:

Do you feel at all like you’re disrespected by fans and the media or do you feel like people put you on an even footing with Floyd?

Mosley

I don’t know. I mean I really don’t get that stuff anymore. I haven’t really been looking into the media and seeing what they’ve been saying. I don’t know really what’s going on. I try to keep myself away from it so I can be focused on the fight and that’s my main importance right now is just being focused on the fight and being the best I can be when I get to the ring.

Q:

Do you feel Floyd is with all the trash talking that he’s doing is trying to goad you into distraction before the fight and maybe anger? Does that stuff anger you or do you not even pay attention to it?

Mosley

At this point, I’m not angered by it. I’m just trying to go to the fight and be the best I can be in the fight. Right now at this point, we’re getting ready to fight now.

Q:

Floyd, Sr. has said that he had heard you’ve been getting beat up by your sparring partner. How do you respond to something like that?

Mosley

I don’t know how he can hear that unless he has some kind of spy inside the gym which I don’t know of. No, I’ve been working good. I’m working diligently and I’m working real good and the sparring partners have been giving me good work. It’s great.

Q:

One last question. Do you feel 100% healthy and ready to go for this fight?

Mosley

I’m 100% healthy. I’m ready to go. I’m ready to fight and show the world I’m the best fighter.

Q:

Obviously they’re saying you don’t want to talk about any of this with Conte which is fine, but drug testing is a huge part of this fight. That’s one of the reasons you guys made it such a big deal when you all agreed to Olympic drug testing for it. Two thousand three is a long time ago, but can you say since then how you have felt differently in fights? Can you tell a difference from that night to how you fight now or recent fights from when you didn’t take that stuff? I mean what did it do to you as a fighter to come off it and then try to get back to just 100% of yourself and how you feel now when your in the ring compared to then.

Mosley

That’s just a stupid question that you asked me because I never did that stuff. I never was on it really like that. I’ve always been a clean fighter. Actually, I feel good and I’ve been feeling good. I’ve been knocking around everybody since 2003 and before 2003. I don’t feel that I should be condemned for something that I never tested positive for and I just told the truth of what happened, because the truth was brought to me by the Federal people that took me court that brought me in as a witness. They brought me in as a witness and the truth was revealed to me there, that this man that I’d seen one time in my whole entire life, before going to deposition and that’s the second time I’ve seen him. It’s ridiculous. It’s ridiculous now that the media wants to make me the poster boy of steroids when I don’t even …. Whatever, if you guys want to continue to think that or put that out there, so be it. So be it. You guys know the truth.

Q:

How are you doing guys? I appreciate your taking the time. This is for Shane. I’m doing a story to tell the people of Philadelphia a little bit more about your trainer and brother, Naazim. I just wanted to get a sense. Someone’s who’s been in this sport for so long, what can a guy like him come in and what has he been able to do for you either in the gym or in the corner and what’s it like working with him? What’s his personality like? Is he a hard ass? Does he make you laugh? Just kind of an insight to his personality as a trainer.

Mosley

Naazim is all of the above. He’s hard on me and makes sure that I’m prepared physically, mentally and especially, all different ways to be prepared to enter the fight. I think that’s the difference, is being prepared. He’s 100% in the game. I’m fighting and he’s fighting as well. He’s not fighting with his fist and hands, but he’s fighting with his mind which is a good thing. I’m happy and pleased with everything that’s going on in my camp.

Q:

Anything specifically different or are you doing anything differently?

Mosley

I’m not sure I’m doing anything differently. I think that he brings me back to all the movement and keep myself sharp and mentally sharp and sound. The punches that he’s having me do, I’m throwing very well and sharp. I’m ready to go.

Q:

What’s he like to work with?

Mosley

He’s a great trainer. I think he’s one of the best if not the best trainer right now today in this era. I couldn’t ask for a better person, a better friend and a better trainer in my camp right now.

Q:

I wanted you to recount that little incident. I think you talked about it when you guys were sitting down on that faceoff about the time Floyd came to you and said something like, “I want to be just like you one day,” something like that.

Mosley

Yes, it was something at, I think he was just out of the Olympics and he was maybe 2-0, 3-0, something like that. I came to his dressing room and I was telling him that he’s a great fighter. He looks good and he was going to be a world champion one day. I said you’re going to be World Champion one day. You look real good. And he’s was like “Oh man, thank you.” Basically he was just saying, “You’re doing good, too.” I think I was the Champion then or I was getting ready to be the Champion. He said, “Hopefully if I can be just like you, it will be great if I can win a title and all that stuff.” So we were both giving each other props and stuff about how good we were. That was it. He just wanted to have the accomplishments that I had accomplished in my professional career. He said if I can have those accomplishments then I’d be happy too, if I can be like you and have all the accomplishments that I have. I don’t know if was like being exactly like me per se, but just the accomplishments and everything I’ve done in my boxing career at that time, he was impressed with and he let me know that then.

Q:

How much do you think that his intimidation tactics are part of his getting to another opponent and how much do you think you have frustrated him by not reacting to any of that?

Mosley

I’m not really sure. I know me not reacting to his antics or whatever, that’s just me blocking all that stuff out and wanting to fight. I don’t really care about the different things that are being said. That doesn’t really matter. What matters is the fight and what happens in the fight. So that’s my whole interest and I kind of block all that other stuff out.

Q:

And one last question. You had a series of fights at 154. How do you think having fought heavier opponents, bigger opponents, how do you think that will translate into a fight where you’re fighting a guy that’s mostly a speed and defensive guy?

Mosley

Well, I think it might be a little different. I know it helps with the power aspect. I should be able to walk him down, a little stronger or better and do different things. I feel good about being in a ring with bigger guys. Both bigger and smaller; I’ve been in the ring with both sizes.

Q:

Okay. And what’s up with the tattoo on your shoulder?

Mosley

I’ve had it for about eight or nine months now. I was going to have it before the Berto fight. It’s a warrior, you know. It’s a Maori warrior tattoo that shows what type of fighter I am. When I get in the ring, I’m a warrior and I want the people to see that.

Q:

Shane, obviously this has a chance to be the biggest fight of the year in 2010 and a lots being made of it. There’s a lot of coverage. Is it the biggest fight at this stage can you say that you’ve ever been involved in and if not, what was?

Mosley

Well, I think at this point it will be the biggest fight. You have a lot of viewers watching it. It’s a fight that the world wanted to see. So it’s a big fight. It’s a very big fight and I’m excited to have this fight.

Q:

It’s bigger than fighting Oscar the first time?

Mosley

The first time I fought Oscar it had its own significance and it took me where I am today right now to be able to fight this type of mega fight. But it is definitely a big fight. Fighting De la Hoya the first time was a real big fight. There was a lot of people there at the fight and there was a lot of big expectations, but this is probably I can say right now, one of the biggest fights.

Q:

And to follow up real quickly on a question from earlier about Mayweather’s intimidation tactics. Obviously, you’ve had your fair share of things to say about your going to knock Mayweather out and some of his rhetoric and his talk really ramps up when it gets to fight week and he gets to see you face to face. How do you deal with that? Do you address it? Do you let it drop? Do you pick your spots? What do you do?

Mosley

Well, I guess it depends. As it comes, you pick your spots and maybe check them a little bit here and there and get him back to thinking. But at this point, it’s time to fight now. At this point, we’ve done a little talking and this and that, but now it’s fight time now and now we’re getting ready to show what we can do.

Q:

As you’ve been on the outside watching that over the years, do you think it has worked against certain guys?

Mosley

I think so. I think a lot of the press and media and just the whole event of all that can kind of distract a fighter but at this time, I just try to be; like I said, I just try to just think about focusing on the fight. Now it’s getting close to the fight and we need to worry about the fight instead of worrying about what people are saying about us.

Q:

Shane, just a couple things. First of all, I want to clarify are you defending your WBA title in this fight? Is that up for grabs?

Mosley

I don’t think so.

Schaefer

No, actually I can answer that for you. It looks like the fight will not be for Shane’s WBA title, however Shane will be; I mean Floyd is not fighting for the WBA title, but Shane is.

Q:

Okay, that’s kind of what I thought. I wonder Shane, I know this is a business, but the guys that get in the ring and do the fighting like to have belt fight to win titles and certainly in the instance of you against Floyd, arguably the two best welterweights in the world fighting for a lot of money, but pride as well as for maybe the championship of the world and you seem willing to do and I’ve heard a lot of comments from Floyd where he talks about well, the belts just collect dust and this and that. What is your take on that sort of attitude where I know you’re a guy that likes to fight the best guys and obviously wants to earn a lot of money doing it, but also I know takes certain pride in being champion. What do you think that says about Floyd where he has just this cavalier attitude where he at least publically says he doesn’t really give a darn about it?

Schaefer

No, you know my opinion about the subject. I think at that level, it really depends on the fighters. I think boxing is a sport of champions and it is the belt and it signifies the champion and so I think really at that level it is up to the fighters. Some fighters want to fight for a belt, others don’t. I think it depends on the fight and it depends on the circumstances. But let’s see what Shane has to say.

Mosley

I don’t know what to think about that. I think he should want; I mean everybody grows up wanting to fight for a belt and want to be world champion and for them to just dismiss it like oh, I’m bigger than the belt, I don’t know. That just doesn’t seem like he’s in the sport for the sport. He’s in it just for the money, which is good if he wants to do that. If he wants to fight for money, to each his own, but I love the glory, the legendary status of being a champion and winning belts and being the best guys out there. If he did that, the money is going to come regardless.

Q:

One other question for you about Floyd. He has stated, as has been discussed in this call, he’s the greatest fighter of all time, better than all the Ali’s and Sugar Robinson’s as we’ve covered. And then you look at his resume and he was the welterweight champ of the world when he beat some guys that he beat and then of course gave that up when he retired. But there are a lot of people, myself included, who have criticized the level of his competition particularly since he’s come out of the Lightweight division. When you look at his resume, do you think he has any real resume as a welterweight that by beating you, that would be clearly by far and away his best welterweight victory to do that?

Mosley

I always say that the best fighters, you have to let the people decide that. You can’t be the one to say oh, I’m the best, I’m the best.

Q:

But what do you think of his resume as a welterweight so far?

Mosley

As a welterweight, he hasn’t fought another top welterweight and I’m the first one that’s he fought that’s world champion so it makes the fight a big fight. All the other guys have not really been the best, if you will. There are a lot of great welterweights out there that he could have chosen to fight instead of fighting the ones that he fought. The guys coming from …-47, 35-47, so like I said we’ll see what happens in the fight.

Q:

Hey, Shane. I appreciate your taking my call. I just had one question. I image you’re going to want to put a lot of pressure on Mayweather and I was just wondering how you plan to deal with that … right hand of his?

Mosley

Well, that’s what’s being worked on, different things like that. So, hopefully, we’ll implement that into the fight when we fight him.

Q:

Okay, so you’re keeping it a secret?

Mosley:

I’m supposed to.

Q:

Strategy wise, you guys are both incredibly fast fighters and I’m curious of your perception of Floyd’s speed. Do you think you’re as fast as Floyd at this point in your career and how are you going to counter that speed?

Mosley

Well, I think I’m as fast as any fighter out there and especially Floyd. I’m one of the fastest. I’ve always been quick. We’ll see when we get in there. I’ve never been in the ring with Floyd so I don’t know how to answer that, how I’m going to counter. I’m just going to do what I do best as Sugar Shane Mosley.

Q:

I mean when you watch the tapes, what’s your perception of his speed?

Mosley

I think he has good hand speed, but I think my hand speed is good, too. I don’t know if I’m going to be faster or I’m going to be slower. I have to get in the ring and see. I believe I’m faster. I believe that I’m going to have the advantage in the speed, but we’ll see.

Q:

It seems like you and Naazim have two have very different personalities, but you both have the same understanding of the sport. I just wanted to know like how it was when you two first started training together, like how long it took for you two to gel and what your thoughts are of him as a trainer compared to everyone else you’ve been with in your career.

Mosley

I think he’s a great trainer. I think he’s the best trainer, one of the best trainers that I’ve worked with.

Q:

You had it right the first time. He is the best trainer in the sport.

Mosley

Yes. It’s been great working with him. Right from day one, we gelled perfectly because we had the same philosophies about boxing and different things. We worked great. Right from day one it was a great match.

Q:

To me, from my own experience with Naazim, he seems to be the most honest guy out there. He’ll always tell you what’s on his mind, never in a disrespectful manner, but he’s not going to sugarcoat anything. Has that caused any problems in training? I know some guys they tell you what you want to hear and Naazim tells you what you need to hear. Do you feel like his take is more refreshing than what most others are willing to tell you?

Mosley

I think so. I think him giving me his honest opinion on what he believes and what he feels makes it that much better when we get into the fight. We understand each other. I know what he’s telling me is the truth and it’s not I just can’t just guess and say okay, well can you sugarcoat it a little bit for me? I know that he’s telling me the truth when I get into the fight or when I’m sparring or whatever. Whatever it is, he’s going to give me his honest opinion and I’m happy with that.

Q:

Does that give you more confidence once you step into the ring? I mean I know it’s only the one fight with him, but this will be your second.

Mosley

It’ll definitely gives me more confidence definitely since I’ve been to the ring. I know that I definitely need to do the work. All the good work for this fight I’ve done, the training and different strategies and moves we did, I know that I’m ready and prepared for the fight. All I’ve got to do is just execute.

Q:

Good, good, good. I’m not sure exactly how to ask this, but the fight is being portrayed by some people as sort of a good versus evil, although I think evil is a little bit strong. Does that seem appropriate to you? That would be my first question.

Mosley

Good versus evil? I don’t know. I don’t really think so. I think that Floyd just acts out because of that’s just being himself. But you know, probably outside of the fight, you probably could see some good qualities Floyd has. He can charm up a little bit and be more friendly or whatever. It’s just when the fight happens, he just starts getting a little crazy and starts going back to the things that he’s used to doing. But, I don’t know if you’d say good versus evil. But it’s just going to be a great fight.

Q:

You sort of answered my follow-up. I believe you told me that you don’t really think he’s such a bad guy. It’s just sort of stuff that he says.

Mosley

Yes, some of the things that he says, it’s bad and it reflects and looks bad on him when he says the different things. Some of the things he says I don’t really think he means. He just kind of says it to get a reaction out of you to see what happens and see what you do and that’s probably part of his plan or his strategy before the fight. It’s like fighting before the fight. He’ll just say what’s on the top of his head and just get a reaction out of you. If he gets a reaction out of you, then he’s done a good job, he’s won. So, I don’t perceive him as being a real, like an evil person. That’s just sometimes his nature.

Q:

Okay. So last thing. So one on one, when you’ve run into him over the years, you guys have been fine with each other?

Mosley

Yes, we see each other like I said on the basketball courts or I might see him out and about. We’re fine. There’s no problems. I see like his family members, Roger and Floyd, Sr. and a few other guys. I don’t hate any of those guys. We have a job to do right now and it’s competitive. It’s a competitive sport. We want to know who is the best and I’m here to get in there and show that I’m the best.

Q:

I just wanted to ask and sort of follow-up on that last question and then I have another question. Do you think after this that you and Floyd will have any kind of relationship? I don’t know if you guys had any kind of relationship previous to this, but can you see yourself maybe having any kind of relationship with him whether it’s a professional relationship or whether it’s a personal relationship or being friends or hanging out or anything like that?

Mosley

Yes, of course. It’s nothing personal. I know for me, it’s all business. This is business and this is a competitive sport. This is our legacy on who’s the best fighter. It’s a challenge. So it’s a challenge that I’m ready to take and I’m ready to go into the history books as being the guy to beat Floyd Mayweather and the guy that beats everybody out there, the last man standing. I’m into that. So, when I say that, I mean yes definitely I’ll be there. We can be friends. We can go to dinner, whatever after the fight. It’s all good. The families can get together, all that. But for now, I guess we’re enemies.

Q:

Okay. And the second question, how disruptive has just the Olympic style training and having to let these guys know where you are 24 hours a day and just sort of opening up your camp to the testing, has that been a disruption for you or has it thrown off what you normally would be doing in preparation?

Mosley

Actually, no. Actually, I like the fact that they come all the time and I learned a lot of different things about different things to do. Different things that, if you will, just eating natural and normal foods without taking any of the vitamins. Taking a bunch of vitamins is a good thing for your body. I feel good. I feel great. This has actually been a breakthrough. I like it.

Q:

Okay. You mean say like if you had the sniffles or you have a cold, most people would just like reach for the Tylenol Sinus or whatever. You can’t just reach for that. You have to sort of find out whether it’s okay to take something for the sniffles or sinus infection or cold or whatever, right?

Mosley

Yes it’s been educational, but you can take Tylenol or some other things if you get the sniffles. But there’s other things to take that’s natural that you can use that you can take too as well. It hasn’t bothered me at all. Everything has been great. I love the fact, like I said, it’s been like a breakthrough for me with this USADA thing. It’s actually a good thing.

Q:

Now have they said how far up to the fight that they’re going to keep testing?

Mosley

I don’t know. I’m fine with it. All my testing has been real quick. I did like five of them already and everything is good.

Q:

Okay, five tests. How many for blood?

Mosley

I did three for blood and five for blood and urine.

Q:

Okay. Did you feel weak after the blood test?

Mosley

No, no. They just put a little needle in. I guess it’s psychological. If you feel weak or whatever, that’s a psychological thing with a needle going into you, but with me, I never got weak with needles or blood. That never affected me.

Q:

Just one question for Richard. Could you please go back and explain the belt situation? What exactly is on the line for Shane?

Schaefer

Well, it is not a WBA world championship fight. That’s the fact. However, on the separate side, we are currently discussing with the WBA that for Shane, Shane would be defending his belt. But for the purpose of this call, it’s basically a non-WBA fight. The two best fighters fighting each other I guess. That’s what’s at stake here.

I think that is wrapping it up and again, it’s only a few days for Fight Week. We’re excited about it and look forward to see you all there on May 1 for the great showdown between Floyd Mayweather and Sugar Shane Mosley. See you at the Fights.
Thank You for your time.
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