As first reported by ESPN.com, Manny Pacquiao has chosen his next opponent. On May 7th, the current pound-4-pound best boxer alive will fight “Sugar” Shane Mosley at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV on PPV. This fight of course comes to the dismay of many fans as many voiced their opinions that if a Floyd Mayweather Jr. fight could not happen, that Pacquiao’s next opponent should be Juan Manuel Marquez. Marquez, is the only fighter to have been competitive with Pacquiao on two occasions, drawing with the Filipino on the first occasion and winning via one point in a hotly contested second bout.
“Bruce Trample says it’s a very difficult fight. I believe it will be an exciting fight. Shane knows how to fight and how to deal with the speed. Manny is in for a hellacious fight. I really believe styles make fights,” said Top Rank promoter Bob Arum. The bout will take place in the welterweight division as Pacquiao’s WBO title will be on the line.
Freddie Roach, Manny Pacquiao’s trainer shared his thoughts on the bout, “I think it’s a good fight. I feel that Shane is one of the toughest guys left out there right now, he didn’t get up for ‘The Contender’ guy [Mora], but he will get up for Manny Pacquiao. It’s a difficult fight because Shane has speed and power. He’s getting a little older, which is in our favor, but I expect Shane to be at his best because he’s wanted this fight for a long time. I will get Pacquiao well prepared for this one.”
