Boxing Preview Analysis: Manny Pacquiao vs. Shane Mosley

Ok, so its not Pacquiao vs. Mayweather, but we've got a decent enough substitute when Manny Pacquiao defends his WBO welterweight championship against American veteran 'Sugar' Shane Mosley in Las Vegas this weekend.

For Pacquiao, this is his second defence of the crown he won by stopping Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto back in November, 2009. A multiweight world champion, Pacquiao has fought and more often than not defeated the very best of his era over a career spanning sixteen years.

In Mosley, he meets a man who himself has had a glittering career, a three weight world champion over 18 years and 54 fights. You could argue that neither Pacquiao or Mosley has ducked an opponent.

Its very easy to write Shane off in this one. However, if you look closely at his career losses one thing can be established. He struggles against the bigger and taller opponents. Fights against the late Vernon Forrest and Ronald 'Winky' Wright would prove this.

In Pacman, Mosley meets a man shorter than himself and one could argue that Shane can at least match Pacquiao for speed. Certainly against fellow speedsters such as Oscar De la Hoya, Mosley has been successful. Mosley last year even had major success against Floyd Mayweather before losing on points.

With all that being said, Manny is a different kettle of fish. At welterweight, Pacquiao has frightening speed and power. Once he's worked out an opponent's style, the fight is usually his. He also seems to be getting better and better each fight whereas the close to 40 year old Mosley has not won a contest since January, 2009.

I can see Mosley starting well in this one. Pacquiao will certainly have to be wary of Mosley's leaping left hand. However, I can gradually see the older man being worn down by the short compact punches of Pacquiao en route to Mosley's first career stoppage loss in about 10 rounds.