Written by Scott Swerbinsky

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The mega-fight boxing fans were supposed to be treated to in 2010 was Manny Pacquiao versus Floyd Mayweather Jr. Politics and disputes over drug testing got in the way of that and put the showdown between the top two fighters in the world onto the back burner. The entire boxing world hopes to see that monster matchup before the end of time.

Shane Mosley is the main beneficiary of Manny Pacquiao declining the fight with Floyd Mayweather. He gets to step in with the best in the business and show people he is still at the top of his game at the age of 38. He has all the tools needed to be the first boxer ever to beat Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Mayweather comes into the bout at 40-0 and has dominated just about everyone is his path. Many people still say he hasn’t fought anyone.  Floyd is easily the best defensive fighter of this era and possibly of all time. His style sometimes can make for less than exciting fights but his flash and arrogance can make up for what is lost in that area. If you like speed and accuracy, then you must be a “Money” Mayweather fan. Defense wins championships, as they say, and Floyd is a perfectionist when it comes to slipping punches and rolling his shoulders to stay out of harm’s way.

Shane Mosley has gotten better with age and has beaten some of the toughest fighters in the world. He hasn’t fought in over a year and many people believe the ring rust will be a big factor for a guy his age as well as the fact that he is fighting the lightning quick Mayweather.  Mosley is always in great shape and physically and mentally prepared. I don’t see the layoff being that much of a factor.

These two fighters simply don’t like each other. That should add to the excitement of this fight. Personal jabs have been taking place for months now and both guys feel they deserve more respect from the other. There is no better way to get respect than to go into the ring and earn it.

When this fight was first announced I really wasn’t that excited due to the fact that it was Mosley in there instead of Pacquiao. A few months has changed my mind and I think this bout could be the fight of the year. Two ultra-quick guys with a ton of skill that hate each other. There isn’t much more to ask for than that. Add in another possible huge payday for the winner and that helps the cause as well.

I have always been a big Mayweather fan because of his defensive style. If he does what he has always done and blocks a ton of shots, I don’t see anyone being able to penetrate his guard and hurt him. Both fighters have said they are going for the knockout in this fight and if that is true, that could open the door for a Sugar Shane upset.

Mosley needs to bring the action in this fight and be more aggressive than he has ever been if he wants to shock the world. His hand speed and power and top notch and he has the tools to beat Floyd. If he gets sloppy and over aggressive then Floyd could pick him apart to win a lot of rounds.

I really am expecting a hard fought, highly competitive fight between the two of the best fighters in the world. There are a few unanswered questions that could easily turn the tide of this fight in a hurry. I’m eager to find out the answer to those questions tonight.

When I preview this fight I can’t help but think Mosley will be the first to make a mistake and Floyd will make him pay. Say what you like about Mayweather but he is one of the smartest boxers ever to lace up a pair of gloves. He takes advantage of every possible opportunity when it presents itself. I think he does it again this evening and either wins a unanimous decision or pulls off a late round knockout.

One thing I do know for sure, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao should be fighting. If Mayweather wins tonight, I don’t see any possible way that it doesn’t happen in the next few months. There is way too much money to be made and it would do wonders for the sport of boxing.

Shane Mosley has the chance to derail that money truck from being delivered. I can’t wait to see if he can do it. Tune in and find out for yourself.