Mayweather not good enought for Leonard, Hearns era

By Norm Frauenheim

LAS VEGAS – Sugar Ray Leonard and Thomas Hearns were two of the defining faces of the 1980s. Floyd Mayweather Jr. calls himself the face of boxing, better than Sugar Ray Robinson and Muhammad Ali and presumably better than either Leonard or Hearns.

To Leonard and Hearns, however, that Mayweather face looks like a beaten one if it had come along during their era.

“I really think Floyd would have been too small for us,’’ Hearns said Friday at a news conference that included Leonard, his current friend and old rival. “We were big welterweights.’’

Leonard agreed and added a twist of humor when asked to say how Mayweather would have fared against Hearns.

“I don’t think anybody could have beat Tommy Hearns but me,’’ said Leonard, who scored a 14^th round stoppage of Hearns in a 1981 classic and fought him to draw in a 1989 rematch.

There’s some talk that boxing would be better off if Shane Mosley upsets Mayweather Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. It would create other big bouts, including Mosley versus Manny Pacquiao. If Mayweather beats Mosley, there is doubt that he and Pacquiao will ever agree on a deal. Talks for a Pacquiao-Mayweatherfight in March fell apart over Mayweather’s demands for Olympic-style drug testing.

No matter what happens in Mosley-Mayweather, neither Hearns nor Leonard foresee a time that would approach their era, which included Roberto Duran and Marvin Hagler.

“It just happened,’’ Hearns said. “It was nothing we planned. In our day, we couldn’t  pick and choose. We couldn’t duck fights. We had to fight the next guy out there. And we always did. That why, that time is remembered, even now.’’

Mayweather or Mosley? It might be a role for a legend

By Norm Frauenheim

LAS VEGAS – There wasn’t much to say about the weigh-in. In fact, Floyd Mayweather Jr. said nothing at all to Sugar Shane Mosley after the two posed, face-to-face, like a couple of predators waiting for the other one to blink. Mosley said something. But Mayweather, never known for a loss of words, had no counter.

Maybe, there’s nothing left to say. Or, maybe, Mayweather has decided that his next counter will happen tonight in the ring at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

That counter is Mayweather’s most reliable punch. It might be his biggest edge, a reason he is about a 4-to-1 favorite over Mosley in a welterweight fight that has some fans thinking about legends. A couple of those were there for Friday’s ritual trip to the scale. It was impossible to ignore Sugar Ray Leonard and Thomas Hearns, who battled three decades ago in a welterweight classic.

It’s hard to argue with legends. Mayweather has said, ad nauseum, that he is one. At 40-0, he has numbers that add up to the possibility. But that 0 might as well be a doughnut hole. His unbeaten record, including 25 knockouts, is missing the defining fight that proves he is a worthy successor to Hearns and Leonard. The dangerous Mosley, who has his speed and perhaps more power than he has ever encountered, is the opportunity for him to claim ownership of a legacy he has talked about almost as if it is birthright. For the first time in his career, there’s nothing left to say. There’s just a lot to do.

Mosley (46-5, 39 KOs) looks like the bigger fighter. On the scale Friday, he was — by one pound, 147 to Mayweather’s 146. On a tale of the tape, Mosley is also taller – by one inch, 5-foot-9 to Mayweather’s 5-8. But what we know might not matter. Marks on a tape and indentations on a scale might not measure anything of significance at opening bell. Instead, it’s the unknown that has made this crossroads in the careers for both fighters so intriguing.

Already, there have been signs of some surprising role reversals. Mosley has begun to talk more than Mayweather. It makes you wonder whether more reversals will happen in the ring. Mosley is said to have more power than Mayweather.

“I’ve always had power, even as lightweight and also in this weight class,’’ Mosley said after a weigh-in that attracted a reported crowd of 6,000 fans. “Even in this weight class I’m strong and can knock anybody out.’’

In the beginning, Mosley’s power looms as Mayweather’s biggest test. That, at least, is the conventional wisdom. In the early rounds, a jab followed by a body shot represents an early warning sign for Mayweather. How will he react, especially if the body shot lands often? If the fight is prolonged and the chess match that both say it will be, the early punches figure to be nothing more than pawns on a much bigger board.

Leonard’s 14th-round stoppage of Hearns at Caesars Palace years before the MGM Grand’s addition to the Strip’s neon-lit skyline is memorable for the ebb-and-flow of personalities and punches a conflict that saw the fighters reverse roles. Hearns began as the feared power puncher. Leonard was the boxer. Midway through the fight, however, Hearns became the boxer and Leonard the puncher.

For few days, Mayweather’s surprisingly understated demeanor has hinted that a different kind of fighter might emerge. The hint was there again after the weigh-in.

“It could end in a knockout if he comes in,’’ said Mayweather, who didn’t have to say who would knock out whom in that scenario.

He also didn’t have to say he would finally be the fighter he says he is. With a knockout, Mayweather would break out of his assigned role, which has left him typecast as a fighter primarily concerned about safety. A knockout would prove he can do something else, be something more.

Maybe, even be a legend.

MAYWEATHER VS. MOSLEY: WHO R U PICKING? POLL UPDATE

Countdown To Fight Night – 1 Day To Go!

LAS VEGAS (April 30) – The wait is almost over. Mayweather vs. Mosley: Who R U Picking? is tomorrow night, and the world is paying attention. With well over 100 million online impressions, the reach of this fight is off the charts, and the consensus still shows that the fans are split. There are slight variations in the polling tabulations by regions of the country, but one thing is for sure, when Mayweather and Mosley meet in the ring at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and live on HBO-Pay-Per-View®, people around the world will be waiting to see if who they “r picking” comes out on top.

The whorupicking.com site is teetering back and forth every day between Mayweather and Mosley with tens of thousands of votes:

Mayweather Mosley

Whorupicking.com 52% 48%

While on select sites such as ESPN.com and Impremedia (La Opinion, El Diario, etc), Mosley an advantage over Mayweather and on New York Time, CNN and USA Today, Mayweather retains his edge:

Mayweather Mosley

ESPN.com 48% 52%

Impremedia.com 48% 52%

CNN.com 56% 44%

USAToday.com 59% 41%

The West Coast is sticking with Sugar Shane Mosley, while the East Coast continues to back up Floyd Mayweather:

Mayweather Mosley

East Coast 59% 41%

West Coast 45% 55%

It’s a virtual dead heat with respect to the breakdown between urban and rural areas:

Mayweather Mosley

Cities 51% 49%

Rural 50% 50%

Here is a closer look at the breakdown amongst the nation’s top cities:

Mayweather Mosley

Los Angeles 40% 60%

New York 53% 47%

Miami 63% 37%

Chicago 62% 38%

Houston 44% 56%

San Francisco 42% 58%

Dallas 53% 47%

Washington, DC 68% 32%

Phoenix 47% 53%

# # #

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 finale of HBO®’s all-access reality series ”24/7 Mayweather/Mosley” debuts tonight 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. REMINDER: Media in Las Vegas please remember the press screening of episode #4 of 24/7 Mayweather/Mosley is tonight at 6:30 p.m. at Studio 54. Please arrive at 6:15 or so and you must present your temporary fight credential.

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.

Sugar Ray Leonard & Tommy “Hitman” Hearns Media Roundtable Quotes

SUGAR RAY LEONARD, Seven-Time World Champion

On Mayweather vs. Mosley

“I see this fight as rather intriguing. I know a lot of people are leaning toward Floyd Mayweather Jr.

“Most of the time fights don’t live up to expectations. But fights like this, with Mosley and Mayweather, are highly anticipated. I truly believe that this fight here, these two guys will indeed live up to expectations, because whether they say it or not, it is about bragging rights. Yeah it’s about the money. Everyone wants the money, but for the guy who wins, it’s bragging rights.

“I have yet to see him (Mayweather) hurt, knocked down or whatever. On the other hand I see Sugar Shane Mosley as a guy who could penetrate his impeccable defense. I had a premonition the other night and I saw a knockout by someone. I am not a guru, I am not a psychic, but I did see a knockout.”

On Leonard vs. Hearns

“I remember that time so vividly in my mind. It was a fight for the undisputed welterweight crown. I trained very very hard. This fight was very special because Tommy’s dominance in the division was just amazing in the way he just annihilated people. He didn’t just knock guys out. He flattened guys. I guess I wasn’t concerned about his punching. But at one point I recall, he hit me with a good shot, with a right hand, and I realized I could take a shot. That’s why I became more aggressive.

“It was a fight of survival. Tommy brought the best out of me and I brought the best out of him. It was one of the fights that took me to the limit. It required every ounce of me physical, mentally, psychologically, and spiritually. It took all of those factors to beat Tommy Hearns.

“This happened to be a decade, an era, where guys like Ali, Frazier, Hearns, and myself surfaced. It was just meant to be.”

Thoughts on the fantasy match-up of Hearns vs. Mayweather

“Tommy is a freak of nature for a welterweight. He’s big, strong, powerful, has a big heart, and I don’t think anyone could beat Tommy Hearns…except me.

“I don’t see Mayweather-Mosley matching our fight. It’s a fight that’s been talked about for decades. I think it will be a great one though.”

On Mayweather calling himself the best

“For Mayweather to make that statement, fighters have to believe they are bigger and better than anyone.”

On the state of boxing and the history of the sport

“There is no comparison at all. Back in the day, fights were highly anticipated. There were more personalities. There were more superstars in boxing.

“It bothers me that we don’t have an American heavyweight champion. To me it is a dark period right now. Boxing is a resilient sport. The amateur foundation has diminished significantly. Amateur boxers are going to be champions years later, and there needs to be more support and sponsorships for the amateur programs.

“Fear is an intricate part of my makeup but not fear in the way you define it. When I fought, it wasn’t fear per se, it was concern. You want fear because that’s what going to make you react to anticipated punches. There is a balancing act but fear is a thing you have to deal with. “

TOMMY “HITMAN” HEARNS, Six-Time World Champion

On Mayweather vs. Mosley

“Mayweather will try to dominate with slick punches. He may do well. Shane is going to try to test and see if Mayweather can take a shot. We have to see if he can. Shane has the ability to punch and Floyd will have to be smart and slick.

“This is going to be a very good fight. I think it is going to be a very competitive fight. It is going to be a chess match.

“I think Mayweather should do well with that style. I think Shane is going to try to test that and see how well he can get that shot in.

“I don’t see it being the same as me and Ray. We set the standard and it’s going to be tough to top what we did. I am proud to know Ray Leonard. Ray brought the best out of me and I think I brought the best out of him. It’s going to be a great fight this Saturday night, but don’t look for the same thing as happened in our fight. That was a different era.

“Shane has the ability to punch, and I think Mayweather is going to have to watch out for that.”

On Leonard vs. Hearns

“As far as me and Ray Leonard, our fight was so huge that no one knew what the outcome would be.

“Ray said he has never danced before. I know he danced a few times when we fought.

“I believe in giving the fans what they paid to see. It wasn’t about holding back or saving something for tomorrow or the next time. This is a moment. This is what you have to give them right now. You have to give your best

“Knowing his ability, I had to learn how to do things with my hands up and my hands down. I just kept making it that much easier for me.

“That was something that was meant to be. It wasn’t something that we planned. The public wanted to see the match ups. You had to take on the next upcoming opponent. We weren’t able to pick and choose who we wanted to fight. We didn’t duck anybody even though we wanted to. That is what made our era so important.”

Thoughts on the fantasy match-up of Leonard vs. Mayweather

“I think that Floyd would have been too small for us. We were big welterweights. Floyd is a small guy. I am not saying because he is small he wouldn’t be able to do it, but it would have been very difficult. I think Ray knows more about that than I do.”

On Mayweather calling himself the best

“The confidence thing is fine with me. It is good for him to have a great deal of confidence. There shouldn’t be anything Shane can do to bring him down.”

# # #

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 finale of HBO®’s all-access reality series ”24/7 Mayweather/Mosley” debuts tonight 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. REMINDER: Media in Las Vegas please remember the press screening of episode #4 of 24/7 Mayweather/Mosley is tonight  at 6:30 p.m. at Studio 54. Please arrive at 6:15 or so and you must present your temporary fight credential.

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.

Guerrero dominates Arrietta via eighth round stoppage

Former two division world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero stepped up to the lightweight division that culminated a turbulent three months of his life by scoring a decisive eighth round stoppage over Roberto Arrietta in a scheduled ten round bout at the Tropicana in Las Vegas.

Guerrer dominated the bout as he dropped Arrietta three times including the first knockdown from a right hook in round two.  Guerrero was effective was his straight left hand and that was the punch of choice that dropped Arrietta in the third round.  Arrietta was game but outclassed and his night came to an end in round eight as he was dropped in the opening seconds from a hard straight left.  Guerrero wasted no time and jumped over his wounded foe that forced referee Jay Nady to stop the fight just twenty-nine seconds into the contest.

Guerrero, 135 lbs of Gilroy, CA has been through turmoil in recent months as his wife Casey has had a relapse of Leukemia that she has been battling courageouslyover the last couple of years.

Guerrero is now 26-1 with eighteen knockouts and could possibly be eying a third world title as he could be in line to face the winner of the much anticipated rematch of the 2009 fight of the year between Juan Manuel Marquez and Juan Diaz that will take place on July 31st just yards away at The Mandalay Bay.

Arrietta, 134 lbs of Santa Rosa, Argentina is now 35-16-4.

“I feel great and wanted to get some rounds in.  I made a statement at 135 and I want the winner of Marquez-Diaz”, said Guerrero.

“This fight means alot to me.  Casey’s fight is for her life.  I just had fun in there.”

Toddy Junior and Rene Torres fought to a four round majority draw in a Jr. Lightweight bout.

Scores were 39-37 for Torres and 38-38 on two cards.

Junior, 129 lbs of Las Vegas was cut over the left eye in round two is now 2-0-1.  Torres, 129 lbs of Los Angeles is now 0-1-1.

In a four round Lightweight bout, Abner Cotto scored a unanimous decision over Juan Sandavol.

Scores were 40-36 on all cards for Cotto, 133 lbs of Caguas, PR who is now 7-0.  Sandavol, 131 lbs of San Bernandino, CA is now 1-3.

Cotto is the cousin of former two-division world champion Miguel Cotto and Jose Miguel Cotto, who fights tomorrow night against unbeaten Saul Alvarez on the Mayweather – Mosley PPV undercard

Weights from Las Vegas

Floyd Mayweather 146 – Shane Mosley 147
Saul Alvarez 150 – Jose Miguel Cotto 149

GFL MMA Weekend Preview

GFL Weekend Boxing Preview

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

LAS VEGAS, NV (April 30)…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

# # #

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 finale of HBO®’s all-access reality series ”24/7 Mayweather/Mosley” debuts tonight 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.

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.

BRETT ROGERS, URIJAH FABER AND DAN HARDY GUEST ON TONIGHT’S “INSIDE MMA” ON HDNET

Tabloid headlines and a look back at WEC 48 make for an entertaining panel discussion TONIGHT Friday, April 30 at 9:00 p.m. ET

DALLAS (April 30, 2010) WHAT: Tonight on HDNet’s “Inside MMA,” Strikeforce Heavyweight Brett Rogers, WEC Featherweight Urijah Faber and UFC Welterweight Dan Hardy join Kenny and Bas on the IMMA panel to discuss the latest MMA news, including the recent arrest of Tito Ortiz after an alledged domestic dispute with his girlfriend, Jenna Jameson. Then Rogers, who in his last bout, lost to the #1 ranked heavyweight in the world, Fedor Emelianenko, tells the panel why he deserves a shot at the Strikeforce Heavyweight belt. Faber, who held the WEC Featherweight title for over two years, talks about his recent loss to Jose Aldo at WEC 48. Dan, “The Outlaw” Hardy shares his thoughts about losing his shot at the UFC Welterweight belt with his March 27 loss to Georges St-Pierre. And in Kruck’s Korner, Ron Kruck reports on Hunter Worsham, son of MMA pioneer Cal Worsham. Hunter recently entered the cage one last time before his military deployment to Afghanistan. And, immediately following “Inside MMA” at 10:00 p.m. ET tonight is a special presentation of “The Voice vs. Joe Rogan,” where the two biggest names in MMA broadcasting go one-on-one to discuss the world of mixed martial arts.  MMA critics are raving about the show!  “Bloody Elbow” says that “The Voice vs. Joe Rogan is “… “truly a treat to watch” and “Pro Fighting Fans said, “All MMA fans should watch the special on HDNet.” WHEN: “Inside MMA” airs on HDNet, TONIGHT Friday, April 30 at 9:00 p.m. ET.

About HDNet HDNet (www.hd.net) is the independent network with unique and provocative content that appeals to men of all ages and is delivered in true high definition. HDNet is the exclusive, high definition home for popular, original programming, including television’s only HD news feature programs “HDNet World Report,” and the Emmy Award winning “Dan Rather Reports,” featuring legendary journalist Dan Rather. Only HDNet goes beyond the headlines to deliver real news that is redefining the way we look at our world. HDNet News is provocative, sometimes controversial and always relevant - telling the important stories of our time in-depth, with attitude and with independence. HDNet presents championship sports coverage featuring five regular season games from the Premiere Season of the United Football League. HDNet also features the best of Mixed Martial Arts with its Friday night series, “HDNet Fights” (www.hdnetfights.com). ”HDNet Fights” works with leading MMA promoters including DREAM, Sengoku, XFC, M-1, K-1, K-1 Max, MFC, Adrenaline and more. HDNet produces more live Mixed Martial Arts events than any other network and HDNet’s “Inside MMA” is the hottest Mixed Martial Arts program on television, giving MMA fans their weekly fix for everything MMA. HDNet also delivers the world’s largest and most diverse concert line-up through the HDNet Concert Series. The HDNet Concert Series features leading artists and bands including Coldplay, Gwen Stefani, John Mayer and more. HDNet also features revealing lifestyle programming featuring “Art Mann Presents,” “New York Confessions,” “Deadline” and “Get Out!”  HDNet is also the exclusive high definition home to critically acclaimed and award winning documentaries as part of the InFocus series. ”NASA on HDNet” presents all live shuttle launches through 2010. Only HDNet Movies (www.hdnetmovies.com) delivers exclusive Sneak Previews of new movies before they hit theaters. The HDNet Movies Sneak Preview series features top Hollywood stars in critically acclaimed performances including Gwyneth Paltrow, Joaquin Phoenix, Demi Moore, Michael Caine, Tom Hanks, Vera Farmiga, Parker Posey, Brian Cox, Matthew Broderick, Brittany Snow, Eric Bana, John Malkovich, Emily Blunt, Robin Williams, Charlize Theron and Kim Basinger. In addition to being the exclusive home of Sneak Previews, HDNet Movies viewers enjoy the best films from the classics of the 1950s-1970s, to favorite films from the 1980s and 1990s, to recently released theatrical films. HDNet Movies offers subscribers a premium movie viewing experience in true HD, and more original movies shot entirely in HD than any other network. Launched in 2001 by Mark Cuban and General Manager Philip Garvin, the HDNet networks are available on AT&T, Charter Communications, Comcast, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Insight and Verizon FiOS. The HDNet networks can be followed via Facebook at facebook.com/HDNet1, facebook.com/HDNetFightsand facebook.com/HDNetMoviesand via Twitter at twitter.com/hdnet, twitter.com/hdnetfightsand twitter.com/hdnetmovies.

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