Naazim Richardson said a while back that the greatest trick Manny Pacquiao has played is convincing the world that he's a smaller man than he really is. A fantastic article here at Bad Left Hook by Leandro Solis a while back presented another way of examining Pacquiao's actual size.
But Naazim was blunt when asked on Tuesday during the arrivals at the MGM Grand whether or not he finds it "impressive" that Pacquaio, who has since won titles in eight weight classes, won his first title as a flyweight and debuted in boxing weighing 106 pounds.
"No, it's not impressive," said the trainer who will be in the corner opposite Pacquiao this Saturday night.
"I was 106 pounds at one point. He was a kid. If Shane turned pro at 16 he would have been the champ at 112 pounds."
Shane Mosley agreed.
"I think the perception is that Pacquiao is a small guy because he once fought at 106, but I fought at that weight, too. I used to spar with Paul Gonzales when I was a teenager."
Photo by Chris Farina/Top Rank
Richardson is also steadfast in believing that his fighter, has a great shot at what would be a foundation-rattling upset in the world of boxing this weekend, despite Mosley's age.
"You make adjustments when you get older. Naturally, you get smarter and make the necessary adjustments. Shane doesn't get the credit that he has a high IQ. I was taken back when I started working with him. He has a high IQ and he can apply it. He can carry out those game plans."
"People forget about my punching power and speed. They forget a lot," said Mosley. "I think one of my main advantages is experience."
On the other side of the ring, Freddie Roach says that his fighter, Manny Pacquiao, is not yet slowing down, and that when he does, he'll tell him.
"He's not slowing down yet. You ask me, I'll be the first to tell him," said Roach.
Pacquiao was quick to join the conversation. "Freddie, just tell me and I'll stop. Freddie is not only my trainer, he's also like my father, my brother. He's like family. Freddie and my father are almost the same age."
Photo by Chris Farina/Top Rank
While Pacquiao and Roach talked about the future, Mosley was focused only on Saturday night, and an opponent he says he's ready to beat.
"I had a great camp," he said. "Pacquiao throws a lot of good punches, gets his power from his strong legs, and can throw punches for 12 rounds. But I'm ready."
