Published - Go for knockout, Manny Pacquiao urged

By Roy Luarca, Philippine Daily Inquirer

LAS VEGAS—Will Manny Pacquiao be the first man to knock Shane Mosley out?

Or will Mosley turn back the clock and shock the world?

The answer will be known Saturday (Sunday in Manila) when they tangle for Pacquiao’s World Boxing Organization welterweight crown at the MGM Grand Garden Arena here.

Pacquiao, the Fighter of the Decade, has been installed an overwhelming 6-1 favorite to beat Mosley, a former three-division champion, who’s out to prove that he’s no washout and is still an elite fighter at the age of 39.

Mosley owns the longest wingspan (74 inches) among Pacquiao’s opponents thus far, but boxing pundits deemed his 7 1/2-inch reach advantage won’t be enough to overcome the eight-division titlist’s blurring hand speed and nimble footwork.

Five-time trainer of the year Freddie Roach has predicted a knockout for Pacquiao, while Mosley believes he still has the skills and the power to stop his shorter (2 1/2 inches) and lighter (at least 10 pounds) opponent.