Trainer Freddie Roach recently returned to the States after spending five days in England with Amir Khan, who handed Paul McCloskey his first-career loss.
Waiting for him in Southern California was a very hungry Manny Pacquiao, who is training to defend his welterweight title against Shane Mosley on May 7. Pacman is looking for his 53rd win and hopes to be the first fighter to knock out Mosley — a feat he can accomplish, according to Roach.
"I'm looking forward to Manny being the first person to stop Shane Mosley," Roach told Lem Satterfield of BoxingScene.com. "I know that Shane's a very durable fighter and that he's never been stopped before in his life. But I'm really urging and encouraging Manny to fight at an even faster pace and to push this guy. That's because I want Manny to make a statement.
"I want Manny to become the first person to ever stop Shane Mosley, and I really believe that he can do it. I think that Manny can be the first one to knock out Shane Mosley," he added.
Pacquiao is checking in at 151 pounds after opening up at 146 pounds, says Roach. The eight-division champ offered up a sample of his power recently when a CBS reporter opted to get into the ring.
"Well, with the body protector on, he caught me and doubled me over at least once or twice. There was a guy there from CBS who wanted to feel the way the punches felt. He wanted to feel how hard Manny hits, and Manny dropped him with one body shot, even though he was wearing the body protector," Roach said. "I mean, he had the whole camera crew there and everything and he went right to his knees."
Will Mosley be the one going to his knees in three Saturdays?
