Going into the family business can put a lot of pressure on anyone, but when your father is one of greatest fighters of all time, expectations can be extremely high. Sugar Shane Mosley won several belts in 3 weight classes, and is a first ballot hall of famer when he becomes eligible.
We sat down with Shane Mosley Jr, as he prepares to make his pro debut in Oxnard on the Bash Boxing card on 4/26
CS: How do you feel to be making your pro debut?
SM: I feel great, excited and ready
CS: What was your amateur record?
SM: I think it was about 37-10
CS: What does having the Mosley name to carry on, do for your career, or the pressure it puts on you?
SM: That comes with the territory, but I am prepared to do the best I can.
CS: How does your style differ from Shane Sr.? Or compares to it?
SM: Well the way I am different, is that I am taller and longer, so I have to fight a different style. The similarities are that I punch hard, and I am tough.
CS: It used to be that being trained by your father wasn't adviseable in boxing, but now it seems to be the rule more than the exception. Have you had other trainers, and how is it working with your father?
SM: I have hit the mitts with other trainers, but I know father has my best interest at heart, and he has experience at the top level.. like what Floyd has with Roger. He is a family member and has that big fight experience... I have that with my dad. Also my father is critiquing me different than just as a coach.
CS: Can you tell when he slips out of trainer mode, and into father mode?SM: Oh yeah (laughs)CS: Do you know who your opponent will be, and do you prefer to study them ahead of time, or just fight instinctively?
SM: Well, as an amateur, you have to take it as it comes. Your opponent will be whoever wins the next round, or whoever shows up. So, it doesn't make a difference. I prepared to fight whoever.
CS: What is your favorite part of training?
SM: Probably I would have to say that sparring is my favorite part...
CS: Who have you been sparring with?
SM: I have been working with a lot, but some are Paul Mendez, Kassim Ouma, Shibata Flores, and a lot of guys at Wild Card Gym and at Floyd's gym,.
CS: Do you have any specific goals in boxing?
SM: Just trying to be the best
CS: Where can fans follow you?
SM: I have twitter, but I don't use it much.. @shanedmosleyjr and my instagram is @shanemosley_jr
Chris Strait
www.convictedartist.com