Convicted Artist Magazine

Manny Pacquiao vs. Shane Mosley – I think the answer to this puzzle lies not in Pacquiao’s recent fights, but in Mosley’s.  Mosley landed a hard right hand to Floyd Mayweather's chin, in round 2 of their bout last year.  He subsequently failed to win one minute of any round thereafter.  Pacquiao is known, even more so than Floyd, for his recuperative powers.  Therefore the question is, how long before Mosley lands?  Then, how badly will it hurt Manny?  Then, if/when he surivives, how one-sided does the fight become?  Shane is a great fighter, but he does what he does.  It either works, or doesn’t.  He will not be able to adjust much.  He can only adjust the tempo.  Mosley has also never reacted well to having a speed deficit, and I think loading up on power shots can only highlight that issue further.  Barring a miracle one-punch knockout, I say it’s fairly even until Mosley connects with a big shot, probably in about round 4.  Then, Pacquiao will wake up, and dominate for the remainder of the fight.  Shane might even bust up for the first time in his career, but will probably make it to the final bell.  Pacquiao by 9-3 or 10-2 unanimous decision.

Andre Ward vs. Arthur Abraham – Abraham is not only coming off two straight Super Six losses, he is coming off dominating losses to two fighters with very different styles.  Ward, on the other hand, is coming off of three consecutive victories.  He won all those fights using very different styles.  He outboxed Kessler, out-fought Green on the inside, and then matched Sakio Bika’s awkwardness.  Abraham’s only prayer is a lucky punch, but Ward makes too few mistakes to give him many opportunities to land it.  Also, he may not have an iron chin, but Ward does not appear to have a weak one, either.  Therefore, Abraham will have to put punches together… something not likely to happen against such a fleet-footed opponent.  Hometown advantage goes to no one, because of demographics.  While the fight is in Ward’s home state of California , he may actually have to split fans with Abraham, who is fighting in Carson , only 30 minutes away from Glendale , CA .  For those who don’t know, it is the second largest Armenian city, and it’s not even located in Armenia !  They can’t get in the ring and fight with him, though, and I see another frustrating night for ‘King” Arthur.  Ward by wide unanimous decision.

Bernard Hopkins vs. Jean Pascal – This is actually the hardest one to call of the big fights in May.  Hopkins is getting older, plus Pascal will have had time to prepare for the old dog’s tricks.  Then again, Pascal had it all his own way for 4 rounds last time, before figuring out what Hopkins could do.  On this occasion he may be way too aware, and back away fearfully for a full 12 rounds… not just 7 or 8.  This fight has all the makings of a close one, however, and Hopkins does not win close fights.  Pascal by deservedly close decision.  Hopkins will still think he won… but this time, not enough others will agree.

Chris Strait
www.convictedartist.com

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