Manny Pacquiao, regarded as the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world, is set to defend his WBO welterweight title against Shane Mosley on 7 May.
BBC
Philippine legend Pacquiao had sounded out lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez and WBC welterweight champion Andre Berto but settled for Mosley.
"I thought Mosley was the best draw of the three and it would do the best business," said promoter Bob Arum.
Mosley last fought in September and struggled to a draw with Sergio Mora.
The 39-year-old from the United States, nicknamed 'Sugar Shane', also lost to unbeaten Floyd Mayweather in May and has been defeated six times in 54 fights.
"I think it's a good fight. I feel that Shane is one of the toughest guys left out there right now. He didn't get up for 'The Contender' guy [Mora], but he will get up for Manny Pacquiao," added Arum.
"With Floyd, Shane had him in real bad trouble in the second round, so he's capable of doing a really good fight with Manny and Manny knows that. It's a difficult fight because Shane has speed and power."
The fight will take place at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas at the welterweight limit of 147lb.
Mosley, who has held titles at lightweight, welterweight and light-middleweight, added: "Bob [Arum] is drawing up the contracts and I'll sign either Wednesday or Thursday."
"I know that they think I'm an old man and that Manny is going to beat me. Let them think that.
"I still have power and speed. They thought I was done before I knocked out [Antonio] Margarito, too. So they can think whatever they want. I know what I can do."
Pacquaio, 32, last fought in November, defeating Antonio Margarito to win the vacant WBC light-middleweight title, and has three losses in his 57-fight career.
BBC
Philippine legend Pacquiao had sounded out lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez and WBC welterweight champion Andre Berto but settled for Mosley.
"I thought Mosley was the best draw of the three and it would do the best business," said promoter Bob Arum.
Mosley last fought in September and struggled to a draw with Sergio Mora.
The 39-year-old from the United States, nicknamed 'Sugar Shane', also lost to unbeaten Floyd Mayweather in May and has been defeated six times in 54 fights.
"I think it's a good fight. I feel that Shane is one of the toughest guys left out there right now. He didn't get up for 'The Contender' guy [Mora], but he will get up for Manny Pacquiao," added Arum.
"With Floyd, Shane had him in real bad trouble in the second round, so he's capable of doing a really good fight with Manny and Manny knows that. It's a difficult fight because Shane has speed and power."
The fight will take place at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas at the welterweight limit of 147lb.
Mosley, who has held titles at lightweight, welterweight and light-middleweight, added: "Bob [Arum] is drawing up the contracts and I'll sign either Wednesday or Thursday."
"I know that they think I'm an old man and that Manny is going to beat me. Let them think that.
"I still have power and speed. They thought I was done before I knocked out [Antonio] Margarito, too. So they can think whatever they want. I know what I can do."
Pacquaio, 32, last fought in November, defeating Antonio Margarito to win the vacant WBC light-middleweight title, and has three losses in his 57-fight career.
Comment