Pacquiao disappointed by Mosley's refusal to fight

source: gmanews.tv

Manny Pacquiao never got his wish.

While he may have retained his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title with a unanimous decision over Sugar Shane Mosley, Pacquiao admitted he didn't expect his Californian challenger to be so durable.

Mosley’s refusal to engage the pound-for-pound king in mano-a-mano warfare had a lot to do with it.

“I was expecting him to fight with me at least five of the 12 rounds toe-to-toe," said the champion later. “That way we could test our power and stamina."

“But what can I do if my opponent doesn’t want to fight? It’s not my fault."

Of course, one can’t blame Mosley.

Pacquiao sent him to the floor in the third round with a single left hook, marking only the third time in 53 pro fights in a career spanning 18 years that Mosley was knocked down.

“There were different punches that he threw that didn’t seem to be hard, but the impact definitely was hard. I really had to watch out for those particular shots he threw," said the only man to have beaten Oscar De La Hoya twice.

Although disappointed with the way Mosley ran all night inside the ring, Pacquiao still found time to compliment his aging challenger.

“I still respect him. He’s a great person," said Pacquiao.

Both fighters were unusually friendly and complimentary in the weeks leading to the match, even hugging during the weigh-in, leading some observers to surmise that friendliness may have taken the edge off the fighters' aggression. - RCJ/HS, GMA News

source: gmanews.tv