Floyd Mayweather pleased Shane Mosley took the bait

A lot of boxing fans like to knock Floyd Mayweather Jr. They call him a variety of names and question everything from his record to his intelligence.

On this particular occasion though, Mayweather's cunning and business sense are apparent for all to see. He has managed to dragthe usually calm and collected Shane Mosleyinto a war of words that he is ill equipped to wage.

The main benefit of this to Floyd himself is that ithelps to hype the fight, which in turn sells more pay per views. This of course makes him more money, which is what the former pound for pound king is all about.

If all goes according to Mayweather's plan, then Mosley will be angry when he enters the ring. A little more goading from Floyd, and before Mosley knows it, he'll be chasing Mayweather around the ring like a bull chasing a rag, losing rounds and ultimately a decision in the process.

"Shane's trainer said he's not going to get involved in a back and forth debate. Well once again we baited him in. He's going back and forth and that's something that he said he wasn't going to do. He wasn't going to be trash talking. He wasn't going to back and forth. He wasn't going to get baited in to doing that. I guess we up 1, because we baited him in to talking trash because that's something he said he wouldn't do. He said he wouldn't stoop that low. Obviously it's not that low if he stooped to that level," -Mayweather, speaking to BoxingScene

With his age and experience, the effect Mayweather has on 'Sugar' Shane probably won't be quite as dramatic as that. Mosley has heard his fair share of trash talk in his time, not so long ago he fought the equally foul mouthed Ricardo Mayorga, who insults nearly every fighter he faces. The difference there though was that Mosley was able to ignore his taunts without feeling the need to respond and fire back.

Even if Mosley isn't really affected by what Floyd says about him at every opportunity, responding was probably not a good idea. Some of his comments were funny, but trash talking isn't his style, and his own fans aren't looking for foul mouthed tirades or name calling.

Mayweather himself also seems more at ease when his opponents indulge him at his own game before the fight. If Mosley had left Floyd to his ranting and stayed calm throughout, then it might have been Mayweather who was feeling the pressure before the fight. saying nothing implies confidence on Mosley's part, responding implies taking the bait.

Spencer, Pittsburgh: "Why has Floyd gotten to Mosley where everyone else has failed?"

Probably because he was more personal with his insults rather than just being generally offensive. Ricardo Mayorga as I mentioned earlier tried his trash talking schtick with Mosley but it didn't wash. The main reason being he uses the same kind of material each time; he compares his opponent to a woman and then describes how he intends to grievously injure them.

Mayweather's latest attacks have all been a lot more personal, mentioning Mosley's money issues, supposed nose job, divorce and so on, which probably hit a lot closer to home.

Morgan, Pittsburgh: "Will this give Floyd a mental edge in the ring?"

It might give him a confidence boost, and it might make Mosley a little less composed. On the other hand it could strengthen Mosley's resolve and make Mayweather over confident. Only during the fight will we know for sure.

Author: Scott Heritage

Source: examiner.com