Although regarded as the underdog, American Shane Mosley has promised to spring an upset when he challenges Antonio Margarito for the WBA welterweight title on Saturday.
“I don’t just feel sharp, I feel special,” four-times world champion Mosley (45-5, 38 KOs) said during a joint news conference with Margarito at the Staples Center on Thursday.
“I feel like I have a cape on, I feel like I’m going to fly. Margarito has power but I’ve got him a little bit on speed,” he said.
“This is going to be a great fight and I just can’t wait to get into the ring,” added the 37-year-old California native, who was smartly dressed in a dark pin-striped suit with a blue tie. “I think a lot of people are going to be surprised by the result of this fight.”
Back in the ring for the first time since knocking out Ricardo Mayorga in a non-title light middleweight bout last September, Mosley is renowned for his hand speed and is yet to be knocked out or stopped in his career.
Hardly surprisingly Margarito, who is known for his aggressive style, insists he will not underestimate his more seasoned opponent, who has won world titles in three weight divisions.
“We know Mosley’s a very good fighter, we know he’s a very experienced fighter,” said the 30-year-old Mexican. “There’s no secrets here. We know each other very well.”
“We came here, we did our work. I prepared myself very well and I’m confident I’m going to win this fight,” he said.
Last July, Margarito stopped Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico in the 11th round to win the title in Las Vegas. Mosley lost to Cotto on a unanimous decision at Madison Square Garden in November 2007.
Regardless, Margarito is eager to take on a boxer who has twice beaten Oscar De La Hoya.
“I always wanted to fight the best fighters in the world and I have the opportunity now,” he said. “I know how important this fight would be to my career if I do win.”
Margarito is a 3-1 favorite with oddsmakers over Mosley, who according to the New York Daily News admitted taking EPO and used BALCO steroid products prior to a 2003 fight with de la Hoya.
Mosley, who has denied taking performance-enhancing drugs, shrugged off drug questions to focus on the fight.
“People want to bring it up and I don’t even listen,” Mosley said.
“I don’t even know nothing about what’s going on right now about that, I don’t even listen to it. My whole thing is Margarito,” he said.
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