Shane Mosley Finds Inspiration from Holmes & Foreman Ahead of Alvarez Bout

Shane Mosley is hoping to have a late-career rebirth akin to heavyweight legends Larry Holmes and George Foreman when he steps into the ring May 5 against an undefeated champion 20 years his junior in Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.

Having turned 40 last September, Mosley has taken a keen interest in the past successes of 40 plus fighters. Citing two of Foreman and Holmes’ signature wins, Mosley feels his recent losses against Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao have caused critics to underrate his skill set.

“At 45, George Foreman won back the heavyweight title that he had lost roughly 20 years prior,” said Mosley. “Everyone thought [Michael] Moorer was going to take it, but he didn’t.  Foreman did. What about when Larry Holmes beat Ray Mercer at 42? The idea that a fighter suddenly loses skills they’ve had for years isn’t the case at all. My experience and skill and knowledge of who I am as a fighter are things that no one can take away from me.”

“I have fought some of the best boxers in the world including defeating Oscar De La Hoya and Antonio Margarito among others. I know I am the same fighter I am today that I was in each and every single one of those matches; my speed and power are still there and stronger than ever. In fact I would argue that at my age, I am more ready to fight knowing what it takes to win. You don’t just suddenly lose ability when you turn 40.”

Having not fought since dropping a decision last May to Pacquiao, Shane Mosley used the downtime to reflect on his training habits. He believes his recent shortcomings were due to not mentally adjusting to the aging process all older athletes go through.

“People forget about the mental part of the fights, that’s critical,” Mosley explained. “In training, it becomes less about analyzing other boxers and more about studying myself, knowing myself, what I am capable of and what makes me a better fighter. Speed and power doesn’t diminish, but instead evolves and matures and that’s what will be displayed. Viewers can look forward to seeing that on May 5th.”