"Shane isn't the same fighter anymore and that's been proven, but he can come up with a sneaky fight. I think Pacquiao is too much for him and, in my opinion, Pacquiao is looking for an easy fight because he's had such tough fights lately. He's earned the right for an easy fight and that's what he's looking at. If he takes it lightly, with his government work and all the commercials, he may get surprised, but I don't think Manny is that kind of fighter. I definitely think it's an easier fight for him and I don't think the fans will be as responsive to this fight because everybody is expecting him to win, but what's wrong with having an easier fight once in a while," stated Hall of Fame trainer Jesse Reid as he shared his thoughts on the May 7 showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Shane Mosley. Plus, check out what he had to say about Paul Spadafora, Amir Khan, Scott Quigg and much more.
DH: Jess, how are you doing?
JR: I'm good. How are you doing?
DH: Doing great myself. So how is a Hall of Fame trainer keeping himself busy nowadays?
JR: I've been developing young kids down here and working with some amateurs. I'm still working with Paul Spadafora and, as you know, I'm working with Scott Quigg. He came from England to seek me out and I think that's a great compliment because I think he's going to be the greatest fighter to ever come out of London.
DH: That's funny, I had read the other day that Scott was at the Wild Card [gym]. Care to clear the air on that?
JR: That's not happening. He did go there looking for me because I was working with Freddie for six months, but I had left and I wasn't publicizing where I was working. It definitely hurt my feelings when I saw that, but I know Scott wouldn't do something like that.
DH: Do you think it's foul play from the Wild Card or a miscommunication?
JR: I don't want to say one or the other, but Scott has been seeking me out and his manager is a good friend of mine and they sent him here for my expertise and my training.
DH: This weekend, Tim Bradley and Devon Alexander are finally going to get at it with each other. How do you see that fight going down?
JR: I think Bradley has the edge; well-conditioned athlete, great fundamentals and good, sneaky power. He's on a real swing right now. It's not an easy fight and it's a pick 'em fight in terms of styles. I like both boys, but I like what Bradley is bringing to boxing right now.
DH: Do you see anything Devon can expose in Tim's style to win the fight?
JR: Well, there's always a cut, feints, things that can distract you and take you out of position, but Bradley's been through all of that. He's gone to people's backyards and beat them. He has the edge right now and I think he's going to win it.
DH: Should Amir Khan be the next big fight for the winner, or do they springboard to Manny Pacquiao in the fall?
JR: Well, somebody has to fight Pacquiao because I think he's close to saying, "I don't want to fight anymore," and that's where the money is. Amir Khan is a great fight for anybody at this point. I'd love to fight him with Paul Spadafora myself. I'd love to be on the opposite side of Freddie Roach because I'm not a Freddie fan. I'm not going to get into it, but I'm looking forward to matching someone up against him.
DH: Speaking of Pacquiao, does it shock you that the backlash for him picking Mosley has been as severe as it has been? HBO lost the fight to Showtime, analysts are criticizing the selection of Mosley, who just two years ago was regarded as the best Welterweight in the world. What do you think?
JR: Shane isn't the same fighter anymore and that's been proven, but he can come up with a sneaky fight. I think Pacquiao is too much for him and, in my opinion, Pacquiao is looking for an easy fight because he's had such tough fights lately. He's earned the right for an easy fight and that's what he's looking at. If he takes it lightly, with his government work and all the commercials, he may get surprised, but I don't think Manny is that kind of fighter. I definitely think it's an easier fight for him and I don't think the fans will be as responsive to this fight because everybody is expecting him to win, but what's wrong with having an easier fight once in a while?
DH: Pacquiao is a near 10-1 favorite to beat Mosley. Are people overlooking Mosley now, or is this in the bag for Pacquiao?
JR: Knowing Shane as a fighter and having a lot of respect for his trainer, they probably see something they think they can do. I don't see it, but they might surprise people. Pacquiao might help them surprise some people, so it all depends on what Pacquiao shows up to do.
DH: I think that this fight would be much more competitive than a fight with Juan Manuel Marquez at 147. What do you think about that?
JR: I think you're absolutely right. Pacquiao is running out of named fighters to be competitive with. I'm sure there are a couple of sleepers out there. The fact is that Marquez, at that weight, wouldn't be as effective as he is at 126 or 130. Those are his weights and nobody is tougher, but he doesn't have the speed or strength to go with the weight.
DH: Anything down the pipeline that you're working on Jess?
JR: We're hoping to get something for Paul Spadafora soon. He's getting a little older and he still has great reflexes and skills. He was never a big puncher; he's like a Sugar Ray Robinson without the power, but with the skills.
DH: Well Jess, I'll let you get back to your day. Thanks again for your time.
JR: Thank you for the interview.