Manny Pacquiao - Shane Mosley Prediction: Why It May Not Go the Distance

The WBO Welterweight title is on the line Saturday night when Manny Pacquiao faces Sugar Shane Mosley, with Pacquiao rated as a 10-1 favorite.

But Mosley has the ability to make this a competitive fight and can still pull off an upset.

Pacquiao has been involved in his singing aspirations and political career, and might be distracted, while Mosley is motivated by the possibility of great paydays in the future should he reclaim a belt.

Mosley has never been knocked out, which suggests that this fight will go the distance, and that Pacquiao will prevail in a decision.

Pacquiao is coming off four high-profile victories against Antonio Margarito, Josh Clottey, Miguel Cotto, and Ricky Hatton. He knows big fights, and even if he makes mistakes, he has the ability to recover.

More than likely, Pacquiao will be the aggressor, and this will be good for Mosley who is very durable fighter. The California-native is good at defending himself, but he's facing the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world.

Pacquiao has power, and should the 32-year-old puncher seize on a mistake by Mosley, the fight may not make the 12th round. Though Mosley will fight defensively, he will have to take some chances after Round Six.

Expect Mosley to come on late in the fight, but then burn out. At 39 years old, Mosley will likely fatigue faster than he has before, while Pacquiao continues to show he's capable of being effective over 12 rounds.

PREDICTION: Pacquiao will get the win because of his strong start, but he won't look good doing it. Pacquiao will seize on a vulnerable Mosley who will make strides in later rounds but open himself up to punishment and fatigue in the 11th round. In the 11th, Pacquiao will finish with a flurry that will result in a technical knockout, the first of time Mosley has lost that way.