Shane Mosley

Boxing Insights From My Filipino-American Barber

It was really time to get my hair cut. I kept on putting it off because of busyness. Does that ever happen to you, too?

If you have been following this blog during the last couple of months y’all know that I have a favorite barber. Just check the archives on the right.

Let’s just call him “Danny”. He is a naturalized U.S. American and originally from the Philippines. Like all Filipinos I have met so far, he too is just the nicest guy you can entrust your hair-styling needs with.

We always talk about the Philippines and fighting arts such as Arnis, Eskrima, Kali and of course Western boxing. Also because the arguably best boxer of all time is Filipino. Most of you probably know whom I am talking about: Manny Pacquiao (did I spell that right?).

Alright, so we got over the news that Floyd (Mayweather Jr.) just isn’t that into Manny (Pacquiao) and their fight scheduled for this coming March has been cancelled, for now anyway.

Instead, Floyd will be fighting Shane (Mosley) on May 1 and Manny (Pacquiao) vs. Joshua (Clottey) mid March. Both fights are welterweight division bouts.

That’s sounds interesting, but I needed to know more (the investigative reporter that I am!):

My question: “Danny, why isn’t Floyd fighting against Manny?”

His answer: “Because Floyd is suing Manny for taking drugs!!!!”

My reaction: “What?? ?*&%$#.”

His answer: “Let me explain this to you, my priend. Alright?!’

My response: “Are you sure you’re not cutting my hair too short?”

His answer: “You keep on coming back to see me. So no, it’s not too short! Now listen to me, my priend. Mayweather is calling for random blood tests for all future opponents including Pacquiao, because he wants to clean up boxing. Haha. He requested this after they had all agreed on random urine testing, even though it’s not required by the Nevada State Athletic Commission that regulates all professional boxing fights. Manny was alright with 3 blood tests, but not within 24 days of the fight and then he went along with a blood test right after the fight. Do you understand, my priend?

My response: “Hmm. Yeah, sure. So are they ever going to fight? Mayweather vs. Pacquiao, I mean.”

His final answer (because my hair was really getting kinda short, even though he would never admit that): “This would be the most lucrative fight in all of boxing history. If Mayweather and Pacquiao do step into the same ring at the same time, the prize money could possibly gross US$200 million. So I think everybody involved is going to do whatever it takes to make this happen.”

My response: “Now I get it. By the way, my hair looks great and you are a true artist, Danny, my Filipino-American barber. Talk to you again in a couple of weeks.”