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Mayweather loses his cool in Mosley press event

Floyd Mayweather does not like being touched by an opponent © Getty Images

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Floyd Mayweather Jr and Shane Mosley almost began their May 1 showdown two months early as they engaged in a hands-on press conference in Times Square on Tuesday.

The pair will square off for real when Mosley puts his WBA welterweight title on the line in Las Vegas, which will be Mosley's "biggest pay day" according to Mayweather. However, their first press conference, when they posed for pictures in New York, saw "Money" Mayweather lose his usual cool as both men exchanged shoves.

"Our noses touched," said Mayweather, after Mosley instigated matters by putting his hands on the undefeated showman. "I don't like nothing but the ladies. I don't mind the trash talking but he grabbed my hands. I said, 'Don't put your hands on me.' I pushed him away."

Lenny Ellerbe - one of Mayweather's camp - reportedly came off worst in the incident, but Mayweather was keen to remain complimentary of Mosley, aiming a clear dig at Manny Pacquiao. Filipino fighter Pacquiao is currently ranked the unofficial number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world, but Mayweather insists Mosley is the best man he could be facing.

"Ever since I came back to the sport I said I only wanted to fight the best and Shane Mosley is one of the best," said Mayweather.

"Not only does he have the skills, but he is also fast, strong and a very tough competitor. But his speed and power won't mean much that night against my will and determination to dominate him inside the square circle. When I compete against the best, I am always at my best; so on May 1 the fans will see one great performance."

Mosley's record is impressive with 46 victories and 39 knockouts, but he has also been beaten five times. Nevertheless, "Sugar" Shane has won titles at lightweight, welterweight and junior middleweight, and he is desperate to upset the odds when he fights Mayweather.

"Floyd is excellent at what he does, but my past record of beating the best competition and other great champions shows that he is just another one of my opponents I intend to beat," said Mosley, who has beaten Oscar de la Hoya and Antonio Margarito.

"He has never faced anyone like me before and I think that will be a big factor on May 1 when I plan to show him just what it means to meet a true champion in the ring."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.