Manny Pacquiao

 NEW YORK — Even though Shane Mosley doesn’t sound and appear like a thug, a trait that boxers use as motivation to pump themselves to train hard, Manny Pacquiao remains committed to push himself to the limit as he looks forward to a memorable May 7 clash with Mosley.

As the four-city press tour travels to the Big Apple with an event scheduled Monday at the Chelsea Pier, Pacquiao told a couple of Manila-based scribes who are joining him in the promotional gig that he is determined to put on a show.

“I find him too kind. Mabait siya,” said Pacquiao when asked about his impressions of the 39-year-old puncher from Pomona, California.

“Kung pwede nga lang sana ay ganyan ang mga boksingero,” said Pacquiao, who describes the entire Mosley family as “very educated.”

Pacquiao and Mosley had met twice during the tour, in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, and have been very cordial and respectful with each other, something that is a bizarre happening in boxing owing to the dark nature of the sport.

Still, Pacquiao made it clear it doesn’t mean fight fans will be in for a sleeper when they collide for the Filipino’s World Boxing Organization welterweight crown at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

“We have a job to do and a commitment to the fans,” said Pacquiao, who is an overwhelming 7-1 favorite.

“I will be going to train hard for this fight as in the past because I want the fans to be entertained and make them happy,” said Pacquiao, hinting but without elaborating that the fight could go 12 rounds.

Pacquiao actually arrived here from a four hour and three minute trip from Las Vegas on board Continental Airlines flight 1469 accompanied by his wife Jinkee and the fighter’s inner circle, including trainer Freddie Roach and publicist Fred Sternburg, lawyer Jeng Gacal and Canadian adviser Mike Koncz.

Shortly after the press conference at the Chelsea Pier, Pacquiao and his team will take a train ride to Washington for a Tuesday meetup with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and a planned visit to the White House.