Reputation on the line
LAS VEGAS — Manny Pacquiao stakes his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight crown and his reputation as the world’s most exciting fighter Saturday (Sunday in Philippines) against the younger, hungrier and undefeated Timothy Bradley.
The fight comes seven months after Pacquiao escaped with a razorthin decision against Juan Manuel Marquez. It was an unpopular victory for the Filipino superstar, and soon after he faced questions whether or not he has past his prime.
Then the superfight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. almost happened, and as in the past, obstacles came along, this time concerning the purse. Negotiations bogged down once more, and the two great fighters ended up fighting different foes.
Mayweather defeated Miguel Cotto last May 5 then a few days ago started serving his 90-day sentence in a Las Vegas county jail for domestic violence charges in 2010. Pacquiao ended up with the muscular Bradley standing in front of him.
The bout is set at the MGM Grand. Tickets to the fight aren’t as hot as in previous Pacquiao bouts, yet promoters are hoping for great pay-per-view numbers that would at least come close to the 1.5 million of Mayweather vs. Cotto.
While Bradley has vowed to shock the world by destroying Pacquiao, most eyes will be glued on the fighting congressman from Sarangani, with boxing experts and jaded fans, even some of his own countrymen, asking the same question. Is Pacquiao still the same old Pacquiao? Bradley, also fighting out of Top Rank, is supposed to make Pacquiao look good here. But the 28-year-old American, undefeated in 28 fights but with only 12 knockouts, has plans of his own. If there was a script given to him by Bob Arum, he certainly didn’t read it.
Last week in Los Angeles, during his media workout, Bradley distributed fight credentials to the media for a Nov. 10 rematch with Pacquiao. Fight poster were also printed, and the other he unveiled an oversized fight ticket for the rematch.
Arum said under the fight contract, Bradley stands to receive $5 million, his biggest paycheck ever, and if he wins this one, he can get twice as much in a rematch on Nov. 10. Pacquiao is guaranteed $26 million for this fight.
Bradley is perhaps the most confident boxer in the world, saying on and on he has what it takes to beat Pacquiao, and deal the champion in eight different weight classes his first loss in 16 bouts. Pacquiao hasn’t lost in seven years, and is 54-3-2 with 38 knockouts.
“I’m ready for war. I’m ready for war,” he said after weighing in at 146 lb. Pacquiao came in at exactly 147, just right for the welterweight limit.
The weigh-in crowd, pre-dominantly Pacquiao fans, jeered as Bradley spoke.
“It don’t matter me getting booed. I’ve been there before. Bring it on. The more the merrier, baby. They know how hungry and determined I am. They’re going to see a war, baby.”
Pacquiao says he’s rejuvenated in body as well as spirit, but Bradley says the Filipino ring icon is primed for a fall when they meet.
“He’s worn out, tired, I can see it in his eyes, the wrinkles,” says Bradley, a 5-1 underdog despite his unbeaten record of 28-0 with 12 knockouts. “This boy’s not ready for me.” Pacquiao and Bradley weighed in on Friday (Saturday in Philippines) before a raucous crowd of about 4,000 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, where Pacquiao’s World Boxing Organization welterweight world title will be on the line.
Pacquiao weighed in at 147 pounds (66.67kg) — the heaviest he’s been at a weigh-in.
Bradley tipped the scales at 146 pounds (66.22 kg) and the challenger, who has presented a relaxed front in the build-up to the bout, was all-business at the weigh-in, scowling and moving in on Pacquiao in the photoop staredown.
When Bradley gave an aggressive jerk of his chin, Pacquiao seemed to struggle to suppress a smile.
“I’m smiling,” Pacquiao said. “I’m happy.”
Pacquiao is the clear favorite, starting off at 3-1 when the fight was sealed early this year. On the eve of the fight, he went as high as 5-1 but by midnight of Friday he settled back down to 4-1. It might stay that way until fight time.
Pacquiao should win convincingly. His fans are crying for a knockout, and they won’t settle for another close win. Pacquiao’s trainer, Freddie Roach, said the other day he won’t be disappointed with a decision, as long as it’s lopsided.
“But I think he has a knockout on his mind,” said Roach.
TRAFFIC-FREE STREETS
Meanwhile, Cebu City will turn into a virtual ghost town today with the streets expected to be free from traffic as thousand will be glued to their televisions during the fight.
“We’re expecting that there will be no traffic tomorrow (today),” said City Traffic Operations Management (CITOM) acting department head Rafael Yap.
But the Cebu City Police Office will conduct checkpoints to prevent criminal elements from taking advantage of the situation. Based on Pacquiao’s previous fights, Yap said they observed only few vehicles in the streets. — Philippine Star News Service with AFP and Marigold Lebumfacil/LPM