Pacquiao aims to silence doubters in title defence
LAS VEGAS: Manny Pacquiao has more at stake than his World Boxing Organisation welterweight title when he takes on unbeaten American Timothy Bradley tomorrow – he has his reputation on the line.
Pacquaio trainer Freddie Roach didn’t mince words when he said the Filipino ring icon would be fighting to regain some lustre after his controversial majority decision over Juan Manuel Marquez last November.
“Manny’s motivation is his last fight. We had the first bad fight we had in 11 years,” Roach said. “He wants to prove to the world he’s not washed up.”
Pacquiao has won world titles in eight weight divisions, building a record of 54-3 with two drawn and 38 knockouts.
Along the way he has become a hero in his home country, where he is also a congressman, and a star around the world.
The 33-year-old southpaw was unconvincing against Marquez, leading many to wonder if he has passed the peak of his powers.
Pacquiao and Roach know that the 28-year-old Bradley, who brings a record of 28-0 to the bout with 12 knockouts, will be eager to make an impression in the biggest fight of his career.
“He’s a tough young guy coming up, but I think he’ll get eaten up,” said Roach, who believes Bradley is too slow and lacking in power to beat Pacquiao.
Bradley has said he will try to avoid a toe-to-toe battle with Pacquiao, whose quickness, power and ability to punch from many angles have seen him win 15 fights in a row since 2005.
Roach said he believed that Bradley would bring the fight to Pacquiao, which would suit the champion perfectly.
“I think they are trying to mix us up a little,” Roach said. “I think we can count on him coming to us.”
Even if he didn’t, Roach said, Pacquiao would be ready, having sparred with partners who were aggressive and with those who weren’t.
“If he does try not to engage, we’ll take the fight to him,” Roach said.
The pre-fight hype –including a reality television series following both fighters – is more than Bradley has encountered before, but he has shown himself adept.
He is relaxed and engaging in his interviews, explaining his vegan diet and the financially lean years of his early pro career.
He got a laugh out of Pacquiao at the pre-fight press conference by unveiling a giant “ticket” for a rematch to follow his victory
Bradley’s trainer, Joel Diaz, said his fighter was ready for the pro-Pacquiao crowd that was sure to greet him tomorrow night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. – Sapa-AFP
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