They say third time is the charm. Eight division world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao is looking at knocking out Timothy Bradley as they face each other in the ring for the third time on April 9 at the MGM Grand Arena, Las Vegas.
The first time they squared off in June 2012, Bradley stole Pacquiao’s World Boxing Organization welterweight crown in a controversial split decision. In 2014, Pacquiao proved his prowess in a unanimous decision over Bradley. He then faced other worthy opponents, including Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a highly-publicized fight that the world waited for and watched.
This third fight with Bradley is Pacquiao’s return to the ring after losing against Mayweather and recovering from the shoulder surgery he had a few days after.
Pacquiao’s trainer, Freddie Roach, is eyeing a knockout to cement the Pambansang Kamao’s reputation in what could possibly his final battle. Reports say the Filipino sports icon will retire from boxing after this fight.
Roach believes that Pacquiao’s speed and excellent footwork will make him land that one big punch to KO Bradley in less than eight rounds.
“Manny will close the distance using his foot speed. He will be so fast that Bradley will be surprised,” said Roach.
Pacquiao and Bradley made the 147-pound weight limit in the Friday weigh-in, with the People’s Champ tipping the scales at 145 pounds and the American fighter at 146.5 pounds as thousands of fans of both camps watched at the MGM Grand Arena.
“Sorry for dissapointments tomorrow , said Bradley
A week before the fight, Bradley was overweight at 153 pounds, while Pacquiao was underweight at 141.
The fighting congressman who is running for a senatorial seat has given Bradley his biggest paycheck ever when they first met four years ago. It could be said that the Pacman made Bradley famous in boxing.
By Robbie Pangilinan