In a sport where fans are particularly quick to ask what you have done for me lately- pound for pound king of boxing, Manny Pacquiao continues to thrive, despite a disappointing year of 2011. It might have been fruitful financially, but fans were left unfulfilled. Pacman fought twice in 2011; once in May against a veteran, Shane Mosley and the second time in November against another veteran and a long time rival, Juan Manuel Marquez. Both times MGM Grand Garden arena in Las Vegas was completely sold out and PPV sale were robust. Pacquiao dominated Mosley and struggled against Marquez, but both fights were a letdown because of opponent?s failure to engage.
?That?s why we picked him, because he will engage,? said Hall of Fame Promoter, Bob Arum regarding Pacquiao next opponent, Timothy Bradley.
Arum hosted a press conference at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles on Tuesday to announce Manny Pacquiao welterweight championship fight with unbeaten Timothy Bradley of Palm Springs, California. They are scheduled to square off in the ring on June 9th, 2012 at the MGM Grand Garden arena in Las Vegas. Tickets priced from $1200.00 to $200.00 will go on sale today at 1:00 pm Eastern time and will be available through mgmgrand.com or ticketmaster.com. HBO PPV will broadcast the event live. Advertisement
But how do you sell a fight of this magnitude to general public when the name of Timothy Bradley is only known to hardcore boxing fans and when Bradley could not sell a fifteen hundred seat arena at the local casino which is only fifteen minutes from his home? You have to promote it. Here comes the best in the business, Bob Arum. He believes he can sell Pacquiao fight with anybody, especially a tough ad determined, Bradley.? We?ll sell out probably quicker this time,? said Arum, 80:? People know that Manny Pacquiao tickets are at a premium.?
Walter Mosley recently wrote: If you’ve never been knocked down, then you’ve never been in a fight.? Well, Timothy Bradley has been in a fight, once or twice. He strongly believes he is ready to be on a big stage with Pacquiao.
?Timothy Bradley is the king of the junior welterweight division in search of new worlds to conquer. I know how he feels,? said Pacquiao. ?I admire his ambition and his self confidence to risk his undefeated record by moving up in weight to challenge me. Freddie Roach and I will need to make the most of every training day to prepare for Timothy. When I walk into the ring on June 9, it will be more than a world title defense for me. It will be another opportunity to bring honor and glory to my country and to my fellow Filipinos in the Philippines and around the world.?
?I think he is a great opponent,? confirmed Arum:? It?s a very competitive fight. Manny can lose. This kid is very determined. He has great stamina, great hand speed. He is a real warrior. He is going to give Manny hell.?
Still, would Manny be able to get motivated after yet another set back in negotiation with Mayweather?
?Of course,? exclaimed Arum:? If he doesn?t he is going to get beat.?
Some say that Bradley fight is tailor made for Pacquiao because of Timothy?s lack of power and then others believe it is a very competitive fight. ?I think that people who say that it?s a competitive fight and therefore risk for Manny are absolutely correct,? Arum said:? But that?s what people are paying for, competitive fights. Pacquiao vs. Bradley will be a fight fans fight. Both will come to fight. I am sure the action will be nonstop.?
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