MANILA, Philippines ? Freddie Roach said Tim Bradley will walk right into Manny Pacquiao?s punches when they meet on June 9 and the trainer predicted that the American?s daredevil attitude will ?bring out the best? from the Filipino fighter.?
Roach just wrapped up the first week of training Pacquiao and the multi-awarded trainer is lining up a solidly-built Russian banger who will spar with Pacquiao for four times before they proceed to Los Angeles early next month for the final phase of training.
Ruslan Provodnikov was scheduled to arrive yesterday and is expected to show up at the Shape Up Gym in Baguio today.
Provodnikov, who holds a 21-1 card with 14 knockouts, will begin sparring this Saturday and Roach thinks his style will do wonders for Pacquiao?s buildup for the Bradley bout at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Over the weekend, Roach briefed Pacquiao about Provodnikov?s style and his sterling credentials.
Having been in the ring with the cr?me dela cr?me, Pacquiao just thumbed his nose at Roach?s lowdown on the 5-6 Provodnikov.
?From Russia with love,? said Pacquiao, smiling as he put the final touches on his handwraps.
Provodnikov, Roach, pointed out, is just one of three being lined up for Pacquiao to hone up for Bradley.
?I have one counter-puncher in case Bradley mimics Juan Manuel Marquez because Manny and Buboy (Fernandez) think that might happen but I don?t see it. I think he will be aggressive and I don?t think his style will change that much and will come in with his head first.?
Roach said all three guys are first-time Pacquiao sparmates because he had to look for somebody who can somehow duplicate Bradley?s style.
While sparring is set towards the end of this week, a key member of Team Pacquiao said he won?t be surprised if sparring happens earlier.
?Once Manny sees his sparring partner, he might ask him to immediately spar,? said Canadian adviser Mike Koncz.
?That?s how he is,? said Koncz, pointing to many instances in the past when Pacquiao would feel the itch to slug right away.
