LAS VEGAS–They’re certainly not expecting Manny Pacquiao to “turn the other cheek” and let his fellow Christian Tim Bradley fire at will but there is some muted concern in Pacman’s Inner Circle that his rekindled, highly devout Catholicism may dampen his fistic fires.
Some think it’s hard to show “killer instinct” between the ropes when your mind might be focused on the Ten Commandments. But religious convert and former world light heavyweight king Eddie Mustafa Muhammad disputes this notion.
To hear the former Eddie “The Flame” Gregory (his pre-Islamic conversion name) tell it, Pacquiao’s new mental mindset is a boost rather than a ring hindrance.
Muhammad, now arguably one of boxing’s elite Top Seven trainers, is based here, has been for years now after leaving his Brooklyn homebase.
“I think Manny’s new focus on religion is good for him in boxing,” the 60 year old Muhammad said Thursday afternoon. “I think it is something that is going to push him to an even higher level of performance in this fight with young Bradley.
“When you get true religion into your life and you’re a fighter, it can only be good for you. You can think, ‘Now, I’m doing everything right’ and it gives you peace of mind, serenity if you will. If anything, I think it helps you block out everything except the task at hand.”
Not that he views unbeaten Bradley as a pushover, but EMM predicts a late round KO or stoppage victory for the Pinoy Idol at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Muhammad, whose pro career totals are a nifty 50-8-1 with 39 KOs, knows from late round KOs.
He failed in a 1977 world title try, losing a decision to rugged Victor Galindez of Argentina but came through in a title shot against Marvin Johnson, winning on an 11th round TKO in 1980.
“I see it this way, Pacquiao hits a lot harder than the kid does. Now Bradley is strong physically and he is a kid who has nothing to lose, everything to gain here. But Pacquiao is not only the much harder puncher, I also think he’s faster than the kid is.”
No sermon, no nonsense, just solid fight talk from this ex-ruler of the 175 pound weight division.
