EMMANUEL “Pac Man” Pacquiao, otherwise known as Manny, will turn the tables on Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley in their eagerly anticipated rematch in Nevada on Sunday morning, says former world boxing champion Lehlohonolo “Hands of Stone” Ledwaba.
“Manny could even stop Bradley within the scheduled 12 rounds distance,” said Ledwaba, the former WBU bantamweight holder, who succumbed to Pacquaio’s punching power in the sixth round when Ledwaba was bidding for a sixth defence of the IBF strap in June 2001.
The WBO welterweight strap was vacant when Bradley, the former WBC and WBO junior light- weight holder from Palm Springs in California beat the highly successful Filipino. Bradley, 30, is yet to lose a fight after 32 bouts.
He has managed to stop only 12 of his 31 victims.
The rematch between Bradley and Pacquiao will take place at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas where Ledwaba lost the IBF junior featherweight belt to Pacquiao.
“Manny will be very strong in the rematch because a lot is at stake,” said Soweto-born Ledwaba, who also held the WBU bantamweight belt.
Time is running out on Pacquiao. But the 35-year- old leftie from the Philippines has achieved a lot as a pugilist, winning seven world boxing titles in eight weight categories.
Ledwaba, who is gradually making his name as a trainer, tipped Pacquiao to avenge the defeat.
“Yes, you cannot undermine Bradley, but the truth is he is limited in terms of skills and power. His style of boxing is very poor.
“He works hard for his wins. Clearly he is always super-fit. Other than that, Bradley is average,” said Ledwaba.
Ledwaba said in a normal situation, when a boxer grows older and moves up the weight divisions, his skills deteriorate and he also loses his punching power.
“But it is the opposite with Manny.”
