Former Manny Pacquiao opponent Timothy Bradley believes there is method in the madness of his old foe in picking a fight with WBC and IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr.
At 42, Filipino superstar Pacquiao 62-7-2 (39) will be giving up 11 years in age to Spence 27-0 (21) who he will meet in Las Vegas, Nevada on August 21 in an all-southpaw battle.
Bradley, who went 1-2 against Pacquiao in their trilogy fought over four years, retired after their last fight in 2016. The former eight-division world champion remains the only boxer to defeat him.
“Pacquiao is one of those guys that picks and chooses guys that he believes he’s got a little bit of an advantage,” Bradley said to SnowQueenLA.
“I think that he sees that Spence is a little slower than what he’s used to fighting. Spence being the southpaw, taller, you got to go with Spence as far as the favourite goes.
“He’s the younger guy, he’s the fresher guy, and he puts a massive amount of pressure on guys all the way to the end of the fight. He throws a lot of punches.
“That’s something Pacquiao hasn’t really seen before in some time, I would say. Pacquiao, the speed, the footwork, the in and out movement, that’s going to be frustrating for Spence, honestly.
“Spence does something that Pacquiao likes. He’ll work and then bring his head back to the middle. He’s going to wait on his opportunities. Pacquiao isn’t going to counter with one shot.
“He’s going to counter with combinations. Combinations are coming your way, buddy, so you better be aware of those.
“You’re not going to be just standing there catching shots the way I see you do, Spence. I understand that.
“You’re blocking shots, but you’re not going to block Manny Pacquiao all those punches he’s throwing at you.
“They’re going to be coming from odd angles. He’s going to be here one minute, you’re going to cover up and he’s going to be over here.”
Bradley added that he still rates Pacquiao’s power, despite just one knockout victory in more than a decade.
“This guy is a phenom when it comes to the counter punches and also with the footwork and those quick hands,” Bradley said. “Be aware of that. The power is the last thing that leaves on a fighter.
“So you got to be careful with the punching power of Manny Pacquiao. That left hand is a monster.
“It’s like taking a piece of metal and putting it in a socket. It’s shocking. It’s a great fight. Pacquiao definitely has a puncher’s chance, I believe.
“It depends on what he has on the back end of the fight. I believe Pacquiao is going to start off quickly, fade a little bit in the middle, and then pick it up towards the end.
“Spence has another gear towards the back end of the fight that I believe he should be able to outlast Pacquiao.
“You never know. Pacquiao is a legend for a reason. Eight division world champion, it’s going to be tough, I don’t know.
“I’m going to favour Spence slightly, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Pacquiao pulls it off.”
