?Can you believe that our local boy, Timothy Bradley won the Manny Pacquiao sweepstakes,? exclaimed Big Steve as he was trying to hurt a heavy bag at the Y in Glendale:? What would it mean if he actually beat Manny on June 9th??
Undefeated champion from Palm Springs, California was asked that same question this afternoon at the press conference to announce their upcoming showdown at the famed Beverly Hills Hotel.
?That means that I am the best fighter in the world,? replied Bradley without blinking an eye:? June 9th, the best fighter in the world, hands down. Manny Pacquiao has displayed his greatness over last seven years and it?s time for a new face in boxing and I truly believe that?s me.?
Manny Pacquiao will defend his WBO welterweight crown and number one pound for pound ranking when he faces off against undefeated American Timothy Bradley at the Mecca of boxing, MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Tickets ranging from $1200.00 to $200.00 will go on sale this Friday and are expected to go fast. HBO PPV will televise the event live.
Former two time light welterweight champion, Bradley is moving up in weight to face Pacquiao, but he believes it is a move that will only benefit him.? I believe that?s one of my strength,? said Bradley, 28:? Fighting at 140 I do have to come down in weight a little bit and lose a little strength in a fight, but I think now fighting at 147 pounds; I think that I am comfortable at that weight. I am walking around at 165 pounds right now.?
Indeed the challenger looked a bigger man, at least during the press conference. ?I am way bigger, way bigger,? continued Bradley:? Muscle density, just strong. I know he checked me out. I know he sized me up. He was probably looking for weaknesses in my body, but I don?t think he has seen any.?
Greek god like physique of the fighter they call Dessert Storm is impressive and might even be intimidating to some, but physicality does not win fights; skills and determination are the main ingredients for success in the fight.
?I have the tools to compete with Pacquiao,? continued Bradley:? At the end of the day, I think that the only advantage that he probably has on me is his power. He is a big puncher. He is dangerous any time or at any point in that ring.?
?What about speed?? I asked
?Manny is pretty quick,? replied Bradley:? He is a fast guy. I am pretty quick myself, but Manny I think, he might be a little bit quicker that I am. Manny Pacquiao, he is quick, but he places his shots very well. He is very accurate with his punches.?
That is a very accurate assessment of Manny Pacquiao. How Bradley does plans to deal with that in the ring?
?My defense is good enough to deal with anybody?s power,? replied Bradley:? I feel that I?ll be able to isolate him with my good defense and my feet as well.?
Bradley and Pacquiao were involved in shooting a commercial for upcoming event. Timothy was asked to share his thoughts on that.
?It was pretty funny, because you never see Manny mean or mad,? replied Bradley:? It was pretty funny to stand away from him and to look him eye to eye and see this mean face. And I just laughed. I just had to laugh because I am like that?s Manny Pacquiao, this dude he wouldn?t even hurt a fly, but I know it?s different once he steps foot in that ring.?
