MANILA, Philippines – The longer the fight goes the greater Timothy Bradley?s chances become.
With less than two months left before his fight with Manny Pacquiao, the undefeated American said he considers the first six rounds as most dangerous for him.
He told Ryan Burton of www.boxingscene.com that once he gets past these rounds, things would get better for him.
People close to Pacquiao have started counting Bradley out, saying the fight may not last five or six rounds.
?I get in the ring with a lot of people who say they can punch. I get hit with a big shot flush in the chin and I?m like ?that?s it??? he asked.
?If he can?t rattle me it?s going to be one hell of a fight. If it?s nothing too crazy then it?s one hell of a fight. I think I will make an adjustment,? Bradley said of Pacquiao.
The 33-year-old Filipino might go for the knockout because he?s never scored one in his last four fights against Joshua Clottey, Antonio Margarito, Shane Mosley and Juan Manuel Marquez.
Paccquiao, the reigning WBO welterweight champion, had a very difficult time against the 38-year-old Marquez, and critics saw it as a sign that he could be past his prime. The fight against Bradley offers Pacquiao the chance to prove them wrong.
?They don?t want this fight to go past five or six (rounds). The other side wants me to get me out of there early because I get more dangerous as the fight goes on. They want to come out blazing and get me in a slugfest.
?They want me to go out wide and for Pacquiao to catch me in between and hurt me and finish me off. I turn it up after six rounds when most fighters start to fade,? he said.
Pacquiao is in his native General Santos City flexing his muscles for a week now, and on Monday he?s scheduled to begin serious training in Baguio City under Freddie Roach.
The odds are stacked in his favor, 3-to-1, and yes, people are putting their money on a knockout.
Pacquiao was asked about the chances of a stoppage.
?I can?t promise anything. Except that I will give my best,? was his ready answer.
