LAS VEGAS ? When it comes to boxing, right-handed fighters are always leery about facing lefties because of the awkward stance and punches coming at different angles than what they’re accustomed to.
But that’s not going to be a problem for Cathedral City’s Timothy Bradley, a righty, when he faces fighter of the decade Manny Pacquiao, a lefty, in a pay-per-view event Saturday. They will be fighting for Pacquiao’s WBO welterweight title.
Bradley’s last two fights have been against southpaws ? Devon Alexander and Joel Casamayor. Looking at the big picture, Bradley’s manager, Cameron Dunkin, tried to make sure Bradley would get bouts against lefties knowing Pacquiao could be a possibility.
In essence, Bradley has been preparing for a southpaw for roughly 20 months. And he’s been feeling good in training camp in preparing for the Pacquiao left.
?I know in training I’m not getting hit a whole lot with it,? Bradley said. ?In the beginning of training camp, I was
getting hit with it, but now I am stepping underneath it ? great defense and great footwork and counter-punching. I’ve been looking really good and not getting hit a lot in training camp. I am dialed in on the left hand.?
But the biggest concern for this fight is head butts, which is symptomatic of a lefty fighting a righty. Because of the different stances between a lefty and a righty, they are more opened up and prone to head butts, which has been a concern.
Bradley is an aggressive fighter who will sometimes lead with his head to get through an opponent’s defense. However, Bradley has never been warned for head butts in his fights as they are incidental to his aggressive style.
Pacquiao’s trainer has been working hard with his fighter to counter-act the head butts against Bradley, who has had two fights end early because of head butts. Roach also has taken shots at Bradley, saying the head butt is his best punch. Tweets from the Pacquiao camp also have labeled Bradley as a Billy goat.
