According to Sun Tzu, the highest form of warfare is to “make your enemy surrender without physical fighting”. On Wednesday, Timothy Bradley (28-0) faced off with WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao (54-3-2) in the final press conference for their June 9 fight in Las Vegas.
A confident Bradley brought a ticket prop on stage for a November rematch which boldly assumed that he would emerge victorious on Saturday. By establishing psychological intimidation, one can shake the opponent’s confidence, and create fear and doubt. In front of glaring cameras, the “Desert Storm” looked well-prepared, a portrait which contrasts with Pacquiao’s subpar win over Juan Manuel Marquez last November as well as the Filipino’s recent religious transformation. View slideshow: Pacquiao-Bradley final press conference
Carl von Clausewitz wrote: “If the one side through a general moral superiority can intimidate and outdo the other, then he can make use of the surprise [of his attack] with more success, and even reap good fruit where properly he should come to ruin.” In Pacquiao vs. Bradley, the latter (who is 28 years old) assumes the role of a hungry lion challenging a legend whose spiritual awakening portends to a higher calling outside of the ring. Advertisement
Does the “Pacman” still have violence in him? Or will this Christian be fed to the jaws of the young beast? Can Pacquiao’s gentler spirit be roused to pounce without mercy? Military virtue – which combines integrity with resolute fearlessness – is an essential trait of a professional soldier, according to Clausewitz. Thus, the Filipino resembles a holy warrior on a crusade not just to inflict pain for the sake of imparting violence, but one whose defense of his title means a greater purpose and meaning for his life, his God, and people.
Photo: Mayweather’s jail cell
Tomorrow, we’ll review Pacquiao-Bradley and offer a prediction of how this fight will turn out. Thanks for reading.
Quote:
The reflection on the days of difficulty and danger which are past is rendered the more sweet, from a consciousness that they are succeeded by days of uncommon prosperity and security. – George Washington
