LAS VEGAS ? Ever since Timothy Bradley first publicly called out Manny Pacquiao after a victory in July 2010, he has avowed he will defeat the Filipino superstar.
That self-assurance has won over some members of the boxing media, who are picking him to pull off the upset tonight.
?They know how hungry and determined I am,? Bradley said on stage during Friday’s weigh-in.
Legendary ring announcer Michael Buffer understands how Bradley has convinced some writers. In the run-up to the fight, Bradley has sold himself well on the HBO reality series ?24/7.?
?In my opinion, a lot of people are impressed with the way he composes himself, the way his personal life is, and the way he’s so mentally and physically focused,? Buffer said. ?It was very impressive to see that. That tends to sway a lot of opinions.?
Tim Smith of the New York Daily News initially picked Pacquiao to win by decision, but he switched sides a couple of weeks ago after watching ?24/7.? He now believes Bradley will win by technical knockout in the 11th round.
?He looked more fierce than I had ever recalled seeing before a fight,? Smith said.
ESPN’s Dan Rafael also changed his mind, picking Bradley to win in a close decision.
The fighter noticed.
?I was amazed, I was like holy (expletive),? Bradley joked as he greeted Rafael at a private media session Wednesday.
Rafael told Bradley he didn’t think he read his stories.
?I don’t read it, but people bring it to my attention,? Bradley responded. ?I was like, ?Oh my God, hell must be freezing over.’ ?
Rafael believes time has caught up to Pacquiao.
?I see the little slippage in Pacquiao,? he said. ?They can say what they want about personal problems, which there’s probably something to that, but there’s also 33 years of age and all those tough, hard fights.?
Rafael also thinks the relative magnitude of the fight in each boxer’s career is also a factor.
