LAS VEGAS ? Even though they?ve been seen re-enact moves and combinations during training in the Philippines and later in Los Angeles, only a handful of men, perhaps, just Manny Pacquiao and Freddie Roach and training assistant Buboy Fernandez, have an idea of what?s in store for Tim Bradley on Saturday night at the MGM Grand.
Roach said there is a strong possibility that Pacquiao will step on the pedal as early as the first round, while Fernandez insists Bradley will assume the role of a counter-puncher ala Juan Manuel Marquez to throw the Filipino off.
In the past, Pacquiao, though not as vocal as other fighters, would enumerate his foe?s strong and weak points when answering reporters? questions and occasionally discuss strategy without him realizing it.
Ever since he had a religious awakening some six months ago, Pacquiao has been very concerned about the things that come out of his mouth, for fear that he might either be misunderstood or seen as a loudmouth.
When asked about his gameplan for the fight after weighing in at 147 lbs on Friday, Pacquiao declined to utter even a single word that would lighten up a reporter?s eyes.
?I will give you an idea (about what will happen) tomorrow,? said a sheepish Pacquiao, still playing his cards close to his chest.
Roach thinks Bradley, who came in at 146 lbs, will come at Pacquiao without hesitation and is salivating over seeing that happen.
?If he gets in, Manny will eat him up,? said Roach.
While Bradley is unbeaten, young and durable, Roach is unfazed.
?He?s never fought at this level.?
But Bradley, who was roundly booed for his show of arrogance and disrespect during the weighin, thinks otherwise.
?I am ready for war,? said Bradley, his physique appearing more like a sculpture found among the ruins of ancient Rome.
If war that Bradley wants, Pacquiao will certainly give him that.
Meanwhile, at midnight of Friday the odds hardly moved and Pacquiao remained as a 4-1 favorite
