'I have to knock Pacquiao out,' says Timothy Bradley
Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley go into their welterweight world title rematch on Saturday in Las Vegas aiming to lay the ghost of their polarising first contest.
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Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley go into their welterweight world title rematch on Saturday in Las Vegas aiming to lay the ghost of their polarising first contest.
“I’ve got to knock him out, that’s what I have to do,” Bradley said on Friday at a raucous weigh-in on a stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
California’s “Desert Storm” Bradley seized the World Boxing Organisation belt from the Philippine icon with a narrow split decision that many believed the American didn’t deserve in June 2012.
Let’s do this. I’m excited
Although Pacquiao took the defeat in stride, he suffered a brutal knockout loss to Juan Manuel Marquez in his next fight, and is out to prove his subsequent lopsided decision over Brandon Rios marked the start of another illustrious chapter in his storied career.
Conversely, another defeat to Bradley would see fresh calls for the 35-year-old Pacquiao to quit the sport.
Pacquiao weighed in at 145 pounds (65.77kg), to the cheers of an adoring crowd.
He struck a pose on the scales as Philippine flags waved, while Bradley feigned shock at being greeted with boos on home soil.
The usual stare-down had a good-natured feel, and Pacquiao exited the stage with a blown kiss for his fans.
“Let’s do this,” Pacquiao declared. “I’m excited.”
Bradley, who has twice defended the title he snatched from Pacquiao, tipped the scale at 145.5 pounds.
Bradley boasts a record of 31-0 with 12 knockouts, but despite his unbeaten status and champion’s belt, he has taken second billing to Pacquiao in this showdown.
Both men will make US$6 million from the fight, according to official documents filed with the Nevada State Athletic Commission, but charismatic promoter Bob Arum said Pacquiao is guaranteed US$20 million once all the revenues are totted up.
Bradley, 30, says he doesn’t care. He knows Pacquiao is the bigger draw, but he says “Pacman” is on the down slope of a professional career that stretches back to 1995.
“I think he may lack fire,” the dogged American said. “His motivation is not there. He’s been at the top for a very long time. He has over 60 fights in the ring with all the best. Maybe this is one fight too late for him.”
That kind of talk has only strengthened Pacquiao’s resolve, according to trainer Freddie Roach, who nevertheless knows Bradley can’t be taken lightly.
“Bradley is a better fighter than some people give him credit for, and we know he has a lot of heart,” Roach said. “That doesn’t change the fact that Manny has a plan that will beat him again – this time for real.”
