Pacquiao: I have concerns about Bradley's fighting style
(In conjunction with HBO Sports, Yahoo! Sports will be featuring special Q&A entries from Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley Jr. as they train for their showdown on June 9. This is part 1 of 4 from Pacquiao.)
What are Bradley’s strengths in this matchup, what are your advantages, and do you have any concerns about his physical style and the frequency of head clashes in his fights?
Timothy Bradley brings a lot of weapons to a fight. He has youth, an aggressive style and a state of mind that only a world champion possesses. No matter how much talent a fighter has, his game is raised by being a world champion. Tim has always found a way to win. He has great determination and can adapt and change his game plan in mid fight.
Bradley seems to be improving with every fight. His victories over Lamont Peterson and Devon Alexander, who were undefeated when he fought them, were very impressive. He knows how to impose his will on his opponents. He turns fights into wars.
I have speed and power to counter Bradley. My experience against Hall of Fame caliber opposition is also an advantage for me. I have learned so much from fighting legends such as Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto, Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez. I also have the best teacher in my trainer Freddie Roach.
I do have concerns about Bradley's fighting style. Anytime a southpaw fights an orthodox-style boxer headbutts are bound to happen, but with Bradley it's more of a concern because he tends to lead with his head. Hopefully we will have a good referee who will not let him do that. Regardless, it's my job to be prepared for anything he may bring.
Pacquiao vs. Bradley takes place Saturday, June 9 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
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