It's Pacquiao in 6

Written by : MANNY PIÑOL

There is a spectacular optimism and overflowing air of confidence in the statements of American Timothy Bradley, Jr. as his June 9 engagement with Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao nears.

In fact, if you were new to the sport and you did not have the opportunity to really look deep into both fighters’ track records and psyche, Bradley’s brags about giving Pacquiao a “return bout” after beating him could be a scary warning.

Bradley is every boxing promoter’s dream: Young and undefeated with 28 wins, 12 KOs and one No Contest (against Nate Campbell when the fight was stopped in the 3rd because of a cut) and most of all, talkative.

Of course, boxing promoter Robert Arum would like all of us to believe that Bradley really has what it takes to upset the PacMan.

But behind the big talk, the immaculate fight record and Bob Arum’s endless drumbeat that Pacquiao should be wary of Bradley, what would an analytical reality check give us?

Indeed, Bradley’s record is impressive and he has defeated some of the big names in the junior welterweight division: Devon Alexander, Kendall Holt and Lamont Peterson, among others, all champions or former champions.

But does he have what it takes to make good his threat to end Pacquiao’s winning streak?

At 5' 6", Bradley does not have the height and reach advantage that both Oscar De La Hoya and Antonio Margarito had when they were pummelled and punished by the small Pacquiao who also stands 5' 6".

Having campaigned mainly in the junior welterweight division, Bradley is not as big and heavy a puncher as Miguel Cotto, Margarito and Dela Hoya, who fought as middleweights.

And most of all, Bradley’s fighting style, especially his defense, has not reached a level of sophistication as Pacquiao’s given the limited quality of opposition he faced in his rise to the top of the junior welterweight division.

In his last fight, against Cuban Joel Casamayor which I personally witnessed, Bradley showed fatal flaws in his defense, especially when he initiates the action which he loves to do.

Against Casamayor, who at the time of their fight in Las Vegas was more dangerous with his scathing statements than his fists, Bradley had a hard time connecting cleanly and left himself open in many instances when he was attacking.

Bradley loves to wade in and throw punches from wide angles and this fighting style is tailor-made for Manny Pacquiao.

I am certain that Pacquiao could take the power of Bradley’s punches but I have big doubts on whether the American challenger could withstand the bombs of the Filipino boxing icon which are dropped by both hands.

Bradley has not fought anybody as powerful or as awkward as Pacquiao. He has not been rained with unorthodox punches coming from the most unlikely angles like the hilarious double-fist whammy that the Filipino tagged Joshua Clottey with in Texas.

Timothy Bradley can talk and talk. He can dream of a stellar boxing career after a victory over Manny Pacquiao.

Boxing is beyond pre-fight talks and dreams publicly declared.

Timothy Bradley, Jr. is not the same league as Manny Pacquiao.

Before the end of the 6th Round, I expect Bradley to be slumbering in dreamland.

Source: The Manila Times.net