Bradley is a toughest opponent for Pacquiao in a while, at least on paper

source: Igor Frank | Examiner.com

“Does Timothy Bradley have a chance to beat Pacquiao?” inquired Big Steve as he was trying to hurt a heavy bag at the Y in Glendale.

“Las Vegas book makers believe so,” I replied

Not many in the boxing world gave Manny Pacquiao a chance against, Golden Boy, Oscar De La Hoya a few years ago.They said Oscar was too big , too strong, too experienced for Manny. But somebody dreamed it; may be it was HBO's color commentator,Larry Merchant or maybe it it was Manny' s trusted coach, Freddie Roach or perhaps it was Pacquiao himself. Whoever he was, when they finally got into the ring for combat, not only did Pacquiao dominate De La Hoya, he made Oscar quit on his stool. Coming into the fight as a betting underdog, Pacman seized the opportunity to shine. That was a crowning moment in an incredible career of super star and currently pound for pound best boxer, Manny Pacquiao. Following that megical win in December of 2008 , the last time Manny was an underdog, Pacquiao has ruled a welterweight division with both fists. He nearly killed Ricky Hatton with a one punch knock out which people are still talking about today. Then he stopped a brave warrior from puerto Rico , Miguel Cotto at the tail end of 2009.

Last four fights, Pacquiao has been a heavy betting favorite coming into the ring. What do I mean heavy favorite? He has been at least eight to one favorite against Clottey, Margarito, Mosley and Marquez. So , at least on paper, Timothy Bardley is a toughest opponent in two years. Undefeated light welterweight champion from Palm Springs is only three to one underdog against Manny Pacquiao. At least Las Vegas book makers believe he has a chance against Pacman.

Is Timothy Bradley a legitimate threat for Pacman or the odds just reflecting Manny’s poor performance against Juan Manuel Marquez last December?

I saw a fighter they call Desert Storm last May immediately following Pacquiao destruction of aging Shane Mosley. Like most fans Timothy was disappointed due to lack of action.” At least you know I am going to fight him,” Bradley told me that Saturday night. He will get a chance to prove it on June 9th at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Being from Southern California, I have been covering Timothy Bradley for quite some time. I remember watching Bradley ply his craft at a club show in Chumash Casino in early 2007. I remember writing that young fighter from Pal Springs looks at home in the ring and is bound to become a world champion soon. It was a prophecy that came to reality a year and a half later in England. Under adverse conditions Bradley beat a local champion Junior Witter for the WBC light welterweight title. Four years later he will enter the ring to face pound for pound king of sweet science, Manny Pacquiao. Does he have a chance of beating Pacquiao? Few believe that, but just like Manny did that against Oscar a few years ago, Bradley dreamed up this match up. He dropped his promoter Gary Shaw to sign up with Top Rank just for a chance of one day of meeting Pacquiao.

Timothy Bradley is battle tested. He demonstrated that he can pick himself up from the canvas to win the fight. He might need this experience in a battle with Pacman. He will be a younger man entering the ring and he believes he has what it takes to turn the boxing world upside down. He considers himself just as fast as Pacquaio and says that his movement in the ring will give Pacman trouble. And what he lacks in power department will be compensated in dogged determination. One thing I know that Bradley will deliver on his promise and will fight Pacquiao. With both warriors’ minds of offence, fans will get a thrilling action fight.