Manny Pacquiao Don't Take My Kindness for Weakness

source: Shawn Craddick | Boxing Socialist

The tension is in the air. You could cut it with a knife. I'm pretty sure Manny would not be laughing in Mayweather's face like he did with Marquez and now Timothy Bradley. I think over the last year or so, there has been a distaste for each other. So far on the receiving end Mayweather has gotten the worse of the two. He has Mayweather tied up with legal action about his alledged PED use. It has to be hard making a fight when your sueing the other person. If we had to give their fight a title, you could use "No Laughing Matter".

Manny Pacquiao's rise up the ranks is almost unheard of and lately he seems to be slowing down. So many reason's are being thrown around. From over training, to getting old, to all sorts of things. Maybe Manny himself is just starting to lose interest in fighting. Sometimes after a person converts his religion or takes it seriously, their attitude changes. It's not the hurt business no more. It's about Peace and Love. Pacquiao has some fans wondering if this will be a hinderance in his fight with Timothy Bradley because Bradley is bringing his all to Pacman.

I'm sure that will probably be the case until Bradley hits Pacquiao real good. Then as the old saying goes, don't take my Kindness for Weakness. Manny can go into beast mode when he is pushed to that limit. That's what would make the Mayweather vs Pacquiao fight explosive because Floyd can get you riled up before the fight even starts. He goes right at you in the pressers. He can get underneath your skin. So much build up will have Pacquiao jumping out the gate. They say pressure burst pipes, but Mayweather's defense hardly ever get's broken into. Well, first things first we must see how Pacman does against Bradley and Mayweather vs Cotto. Then Toprank can get the HYPE machine going again. Hopefully this time, there will be no let downs.

Pacquiao: My Son Wants Me To Fight Mayweather, Retire

source: Edward Chaykovsky | BoxingScene.com

Forget the fans. Forget the media. WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao is feeling the pressure at home. Pacquiao's eleven-year-old son, Emmanuel Jr., is pushing his father to retire from boxing - but not before he fights and beats his welterweight rival, WBC champion Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Pacquiao would have loved to fight Mayweather in May, but claims the undefeated boxer is too concerned with keeping all of the money. According to Pacquiao, he will agree to the fight at any time, but only if Mayweather agrees to a 50-50 revenue split. Mayweather offered him a guarantee of $40 million dollars, with no pay-per-view revenue.

“[My son says] 'Dad, I want you to retire, but before, you have to fight Mayweather and beat him,“’ Pacquiao said. “I'm willing to fight Mayweather. But I have to fight the guys who are hungry to fight me. Timothy Bradley is strong, and he can punch. He's a good boxer, so it's a challenge to fight a guy like that.”

“I was in the Philippines, and I told him, `We need to make this fight happen,“’ I said I would agree to a 50-50, and he said, `Oh, I'll give you a $40 million guarantee, and no pay-per-view. I'll take all the pay-per-view.’ I don't accept that offer. It's kind of embarrassing to me. It's trying to take advantage of me. He doesn't want to fight.”

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.

Pacquiao vs Bradley: Timothy Bradley Ready For Anything Manny Pacquiao Throws At Him

source: Scott Christ | Bad Left Hook

Timothy Bradley is getting more attention already for his June 9 fight with Manny Pacquiao than he has for any other fight in his entire career, and it's to be expected, as the world's top 140-pounder is stepping into the true biggest of the big leagues in boxing with this bout.

The biggest debate so far is whether or not Bradley (28-0, 12 KO) has the style to defeat Pacquiao (54-3-2, 38 KO). Juan Manuel Marquez, Pacquiao's greatest rival, doesn't feel that Bradley has the power to contain Manny. But Bradley is confident enough that he believes Freddie Roach is worried about this fight, and many do believe that the 28-year-old from Palm Springs, Calif., presents a significant stylistic challenge for the Filipino ring idol, whose career may well be coming to an end sooner than later.

Rick Reeno of BoxingScene.com asked Bradley how he'll attack Pacquiao, and specifically, if he planned to counter-punch more often in this fight than he has in the past:

"I really don't know. I haven’t been in the ring with him yet. I really don't know exactly how it’s going to go. It all depends on how Pacquiao comes out and then I'll make my adjustments in there. I already have a couple of game plans in my mind. When I get into the fight, I should prevail, I should definitely prevail -- land shots on Pacquiao that other fighters didn't land and get out of trouble, counter-punch when I need to. I know Pacquiao likes to come forward and likes to bang as well."

The assessment of Bradley not really being a pure counter-puncher is quite true -- it's not his game, he's not a Juan Manuel Marquez guy who can really feed off of an opponent's aggression. Or at least, he's never been that guy to date.

But he could certainly do more of that in this fight. I don't think there's any secret that Bradley and his team will be looking over what Marquez has done against Pacquiao and trying to work some of that into their approach for June 9.

Bradley has his own strengths, and some of those can be trouble for a fighter like Manny Pacquiao. Bradley's physically strong in the upper body, has terrific stamina, moves very well, and knows how to push a fight where he wants it to go. If he has to do that by using his head or otherwise making it rough, he'll do so. Pacquiao's really not used to those tactics at this point, as most of his recent opponents have been guys who were there to be hit all night, either because their face is their defense (Margarito, Hatton), Pacquiao breaks their spirit (Cotto), or they don't intend to throw back enough (Clottey). And then there was Mosley, who eventually wanted nothing to do with the fight.

I think, though, even more than believing in Bradley's ability, there's a hope that he will be a tough challenge. I'll take the controversy of Pacquiao-Marquez III and the good fight that came with it over a "dominant" Pacquiao performance against someone who can't or won't fight him. Give me the endless debates over the yawn-and-forget fights.

Manny Pacquiao Obviously Won’t Retire After Fighting Timothy Bradley

source: Alex Groberman | Opposing Views

A totally ludicrous rumor is making the rounds today about Manny Pacquiao possibly deciding to retire after fighting Timothy Bradley this June.

Let’s put it to rest right now – the Filipino champion isn’t going anywhere.

Currently, depending on who you ask, Pacquiao is either the best or second best pound-for-pound fighter in the sport. Even though he is athletically slightly past his prime, mentally and in terms of being a bigtime draw his stock has never been hotter. Even if he and his arch rival Floyd Mayweather Jr. were to never fight (and they probably won’t), there are countless opponents -- both young and old -- that Pacquiao could happily pound into the canvas as he boosts up his legacy and bank account all at the same time.

There is literally zero reason for the champ to hang up his gloves right now. Or is there? Per our friends at ABS-CBN:

Pacquiao said his upcoming bout with undefeated American boxer Timothy Bradley Jr. on June 9 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas may be his last fight.

…

Pacquiao explained it may not look good to be seen fighting in the boxing ring now that he has accepted the Church's offer to become a Bible ambassador.

He said he may just focus on his political plans and reading the Bible.

Last month, Pacquiao disclosed during a one-on-one interview with Dyan Castillejo that he has renewed his faith and has turned his back on vices, including womanizing, gambling and drinking.

So the general thought process here is that Pacquiao, a man who has built up a successful political and business career all the while maintaining his status as one of the two best fighters in the world, suddenly doesn’t know how to find balance anymore? That somehow, an additional role as bible ambassador will be the task that pushes a guy that’s balanced 20 different tasks all his life over the edge?

Nonsense.

Pacquiao won’t retire after the Bradley fight because Pacquiao won’t want to retire after the Bradley fight. But for the sake of argument, let’s say that on the morning of June 10, the Filipino champion wakes up and feels like calling it quits. Does anyone actually believe that Bob Arum would allow his golden goose to walk away when he has at least three more quality, legitimate fights left in him?

Anyone?

Don’t let the latest rumors throw you – Pacquiao isn’t going anywhere.

Roach: Bradley a 'dirty fighter'

source: Abac Cordero | The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - While Manny Pacquiao is checking on his golf swing, his trainer, Freddie Roach, is waging a word war against Timothy Bradley.

Roach has called Bradley a “dirty fighter” and a “loud mouth.”

And the boxer from Cathedral City in California, scheduled to challenge Pacquiao on June 9 in Las Vegas, has no plans of backing off.

“There will definitely be a lot of animosity in the air that night. This fight is more personal for me than people realize,” Bradley told www.fightsaga.com.

Bradley said Roach must have felt so bad with all the things he said about Amir Khan, who’s also being trained by Roach.

“All these people were saying how great Khan was but, as far as I was concerned, he was nothing but a fraud,” said Bradley of the former junior welterweight champ.

Roach said Bradley didn’t take the fight against Khan when he had the chance.

“Personally I don’t think his (Khan) name should even be mentioned in the same breath as mine,” said Bradley who also told www.fightsaga.com Roach will use Pacquiao to “shut him up.”

Bradley expects Pacquiao to follow the orders of his trainer.

“I expect (Pacquiao) to come out fast and hard. With the (Floyd) Mayweather fight still looming for them they think they’re going to use me to make a statement,” he said.

Bradley assured everyone that won’t happen because he also has plans of his own, and on top of the list is to beat Pacquiao, whom he considered the best out there.

Pacquiao talked to The STAR last week, and echoed Roach’s statement that Bradley is a dirty fighter who loves to “use his head.”

But Pacquiao, during a round of golf with friends, said he expects Bradley “to run” inside the ring, and try to avoid getting hurt or being knocked out.

Bradley is undefeated in 28 fights, and is no pushover.

“They’ve made a big mistake in thinking they can use me as a stepping stone,” he said.

“Hey, we’re all human and so is Manny Pacquiao. He’s not invincible. He’s underestimating me. You can’t try to make a statement with a fighter of my caliber.

“Pacquiao has made a big mistake by even taking this fight. Freddy’s (Roach) plan is going to backfire on him. I’ll be the one making the statement,” said Bradley.

Bradley can talk the talk. But can he walk the walk?

Bradley: Manny Pacquiao Chose Me To Silence The Critics!

source: Ryan Burton | Boxingscene.com

BoxingScene.com recently spoke to WBO junior welterweight champion Tim Bradley who signed a contract to face Manny Pacquiao on June 9th at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Bradley had a roller coaster 2011. He started the year out strong by defeating the then undefeated WBC junior welterweight champion Devon Alexander in January in a very hyped event even if it didn't quite live up to expectations. He was then emboiled in a dispute with his then promoter Gary Shaw, which caused him to be on the shelf until his November knockout victory over Joel Casamayor.

When an agreement for a super fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather couldn't be made, Bradley found himself in the running to face Pacquiao along with Miguel Cotto, Juan Manuel Marquez and Lamont Peterson. Bradley described the range of emotions that he felt as he waited for Pacquiao to select his next opponent.

"I wanted the Pacquiao fight of course but I know that boxing is a business. I know that they were trying to work out other fights for Pacquiao which makes sense but they didn't work out. I think that they made a great choice. I know the Cotto fight didn't work out and that the Marquez fight didn't work out. With Peterson I was like come on now. I beat Peterson so that fight wouldn't make any sense (for Pacquiao)," Bradley said to Boxingscene.com.

"I knew I would be in there but I had mixed emotions. I just wanted to get in the ring and fight. I have only fought twice in the last two years and then the third time when I fought (Joel) Casamayor. I was telling my manager that I want to fight and it didn't matter who it was against and he was telling me to just wait and hold on. I just wanted to get a fight. If it is Pacquiao that is great. If it isn't I don't care. I just wanted a fight and I was like stop putting me on the backburner. Everybody is getting (television) dates and I was telling my manager that I just want to get a date and he was like just be patient. We are in the mix for Pacquiao," he continued.

Bradley's career is guided by renown manager Cameron Dunkin. Bradley admitted to being frustrated as other fighters had fights on premium networks finalized while he was forced to wait. The Palm Springs, California based fighter told BoxingScene that his manager was right all along and that he is thankful that Team Pacquiao approved him as an opponent.

"Big ups to my manager. He is the manager of the year and the best manager in the game hands down. I also want to thank my wife and Top Rank and everybody that made this all possible. And of course Manny Pacquiao for stepping up and giving me a shot. A big shot out to Manny and Freddie Roach and of them," said a thankful Bradley.

Pacquiao has been criticized for facing fighters either at catchweights or on the downside of their careers. Bradley thinks that one of the reasons that Pacquiao chose to fight him is because he is undefeated and in his prime.

"I think he chose me to silence the critics. I think that my name has been rumored around his camp for a while now. I think that he finally decided let's give Bradley a shot and that he will have a live dog in there with him. Freddie knows me and has followed my career. He has heard some good things about me and some bad things about me. Freddie Roach knows its going to be a fight. Manny Pacquiao might not think so but I know Freddie knows," Bradley concluded.

Bradley signs $5 million contract to fight Pacquiao

source: Lem Satterfield | The Ring

WBO junior welterweight titleholder Tim Bradley signed a $5 million contract on Thursday evening to face WBO welterweight beltholder Manny Pacquiao on June 9 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, according to a report by Kevin Iole of Yahoo!Sports.

It's a fight that Bradley honestly believes he can win.

"This is nothing different for me. Manny is a great fighter, no doubt about it. How can you not respect him tremendously?" said Bradley (28-0, 12 knockouts), who signed with Top Rank in late September of last year with the expressed desire to face Pacquiao.

"He’s one of the best in the world and has been for a long time. But he’s human. He has two hands and two feet. He’s a man, just like me. He’s not God and I don’t fear him. I won’t fear the crowd and I won’t be intimidated. This is the moment I’ve worked my whole life for and I’m going to take full advantage."

Pacquiao agreed to terms on Monday, according to his advisor, Michael Koncz, but had not officially signed. Koncz and Pacquiao are in the Philippines and unavailable for comment.

In his first bout under the Top Rank banner, Bradley scored an eighth-round stoppage of former four-time titleholder and Cuban Olympic gold medalist Joel Casamayor on the undercard of the main event during which Pacquiao (54-3-2, 34 KOs) earned a disputed majority decision over Juan Manuel Marquez.

In January of last year, Bradley dethroned Devon Alexander as WBC junior welterweight beltholder by 11th-round technical decision, adding that crown to the WBO title that he already owned.

Bradley was subsequently stripped of the WBC belt by that organization based on inactivity, which allowed Erik Morales to become the first Mexican-born fighter to earn a fourth title in as many different divisions with a 10th-round stoppage over Pablo Cesar Cano.

Bradley last fought at 147 pounds in July of 2010, when he decisioned Luis Carlos Abregu, a fighter whose current record is 31-1, with 25 knockouts.

Pacquiao will take a 15-bout winning streak into his match up with Bradley, who believes that he will be the most difficult opponent he has faced in a while.

"He hasn’t fought anyone as young and hungry like I am in a long time," said Bradley. "I am rough in there and I’m not afraid to mix it up. I know he’s physical, too, but he hasn’t seen anyone like me in a long time."

Bradley: Pacquiao ain't no 'Mr. Clean'

source: Abac Cordero | The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - Timothy Bradley said he doesn’t mind being branded as a “dirty fighter.”

“That doesn’t bother me, man,” Bradley told www.fighthype.com in reaction to statements made by Freddie Roach and Manny Pacquiao.

Bradley has finally agreed to the terms of the fight, and said he has signed the fight contract making the June 9 showdown in Las Vegas official.

“It’s official. My manager has made my dreams come true and I have signed my contract to fight Manny Pacquiao. It’s time to get to work!” Bradley tweeted yesterday.

A couple of days ago, Roach branded Bradley as a dirty fighter, one who could use his head or elbow when he couldn’t connect with his punches.

Pacquiao shared the same observation.

“I’ve noticed he uses his head,” the reigning WBO welterweight champion said.

But Bradley, holder of the WBO light-welterweight crown, said the feeling is mutual because he said Pacquiao uses his head as well when he lunges at his opponent.

“The headbutt situation, I don’t do it intentionally. I will say this, they say I come in with my head, Manny comes in with his head as well,” he said.

Bradley said Pacquiao ain’t no “Mr. Clean.”

“I watched many of his tapes. I’ve seen this guy, he’s a great fighter, best in the world, and he does it. He comes in with his head as well,” he told Ben Thompson in an interview.

The 28-year-old pride of Cathedral City in California said he will do anything or everything it takes to win, and Pacquiao can’t say anything that will change that.

He said he will be ready to face Pacquiao on June 9 because to him it’s “a dream come true” to be fighting the best fighter in the world today.

The other half of this “mini-tournament” put up by Bob Arum reportedly fell off yesterday after Lamont Peterson chose a rematch with Amir Khan on May 19 than a lucrative fight with Juan Manuel Marquez on July 14.

Arum had wanted the winner between Pacquiao and Bradley to face the winner between Peterson and Marquez. But it seemed that Peterson won’t let that happen now.

Bradley seemed glad that this early, Roach is concerned about me style.

“It just shows Freddie is a little worried about this fight. That stuff doesn’t get under my skin. People have said worse things about me before,” he said.

“The last time I checked, it’s a boxing match, it’s a fight. You know, it’s a fight,” said Bradley.

Then protect yourself at all times.

Manny Pacquiao quits cockfighting and 'the vice business'

source: Tom Weir | USA Today

Roosters in the Philippines may be breathing easier today, now that Manny Pacquiao has announced he no longer will engage in cockfighting.

The man who has amassed eight world titles in boxing told SuperSport.com he has given away all his fighting cocks and that he also will forsake gambling as he segues into the role of goodwill ambassador for the Catholic Church.

"I am no longer in the vice business," Pacquiao told the website.

He added that, "I realize I was a weak person before. If I had died I believe my soul would have ended in hell . . . I had faith, but I was doing things which were against the will of God."

So Pacquiao also has sold his shares in a Manila casino and a nightclub.

Pacquiao is believed to have owned more than a thousand roosters worth about $700,000, according to SuperSport.com.

Cockfights have long been part of Philippine culture, with heavy betting on bouts where the birds are made additionally lethal with metal spurs attached to their legs.

"I have found my real peace and happiness now," said Pacquiao, who last month accepted the invitation to become a church spokesman. "I draw strength and inspiration from reading and hearing the word of God."

BRADLEY SAYS WEIGHT LIMIT FOR PACQUIAO FIGHT TO BE 147

source: John McCormick | BoxingTalk.com

JM: I heard the news yesterday about you signing the contract to fight Manny Pacquiao on June 9th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Do you know if Manny has signed the contract yet and if the fight is official?

Timothy Bradley: “I believe he signed the contract and it is official.”


JM: Is the fight going to be fought at 147 pounds or a catch-weight?

Timothy Bradley: “The fight is going to be at 147 pounds.”

JM: I’ve recently heard [Pacquaio's trainer] Freddie Roach state that he is worried about Pacquiao’s motivation to train hard for a fight with you. He feels that Pacquiao won’t be as motivated to fight you as he was against Juan Manuel Marquez and his other recent opponents. How do you feel about that?

TB: “That is good. I don’t want him to be motivated. I want them to take me lightly. I have been in this position before many times throughout my career. He will get motivated, especially as the fight gets closer and closer. Once he gets to see me in the press tours and stuff like that, he will see how I look. He better train hard for me. Freddie Roach is just trying to get into my head, and everyone else’s head. That is what Freddie Roach does, he plays mind games. I just want to let Freddie know that stuff doesn’t work over here with me.”

JM: You are known as a versatile fighter. You can fight on the inside, box, counterpunch, etc. Which of those styles are you looking to implement most in your game plan against Pacquiao?

TB: “All of the above.”

JM: Do you have a prediction for the Pacquiao fight?

TB: “The fans are not going to want to see a Pacquiao-Mayweather fight after this fight. They are going to want to see Timothy Bradley and Manny Pacquiao go at it again. I think I am a lot stronger than he is. He started off at 110 pounds or whatever and did what he did to get bigger. He pumped iron or whatever, he got bigger. Since I was 16 years old I have been 150 pounds. I walk around 160 or 165 pounds. He does have bigger legs though. His calves are bigger than my head. Other than that, I am the naturally bigger guy. I am going to give him something that he has never seen before and I will rise to the occasion.”

JM: I am sure you know that Pacquiao has been accused of using illegal performance enhancing drugs [Pacquiao has denied all such charges and sued to clear his name]. Floyd Mayweather and his family have flat-out said, or at least hinted that Pacquiao’s accomplishments in the ring are so unbelievable that they must be unnatural. What are your thoughts on that subject?

TB: “I don’t even know to be honest with you. There has been a lot of speculation and talk all throughout the boxing media that Manny Pacquiao has used performance enhancing drugs but I don’t know. I have no idea. As far as the testing goes, I am all for that. I think that there is a lot of athletes out there that are dirty and that use steroids to try and get an edge. I think it is very important that boxing looks into these tests. At least for championship fights at this level it is very important to have blood testing.”

JM: Do you plan on having a longer training camp for this fight compared to your training camps in the past?

TB: “I am always in shape. Once I get in the gym it won’t take long for me to get sharp. I am going to just stick to what I do. I might go an extra week or two just to make sure I have everything down and ready. It is definitely going to be a hard fought fight and I am prepared to throw 1000 punches if I have to. I will have to step it up. I am going to have a meeting with my team and I will tell them what I think, and they will tell me what they think. They are all watching film right now.”

JM: Any closing thoughts for the fans?

TB: “I always bring my best. I will always bring my best and do my best. This is fight that boxing fans need to see. You will get a chance to see Timothy Bradley beating the best fighter in the world, Manny Pacquiao. I would like to thank all my fans out there for their support. I’m looking forward to June 9th.”