Pacquiao can be beaten, says American challenger Bradley

Published February 10, 2012 5:24pm

Timothy Bradley, the moment he signed the contract for his June 9 showdown with Manny Pacquiao, didn't waste time talking about his chances of upsetting the eight-time world division champion. "He (Pacquiao) can be beat," said the 28-year-old Bradley of the boxing superstar from the Philippines. "I just need to get in there and follow my game plan. I know his weaknesses, his favorite combinations. In my mind, I'm definitely going to win. I'll take it to this guy."

Bradley officially became Pacquiao's challenger for the Filipino boxing icon's World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title four months from now after signing the contract on Thursday (Friday, Manila time), a move which the cocky American considers a dream bout for him.

Pacquiao is expected to do the same once Canadian adviser Michael Koncz arrives in the country this weekend. The Filipino boxing champ had already agreed in principle of Bradley being his first opponent in his much-awaited ring return in 2012. Bradley, however, vows to make this fight a tough one for the 'Pacman', who is also the incumbent representative of the lone district of Sarangani province.

"This will be no walk in the park for Manny Pacquiao," said Bradley, owner of a 28-0 record, but only with 12 KOs.

"This is about being the No. 1 fighter in the world, and that's what my goal has been for as long as I can remember," he added. "I've been waiting for this my whole life."

In part, Bradley's confidence stems from the way Pacquiao fought in his last outing against Juan Manuel Marquez.

While the 33-year-old boxing superstar eked out a majority decision to retian his 147-pound belt, he had a hard time again dealing with his Mexican nemesis, whom many felt was deprived once more of a victory.

"It wasn't so much that Marquez exposed Pacquiao, as much as he is not as spectacular," Bradley said. "It's harder for Pacquiao to land his shots now, and you even saw that in the (May 2011) Shane Mosley fight. Look, Marquez had Pacquiao's number, and Marquez is 38 and past his prime.

Bradley, being younger than Marquez and at the peak of his career, believes Pacquiao will have a hard time handling him. "I'm younger, stronger and faster than Marquez.” — JVP, GMA News

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