If there’s a story line in Manny Pacquiao’s next fight that doesn’t involve Floyd Mayweather, it’s that the Filipino icon is finally taking on an opponent the boxing media deems “dangerous.”
Pacquiao had his hands full with arch rival Juan Manuel Marquez last November, but few gave the Mexican veteran a chance to win before the fight.
It’s a different story with Timothy Bradley, who Pacquiao faces on June 9 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The WBO 140-pound beltholder is undefeated, athletically gifted, skilled, tenacious, and in his prime, prompting many boxing writers to think Bradley can do more than just compete with the WBO welterweight beltholder. Some believe the 28-year-old Palm Springs native can beat Pacquiao.
And with Pacquiao’s controversial majority decision over Marquez still fresh in everyone’s mind, more than a few of those media members might even have the confidence to pick Bradley on record.
Keep in mind that the last time a decent number of boxing scribes picked against Pacquiao was when the then-lightweight beltholder fought Oscar De La Hoya in a welterweight bout in December of 2008.
Pacquiao, who demolished the faded star in eight rounds, has been an overwhelming favorite in every fight since, which is why Bradley (28-0, 12 knockouts) appreciates the media backing almost as much as he welcomes the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to challenge a boxing legend.
“It’s awesome,” Bradley said after the kick-off media conference to his multi-city press tour held at the Beverly Hills Hotel on Tuesday. “Those writers picking me have followed my career. They know what I am capable of. It feels really good to have people believe in you.”
That hasn’t always been the case for Bradley, who was developed on mostly off-TV Southern California club shows. He was given no chance to win his first title shot, which came against Junior Witter in the WBC 140-pound beltholder’s native Britain in 2008.
Bradley upset Witter by split decision and has gradually made believers among the media and fight fans by beating worthy challengers, including current WBA/IBF 140-pound titleholder Lamont Peterson, and winning title-unification bouts against Kendall Holt in 2009 and Devon Alexander last January. He’s definitely earned his No. 1-junior welterweight ranking and No. 9 pound-for-pound status in THE RING’s ratings.
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