WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao takes part in a Q&A session with HBO, discussing his upcoming fight with unbeaten Timothy Bradley on June 9th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
On why Juan Manuel Marquez and his style seem to give Pacquiao trouble, whether he'll give Marquez a fourth fight, and if there are any options besides Marquez and Floyd Mayweather Jr. after the Bradley fight:
Pacquiao: I get asked a lot about my fights with Juan Manuel Marquez. Our trilogy has been as exciting for us as it has been for boxing fans. Juan really understands how to fight southpaws. He's a very smart man and an excellent fighter. His deliberate and patient style of fighting is a product that comes from experience, and experience against great opposition. He's a brilliant counterpuncher.
My trainer, Freddie Roach, has said many times that Juan is the only smart one out there -- the only fighter who has figured me out.
I know the fans want to see a fourth fight between us, and I can understand why. Right now, I can only focus on the task at hand, and that's defending my title against Timothy Bradley. Just because Bradley is moving up in weight doesn't mean he is at a disadvantage. Believe me, I know. I've moved up in weight a few times myself. No one has ever beaten him -- no one. Freddie and I have four weeks of very hard training to prepare for this fight. I cannot afford to be distracted by thinking of other fights. That is a lesson experience has taught me.
What are Bradley’s strengths in this matchup, what are your advantages, and do you have any concerns about his physical style and the frequency of head clashes in his fights?
Pacquiao: Timothy Bradley brings a lot of weapons to a fight. He has youth, an aggressive style and a state of mind that only a world champion possesses. No matter how much talent a fighter has, his game is raised by being a world champion. Tim has always found a way to win. He has great determination and can adapt and change his game plan in mid fight.
Bradley seems to be improving with every fight. His victories over Lamont Peterson and Devon Alexander, who were undefeated when he fought them, were very impressive. He knows how to impose his will on his opponents. He turns fights into wars.
I have speed and power to counter Bradley. My experience against Hall of Fame caliber opposition is also an advantage for me. I have learned so much from fighting legends such as Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto, Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez. I also have the best teacher in my trainer Freddie Roach.
I do have concerns about Bradley's fighting style. Anytime a southpaw fights an orthodox-style boxer headbutts are bound to happen, but with Bradley it's more of a concern because he tends to lead with his head. Hopefully we will have a good referee who will not let him do that. Regardless, it's my job to be prepared for anything he may bring.
