By Ryan Burton
Undefeated WBO junior welterweight champion Timothy Bradley is beaming with confidence as he enters the final stages of training for his June 9th showdown against Manny Pacquiao.
Part of Bradley's confidence comes from his April 2009 victory over Kendall Holt. Bradley was able to overcome two knock downs and win a unanimous decision. He especially appeared hurt after the first knock down which occurred in the first round.
"Kendall Holt is a big puncher. He hurt me in the first round. The last round was a flash knockdown. My glove touched but I wasn't buzzed or nothing like that," Bradley would tell us on The Boxing Lab audio show.
Bradley said that after the first knockdown he knew that he had to fight more aggressively. He said that while the experience does give him more confidence, he doesn't think he will taste the canvas against Pacquiao.
"I got up and I attacked Holt. I had to. He was fast and had a longer reach. I knew I had to pressure him. It does give me confidence. Going down is nothing to me. I have been there and done that. I know what to do in that situation. I don't think I will get knocked down but you never know," Bradley said.
The 28-year old fighter pulled no punches when the subject of Pacquiao's recent opponents was brought up. Bradley said that he is planning to beat Pacquiao while the Filipino's previous opponents just showed up for the money.
"I am the first guy who knows I will win. Other guys said they would win but they just said it and didn't believe it. They were just there for a check," Bradley opined.
The Palm Springs, California native finished our conversation by saying, "I can't wait to get in there and kill this dude."
You can listen to the interview in its entirety by clicking here: http://tobtr.com/s/3194849
Send questions or comments to ringsidewriter@gmail.com Follow Ryan on Twitter @ringsidewriter and tune in to The Boxing Lab, Boxingscene's official audio on Tuesdays. The show is hosted by Ernie Gabion, Luis Sandoval and Ryan Burton.
