By Ryan Maquiñana

A chorus of boos embraced Timothy Bradley as he entered the Encore Theater in the Wynn Las Vegas for Friday’s weigh-in, but the welterweight titleholder was unconcerned with the hostile environment.

An overwhelming majority of fans voiced their support for challenger Juan Manuel Marquez, who is attempting to become the first Mexican fighter to win titles in five weight divisions.

“The booing didn’t bother me,” Bradley said.  “I inhaled it.  It enhances me.  I have no problem.  I expected it.  I know what to expect on Saturday, and we got a taste of it here.  It motivates me.”

Bradley’s battle against the scale was an easier task due to his rigorous training regimen with cornerman Joel Diaz.  According to Top Rank’s Lee Samuels, the Palm Springs, Calif., native was just two pounds over the 147-pound limit on Monday and one pound in excess on Thursday, never having to check the official scale at any point throughout the week.

However, matching fists and wits with the legendary Marquez is a different story.

“It’s really a difficult (title) defense because he’s a smart, clever fighter with a lot of power, so it’s a dangerous fight.  I have to fight real smart,” Bradley added.

Ryan Maquiñana was the boxing producer for NBCOlympics.com during London 2012 and writes a weekly column for CSNBayArea.com.  He is a full member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and the Ratings Panel for Ring Magazine. E-mail him at rmaquinana@gmail.com , check out his blog at Norcalboxing.net, or follow him on Twitter: @RMaq28.