By Victor Salazar
New York, New York - Veteran trainer Teddy Atlas realizes that he has a tough task in front of him when his new fighter, two division world champion Timothy Bradley (33-1-1, 13KOs), takes on Manny Pacquiao for a third time on April 9th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Many - if not most - view Pacquiao (57-6-2, 38KOs) as the rightful winner of their first two fights. Bradley won a controversial twelve round split decision in their first bout in 2012. Pacquiao evened up the score in 2014, getting a clear unanimous nod over twelve.
The caveat for this third fight falls on Atlas, who took over Bradley's corner late last year after 'Desert Storm' parted ways with longtime trainer Joel Diaz in September.
Top Rank's CEO Bob Arum, who promotes both fighters, believes Atlas has brought a new dynamic to Bradley's game.
Atlas, who is infamous for his analogies and Teddyisms, compared Pacquiao Bradley 3 to a final debate in a Presidential election.
“We just did this a couple of days ago in Los Angeles,” Atlas said. “I made some parallel to the Super Bowl because it’s in our near future. Both fighters have been in their share of number of super bowls because they get to super bowls. I think now I can use a different analogy and talk about the election. This is the final debate and unlike politicians, these two guys are always living up to your campaign promises.”
Atlas feels no matter the outcome, the fans won’t be disappointed.
“When Pacquiao and Bradley get in the ring, they bring talent, they bring aggression, and they bring heart,” explained Atlas. “They bring ability to win at the highest level. On April 9th, whatever side you flip your ballot for - both those sides will deliver.”
The fight will also be exceptional, says Atlas, because he feels both men are fighting for a lot more than just personal gain.
“Pacquiao brings explosiveness, quick hands, and quick feet. He brings more than that because he’s fighting for his people in the Philippines, there’s a great strength to that. Timothy fights for his family and people in this country.”
