Manny Pacquiao (Photo : AFP/Getty Images)
Despite former eight-division world champion Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao's insistence on trying to knock out opponent Timothy "The Desert Storm" Bradley in rubber match, the Filipino ring icon's best bet is to rely on his speed, rather than power to get the job done.
Pacquiao (57-6-2) is scheduled to face Bradley (33-1-1, 13 KO's) for a third time on April 9 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The bout is a non-title affair after Bradley vacated his WBO welterweight strap to push through with a bout against Pacquiao.
Pacquiao's Hall-of-Fame trainer Freddie Roach revealed recently that for the first time in a long time, Pacquiao came to him with the desire to knock an opponent out.
Bradley, who has never been stopped in his professional boxing career which spans over a decade of tough fights, is an extremely durable fighter with a tremendous chin and an unshakeable will.
Not only has Bradley never been stopped before, but in the times that he got close to being stopped, Bradley always found a way to dig deep and come out on top. His granite resolve is somewhat of a legend in the sport, and even Pacquiao's most ardent supporters find it hard to believe that at this stage in his career, Pacquiao has what it takes to get the job done.
Rather than going for the knockout however, it is more likely that Pacquiao will utilize his trademark speed to outgun Bradley in what's sure to be another shootout.
Not one to back down from a fight, Bradley is expected to go shot for shot with Pacquiao in what should be a fast-paced bout. Pacquiao's speed advantage remains key however to the Filipino's victory.
Pacquiao has made a career out of outgunning opponents and beating them to the punch, and if this Bradley bout is indeed his last which he claims so, then using his speed to beat Bradley should be the only way to go.
