READY FOR ACTION | Pacquiao vs Bradley fight week is upon us. Manny is ready. (Photo : Jhay Oh Otamias)
It's fight week, and about time for eight-division world champion Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao (57-6-2, 38 KO's) to enter the ring at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada for perhaps the final time, against American Timothy "The Desert Storm" Bradley (33-1-1, 13 KO's). The rubber match is scheduled for 12 rounds at the welterweight division and will take place this Saturday, April 9 (April 10 Manila time).
Pacquiao, 37, feels he is one hundred percent ready for Bradley physically and mentally.
"About my strategy for [Bradley], I can make a plan and strategy right away in the ring. It's not hard to prepare for strategies and techniques inside the ring," said Pacquiao, who plans to adapt to Bradley's gameplan in the ring.
Pacquiao is wrapping up what appears to be a successful camp, with no ailments or hindrances so far reported. His right shoulder injury -- the one he aggravated against Floyd Mayweather in May of last year -- appears to be fully healed and Pacquiao's camp says the Filipino ring icon is able to use his right arm with gusto.
A two-fisted Pacquiao wants to make his point clear, that he won both of the first two bouts, and he plans to do so by performing at his best in the third bout.
"When I won (in the second fight) there's a lot of questions and doubts from the fans," said Pacquiao. "The third fight is going to be the answer -- a good answer for all those questions."
In 2012, Pacquiao dropped a split decision loss to Bradley in what would turn out to be one of the shadiest decisions in the sport's history. Virtually everyone in the arena and those watching at home on pay-per-view as well as virtually all media outlets had Pacquiao winning handily, despite the decision which read in favor of Bradley.
Pacquiao however, believes it's just part of the game.
"I have sportsmanship. This is sports. Whatever the decision of the judges, you have to accept it, honor it," said Pacquiao.
Depending on his performance against Bradley this time, it is likely that Pacquiao will make a decision regarding his retirement. If Pacquiao wins decisively, meaning by knockout, most pundits feel he will continue to fight and seek the big fights. If he performs poorly, it could be the end of the road for the once pound-for-pound king.
When asked whether or not there will be another fighter like him, Pacquiao replied: "That's a good question, I have a lot of fighters in the Philippines -- almost 20 boxers -- they're good and Freddie [Roach] saw a couple of them and he liked them. They are strong. One day I will bring them here, they're good."
One thing's for certain though, many will try, but there will never be another Manny Pacquiao.
