Photo by Chris Farina/Top Rank
On Saturday, March 22, 2014, HBO’s Pacquiao vs. Bradley II: Face Off with Max Kellerman premiered.
Both men answered questions from Kellerman as they prepare for their April 12, 2014 rematch live from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV.
Read on for three things we learned after watching Bradley and Pacquiao face off.
Timothy Bradley is Confident
Photo by Chris Farina/Top Rank
At the beginning of HBO’s Pacquiao vs. Bradley II: Face Off with Max Kellerman, Kellerman showed Timothy Bradley a clip of their post-fight interview after their first encounter.
At that time, Kellerman said to Bradley that he seemed to be conceding defeat at the end of the fight. What Bradley said in response was that he would have to go home and review the tape to see if he actually won the fight.
An honest answer to say the least.
After reviewing the tape—and subsequently being asked the same question 1,000 times—Bradley now confidently states that he won his first encounter with Pacquiao.
“8-4 and I can say it and sit down with anybody.”
Bradley reveals no smirk, smile or bashfulness when saying that he believes that he won the first fight with Pacquiao. He exudes confidence and while his opinion is certainly in the minority, he seems ready to defy the critics again.
After watching Pacquiao and Bradley give their opinion on the rematch, it’s fair to ask if Bradley is overestimating Pacquiao’s decline.
Given the fact that Bradley has mentioned in the pre-fight pressers that he wants to see the “old Manny Pacquiao” on April 12, one can only assume he’s training harder than ever for a tough battle.
But, it must be said, be careful what you wish for.
Pacquiao’s “Fire” In Question
Photo by Chris Farina/Top Rank
Max Kellerman brought up the point of Manny Pacquiao’s fierceness and “fire” in the ring, something that Timothy Bradley undoubtedly says is gone from the Filipino fighter.
When Kellerman asked, “you don’t think it’s gone?”, Pacquiao responded with a shy smile, saying, “That’s why I will pray for that [fire].”
Not really the fierce response fans were looking for.
Upon hearing this less than confident answer, Bradley pounced on Pacquiao, asking his opponent, “Do you think it’s gone? Do you think it’s still there?”
Again, Pacquiao softly responded, “I believe that.”
One thing is for sure, Pacquiao is not going to be boastful or arrogant, which has never been his MO, but the way he describes his “hunger” simply lacks, well, hunger.
Can Pacquiao really muster up that old fire that he had when he was rolling through Marco Antonio Barrera, David Diaz and Ricky Hatton?
Timothy Bradley Still Feels Slighted
Screenshot by Round By Round Boxing
After all of the backlash Timothy Bradley received following his victory over Manny Pacquiao in their first fight, Bradley went through a tough time.
But, like the resilient warrior he is, Bradley came back from the death threats and criticism to prove himself in the ring.
During the face off, Bradley clearly laid out his position to Kellerman regarding his ability as a fighter.
“I continue to beat the odds every single time out… I’m capable of doing anything I want to do.”
Bradley is so confident, that at times during the face off with Pacquiao, he seemed to take over the moderating duties from Kellerman and had his opponent on trial.
Being more outspoken is good for the pre-fight hype and it will certainly help sell tickets and pay-per-views. But if Bradley feels like he needs to be boastful in the ring to prove to people that he can bang with Pacquiao, he may be putting himself at risk of a knockout.
Will Bradley’s emotions get the best of him on April 12?
