This Saturday, October 12, 2013, the last two men to beat the global boxing icon Manny Pacquiao will face off at the Thomas & Mack Center on the campus of UNLV in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Juan Manuel Marquez (55-6-1, 40 KOs) is a sure fire Hall of Famer. Timothy Bradley (30-0, 12 KOs) is a blue chip 147-pound fighter that is still fighting for notoriety and respect after his controversial win over the Pacman.
This fight isn’t just for a 147-pound WBO Welterweight belt, this bout could catapult Tim Bradley into talks of a Floyd Mayweather fight and give him the respect and fandom he’s been desperately searching for.
Juan Manual Marquez can add another scalp and another title to his legacy and cement his place as a Mexican boxing icon.
Read on for my keys to victory for each man.
Keys for Juan Manuel Marquez
Timing Beats Speed
Tim Bradley has a speed advantage. But if Marquez can figure out a way to time Tim Bradley he can land big counter shots.
Be First
If Tim Bradley comes out more conservative than his last fight, Marquez should press the action. Bradley isn’t a big puncher and Marquez has a good chin so the risk-reward is in his favor.
Stay Busy
Tim Bradley threw 1,000 punches in the fight versus Ruslan Provodnikov and won a decision over Manny Pacquiao because PacMan took rounds off. Marquez can’t wait on the perfect shot.
Keys for Timothy Bradley
Fight Responsibly
Bradley cannot fight Juan Manuel Marquez like he fought Ruslan Provodnikov. He needs to listen to his corner and not get into a trading war if he can avoid it.
Punches in Bunches
Juan Manuel Marquez is a counter puncher. It’s more difficult to counter someone that is throwing different combinations at you.
Speed Kills
Bradley should use his speed to throw combinations and keep moving to not allow Juan Manuel Marquez to time him with a big shot.
