‘I won’t blow chance of beating Pacquiao’

Thursday, February 23, 2012

FIGHTING the best fighter in the world is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for any up-and-coming fighter like the unbeaten American Timothy Bradley.

Now that he has been given the opportunity to beat Manny Pacquiao, the best in the sport, Bradley vowed not to let it slip through his hands as he aims for an upset.

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“This opportunity is something I dreamed all my whole life, 18 years of my career since I was an amateur to be in the position in a super-mega fight with the best pound-for-pound in the game and probably the best fighter in the history of boxing by some people’s stand point. But I’m ready for this challenge. I know it’s going to be hell in the ring with Manny Pacquiao,” World Boxing Organization light welterweight titleholder Bradley said in a report posted at Fightnews.com.

Bradley, 28-0 with 12 knockouts, is moving up a division higher to challenge Pacquiao for the WBO welterweight crown on June 9 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Bradley has high regard for Pacquiao, but he believes he will be the boxer that will end the reign of the 33-year-old pound-for-pound king.

“I don’t have to say anything negative or bad about him. He’s a great person, he’s a great role model for the kids. I really like Manny Pacquiao in and outside of the ring, but I think June ninth, it’s my time. Manny Pacquiao has reigned for a very long time and I feel I’m a new face in boxing and I feel it’s going to be one heck of a challenge, but I’m up for it and I’m capable of winning this fight.”

Pacquiao has been on a 15-fight winning streak and hasn’t been beaten since a unanimous decision loss to Mexican legend Erik Morales in 2005.

The 28-year-old Bradley was picked by Pacquiao to be his next opponent after another botched negotiation with Floyd Mayweather Jr.