Mean Manny To End Run
Manny Pacquiao is out to show critics he hasn't lost his killer instinct.
After going seven fights without knocking out an opponent, Manny Pacquiao takes on WBO welterweight champion Timothy Bradley at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Sunday afternoon (AEST).
There are many theories floating around as to why the champion from the Philippines hasn't put an opponent on the canvas since 2009 - his age (35 years old), the talent and size of opponents, conditioning flaws and distractions outside the ring including life as a congressman in his homeland.
In the build-up, Bradley has claimed Pacquiao has lost his 'killer instinct' and doesn't have the fire. But what he does have is an impressive record - 62 fights for 55 wins, 38 by knockout. A finely tuned athlete in his prime, 30-year-old Bradley enters the ring unbeaten in 31 pro fights, 12 by ko.
Some in Pacquiao's camp are critical of the presence — as a possible distraction — of seven Christian pastors the fighter has around him. One Pacquiao associate close to the boxer but not authorized to speak publicly on the nature of the relationships said Pacquiao pays the pastors a combined $10,000 monthly, with three of them in Las Vegas this week.
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