LAS VEGAS – Despite the showboating and tough talk, Timothy Bradley knew deep inside there was only one way for him to score a repeat win over Manny Pacquiao - knock out one of the toughest ring gladiators in the world.
No way was he going to win through the judges’ scoring again, according to Bradley, just as he did in his first encounter with the Pacman two years ago when he pulled off a controversial split decision to wrest the world welterweight championship.
The American said his Filipino foe was just too experienced to allow him pull off the same trick again.
“I was shooting and going for the knockout. That’s the only way I will win the fight,” said Bradley, who appeared in dark glasses for the post-fight press conference.
“If I don’t knock this guy out, I don’t think I will win the close rounds.”
The 30-year-old Palm Springs native did hurt the three-time Fighter of the Year in the fourth round, but other than that, he never really came close to scoring a knockout against Pacquiao.
Bradley vowed to knock out his opponent on the eve of the 12-round match. And even during the fight, not once did he dare the boxing legend to come forward and exchange punches with him.
But in the end, he just learned the hard lesson that Pacquiao is not just an ordinary fighter.
“I know speed for speed, I knew the rounds will be close. Pacquiao is very experienced and he knows how to land punches,” said Bradley.
“Manny Pacquiao is an unbelievable fighter and I have much respect for him and his team.”
Despite the loss, the cocky American still found a way to score a knockout by considering himself as one of the best fighters Pacquiao ever faced.
“That’s why I love Manny Pacquiao. He’s always willing to face the best, and he faced one of the best tonight.”
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