LAS VEGAS – Tim Bradley wished Manny Pacquiao well and hope for victory to come the way of the prominent Filipino boxer.
Not on fight night, but on Election Day.
The American extolled his 37-year-old opponent during the final presser for their welterweight showdown on Saturday (Sunday, Manila time) at the MGM Grand, stressing Pacquiao is the perfect public servant "who’s the only one out there that’s gonna do right for the Filipino people and the Philippines."
Pacquiao is running for a Senate seat in the coming national elections back home. He is currently a congressman from the province of Sarangani.
Bradley has fought Pacquiao twice in the past, with the third one coming up a few days from now. And in the course of knowing the man in the four years that their careers have become intertwined, the 32-year-old American openly vouched for the person his rival truly is.
“He has shown everybody what he’s made of, everything he’s done for the Filipino people. He is truly, to me, the only one out there. The only one,” said Bradley, whose words were met by a thunderous applause from the people inside the David Copperfield Theater for the final presser of his fight against Pacquiao.
“He’s shown over and over that he’s for the people and by the people, that he’s a man of his words,” added Bradley. “He’s always shown that character, integrity, and I think he’s the right man for the job, honestly.”
A five-time world champion, Bradley said the outcome of their third fight - win or lose – should not in any way hinder Pacquiao’s bid for a higher office.
“I read somewhere else that they said in order for him (Pacquiao) to win his campaign, he has to win this fight,” related Bradley (33-1-1-, 13 KOs). “I think that’s garbage. I don’t think this fight has anything to do with that.
“This man has shown to the Filipino people where he’s from. And whatever happens, he rightfully deserves to win.”
As for the fight, Bradley could only hope for a victory of his won.
“If I’m gonna beat Manny Paquiao, it’s now. This is my one opportunity, my last opportunity, and I’m ready for it,” said the Palm Springs, California native.
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