Pacquiao shows fire in the belly for Vegas fight

LAS VEGAS—He’d never say it openly, but Manny Pacquiao really intends to knock out Timothy Bradley Saturday night.

The revelation came from trainer Freddie Roach, in an interview with Manila-based sportswriters at the Top Rank Gym here.

“He talked about a knockout for the first time and said he would like to get a knockout,” said Roach, who’d be inducted into the boxing Hall of Fame Sunday.

“Usually he keeps it inside,” said Roach, after Pacquiao’s last workout Thursday (Friday in Manila) before staking his World Boxing Organization welterweight crown against the unbeaten Bradley.

The new fire in Pacquiao’s belly sent Roach’s hopes for a stoppage soaring.

He wanted Pacquiao to prove doubters and detractors wrong that Pacquiao’s speed and power are on the wane, following four straight decision wins. And Roach thinks Bradley, young and aggressive, fits the bill.

“Manny will bring him (Timothy) to school,” vowed Roach. “I know this is a big opportunity for him, but it came too soon.”

Roach said Pacquiao will expose the 28-year-old Bradley who boasts as many wins as his age but with only 12 knockouts.

“ Bradley is durable and resilient, but he still lacks the skill and experience. He has never fought at this (elite) level.”

After studying tapes of Bradley’s fights, Roach noticed that the WBO light welterweight king hasn’t changed much.

“He’s still the same and commits the same mistakes at the same time,” said Roach, “Manny will catch him early and will knock him out.”

That’s because Roach believes Bradley will fight and won’t run in their 12-round battle at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Though they had an equally great training camp then, Roach said things fell apart when Pacquiao’s mind went adrift in the last five days.

Roach said he felt it (lack of focus) after Pacquiao did not smile when he come out of the dugout and rush things out from the opening bell.

“His mind wasn’t there.” said Roach, who feels that Pacquiao, with his family around, is primed up for the kill this time. /INQUIRER