Bradley ahead of training schedule for Pacquiao fight

MANILA, Philippines – WBO welterweight Timothy Bradley is satisfied with how his training has gone so far, saying he’s even ahead of schedule with over six weeks left before his rematch with Manny Pacquiao on April 12.

Speaking to Ben Thompson of fighthype.com, Bradley explained that he plans to spend eight weeks in training, four less than what he went through for his first fight with Pacquiao two years ago. That, according to Bradley, will keep him from burning out.

“I'm feeling great. I'm ahead of schedule right now. I'm not killing my body,” Bradley told Thompson.

“I did 12 weeks last training camp for the Pacquiao fight. I think I was ready around eight weeks. It was hard man, because I had to taper really early then pick up again at the end,” he added.

The undefeated American realized he was reaching his peak form earlier than expected, so he decided to trim the duration of his training.

“I didn’t really have that peak performance like I wanted, so this time around I'm gonna do eight weeks,” said Bradley, who won their first encounter in June 2012 via a controversial decision.

Asked if he’s having weight problems, Bradley said it’s the least of his concerns.

“My weight's great. My weight's down. I'm in the low [1]60s. I got about 15 pounds to drop within the next two months and that's normal for me. Normally I'm around 170, 175 [pounds]. I got up to 185 after the Pacquiao fight the first time,” he continued.

Pacquiao, for his part, has begun sparring a couple of days ago, going four rounds with undefeated prospect Lydell Rhodes.

In a report by GMA-7, a surprised Lydell said the Filipino is “in better shape than I thought he’d be.”

Pacquiao will face Bradley at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas for the latter’s title.