No end in sight for Manny

LAS VEGAS – Manny Pacquiao’s boxing career is far from over and he’ll show it in what is anticipated to be a masterful performance against Timothy Bradley in their WBO welterweight title fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena here this morning (Manila time).

 Bradley’s trainer Joel Diaz, however, isn’t convinced. The other day, Diaz predicted Bradley will put an end to Pacquiao’s storybook career in the ring. “I think it’s Pacquiao’s last fight,” said the brash Diaz. “Like everything in life, everything has a beginning and an end. This is Pacquiao’s end.”

 Pacquiao would rather let his fists do the talking. Almost written off after losing to Juan Manuel Marquez by knockout over a year ago, Pacquiao came back in a big way to demolish the vaunted Brandon Rios in Macau. Pacquiao’s message was simple – he’s not finished.  The Ring’s Michael Rosenthal said, “(Pacquiao) demonstrated he can still dominate a good opponent, looking very much like the dynamo who became a superstar in the last decade even if he has slipped just a bit … it was an excellent performance that confirmed Pacquiao still has the ability to fight at a very high level and of course, its clear now that he has more big-money fights in his near future.”

 Bradley boldly predicted the rematch with Pacquiao won’t go the distance. He forgot to mention who would knock out whom. Bradley isn’t known as a power puncher. He never hurt Pacquiao in their first meeting and since that controversial fight, didn’t hurt his next two opponents Ruslan Provodnikov and Marquez. With only 12 stoppages in 31 wins, Bradley isn’t expected to score a knockout. So did Bradley predict his own demise?

 Pacquiao hasn’t stopped an opponent since Miguel Cotto in 2009 so a knockout is a long time coming. He promised to be aggressive and merciless in trying to win back the throne that Bradley borrowed in disputed fashion two years ago. Whether that vow will translate into a knockout remains to be seen but boxing experts aren’t ruling out an abbreviated ending, particularly as Bradley has lately shown signs of retraction.

 After suffering a concussion and slurred speech for over a month in the wake of the Provodnikov beating, Bradley said he will now be more tactical, meaning less offense-oriented. It appears his mental toughness has taken a dip because of the punishment he absorbed from Provodnikov. Against Marquez last October, Bradley transformed himself into a poor man’s version of Floyd Mayweather, unravelling a boring defensive action plan. Fortunately for Bradley, Marquez came in half-hearted and looked like an aging 40-year-old, over-the-hill veteran. At the first instance that Pacquiao hurts Bradley, the Desert Storm might just be blown away into submission.

 Bradley said he’s good for at least five more fights. His goal isn’t to create a legacy but to make money and he wants to be healthy enough to enjoy it. In the Pacquiao rematch, Bradley will earn $6 Million or $1 Million more than what he pocked in the first meeting. Pacquiao was guaranteed $26 Million in the initial encounter and should bankroll at least $20 Million the second time around so there’s a slight drop in his paycheck. Pacquiao realizes he has to prove himself all over again as a top pay-per-view attraction and that’s why he won’t hold back in the rematch.

 Bradley disengaged from his manager Cameron Dunkin, who handles Nonito Donaire, after the Marquez fight and his business affairs are now handled by his wife Monica. Cutting Dunkin off may backfire particularly if Bradley loses to Pacquiao.

 Diaz has been relentless in digging at Pacquiao, trying to affect his mind. “You’re going to see Tim attack Pacquiao,” said Diaz. “He’s going to wear him down. I make adjustments every round and as long as he listens and adjusts, he’s going to ruin Pacquiao’s plans, just like he did the last time.”

 Diaz has never won a Trainer of the Year award. The man across Bradley’s corner opposing Diaz is Freddie Roach who has been gained six awards. For Diaz to brag that he will outcoach Roach may be going over his head.

 As for Pacquiao, he’s not affected by the Bradley camp’s rants. That’s par for the course. It could be that Bradley is doubting himself and using media as a vehicle to release tension. The other day, Pacquiao received an endless stream of visitors in his Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino Suite No. 61812, looking relaxed and composed. He’s enjoyed a productive training camp and that’s half the battle won. Pacquiao even took time to meet a group of Filipino US residents campaigning to unite the Fil-Am community as an influence voting bloc. The group, called the Asian American and Pacific Islander Democratic Caucus, is calling on Fil-Ams to register as voters. “Have a voice, make a difference, it starts with being a registered voter,” the group’s banner said. “Our volunteers are happy to assist and empower you with your right to vote.” Pacquiao posed for a picture with the visitors holding up the banner.