MANILA, Philippines – WBO welterweight champion Timothy Bradley claims he is a now different fighter from the one that Manny Pacquiao faced in 2012 and 2014.
Bradley came away with a controversial decision in their first encounter and lost to Pacquiao in their rematch. Never was he the dominant fighter on both occasions.
But the American assured that their rubber match on April 9 (April 10 Manila time) will be a different one.
"I've been here before. I think this fight will definitely be different." - @Timbradleyjr on https://t.co/Na9vJ4lCUS pic.twitter.com/0D3aB1S2gl
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) January 19, 2016 Bradley along with Pacquiao faced the press Wednesday at the Beverly Hills Hotel in California, the first of a two-city promotional tour that caps off with a stop in New York City the next day.
Bradley said he has learned his lesson in his first two fights with Pacquiao. With new trainer Teddy Atlas in his corner, “The Desert Storm” will likely have new tricks in the bag.
Atlas has been credited for Bradley’s resurgence, which he showed in his impressive win over Brandon Rios last November, knocking down the Mexican twice in the ninth round en route to a stoppage.
Top Rank chief Bob Arum, for his part, is convinced that Bradley is a better fighter now. - Dino Maragay
"He showed better strategy, better skills [than he had previously in Rios win]," says @BobArum of @Timbradleyjr pic.twitter.com/7QpkTpweld
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) January 19, 2016