MANILA, Philippines – The renowned trainer of Juan Manuel Marquez believes Timothy Bradley has nothing new to offer when he goes up against Manny Pacquiao for the third time in April.
In a recent interview with ESPN Desportes, Ignacio “Nacho” Bersitain said Bradley hasn’t changed and will be unable to defeat Pacquiao in their April 9 showdown (April 10 Manila time).
“No, I don't think Bradley will have a greater opportunity [to win], because Bradley is the same [fighter] – with that stinking, fast and difficult style,” Marquez’s longtime cornerman said.
Other than Freddie Roach, Beristain is perhaps the only trainer who knows Pacquiao from head to toe, with the Filipino icon engaging Beristain’s ward in four epic bouts.
After three fights that could’ve gone either way, Beristain finally solved the Pacquiao puzzle when Marquez knocked his rival out cold in their fourth and final meeting in 2012.
Interestingly, Marquez and Beristain failed to repeat the success against Bradley the following year, with the Mexican losing a split decision.
For Pacquiao-Bradley 3, emphasis is being placed on Bradley being a different fighter under the tutelage of new trainer Teddy Altas.
But Beristain disagrees.
“I do not think Teddy Atlas will create a change of such magnitude that Pacquiao is going to [retire] with a loss,” he continued.
For Beristain, Pacquiao just picked the perfect opponent for his final fight.
“In addition to being a good fighter, Pacquiao is a responsible fighter, professional. He is not going to walk away [from boxing] with a loss, so he chose Bradley. And Bradley is a good fighter but we all know who will win unless Bradley becomes a different fighter than what he has shown throughout his career,” the trainer said.