BEVERLY HILLS, California (AP) – Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley intend to leave no doubt this time.
Nearly two years after Bradley beat the Filipino congressman in a hotly disputed split decision, the welterweights both seemed uncommonly confident Tuesday as they began promotional work for their April 12 rematch.
That’s because each man is still unshakably certain he won their first meeting.
“I want to maintain my name at the top and prove I can still fight,’’ Pacquiao said. “My career is not done yet.’’
The June 2012 decision was savaged by fans, media and even Bob Arum, both fighters’ promoter. They all believed Pacquiao’s power and combinations had beaten Bradley’s elusiveness and tactical approach.
Bradley (31-0, 12 KOs) still feels wronged by the reactions to the biggest win of his life, ranging from catcalls on the street to death threats in the mail.
“With all the controversy, this fight is about redemption,’’ Bradley said. “I want to redeem what I didn’t get, which is the credit. It’s important for me to make the win decisive in the people’s eyes this time. I’ve already got a win. This is so I can walk down the street and nobody says, `Hey, you didn’t win that fight, man.’ That hurts me.’’
Pacquiao (55-5-2, 38 KOs) and trainer Freddie Roach both believe Pacquiao won essentially every round in the first bout. But the Pacman still wants to prove he’s back on top of his game by avenging the loss that snapped his 15-fight winning streak.
“I’m not angry anymore,’’ Pacquiao said. “I was surprised by the decision, but I’m the kind of person that I respect the decision of the judges.’’
But did Pacquiao agree that Bradley gave him “a boxing lesson,’’ in the infamous words of judge Duane Ford?
“I think I gave him a boxing lesson, and the judges gave him that,’’ Pacquiao said with a smile.
Pacquiao and Bradley will meet again for the WBO 147-pound title at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas.
Bradley is opening camp in his native Palm Springs area on Monday, while Pacquiao will train in the Philippines before moving back to Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Gym in Hollywood in March.