LAS VEGAS – Tim Bradley insists that he knows Manny Pacquiao and Jessie Vargas so much that he has a vision of what’s going to be like when his former foes lock horns Saturday night at the Thomas and Mack Center.
“I’ve been in the ring with them although but I’ve never been in bed with them,” said Bradley on Friday.
Bradley fought Pacquiao starting in 2012 and won the first but lost the next two on clear-cut decisions.
Against Vargas last year, Bradley was fortunate to survive the 12th and final round after being rocked hard by what he says will be Vargas’ only hope against the Filipino.
“If he can land that overhand right, he can do damage,” Bradley told print journalists.
Bradley also dismissed those who have belittled Vargas’ chances, saying the 27-year-old Mexican-American likewise has “a crisp, hard, stiff jab that is electrifying.”
“You’ve got to give this guy a shot. He has a load of tricks in his sleeve.”
Still, Bradley believes Pacquiao still has the upperhand in terms of power and that all he has to do to spoil Vargas is “just to be himself.”
Bradley also knew the reason why Team Pacquiao took Vargas in as opponent.
“They knew that they can entice him (Vargas), that he can be drawn in.”
But Pacquiao scoring a knockout doesn’t seem likely, Bradley said, stressing that Vargas has a jaw cast in iron.
“The kid is tough, durable. He’s got a beard on him,” said Bradley, explaining that Vargas does have a strong chin.
Because Vargas is tough as nails, Bradley sees the scheduled 12-rounder going the full route.
“This fight goes the distance,” he added. (Nick Giongco)