The return of former Philippine champion Manny Pacquiao to face American welterweight champion Timothy Bradley for the third time, World Boxing Organization (WBO) version, is full of questions about his true physical condition, his future and if he really is in it. withdrawal threshold.
If you take into account what he said in the press conference he offered to journalists at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, in Las Vegas, where the fight will be held on Saturday, the 37-year-old Pacquiao sounded with a tone of nostalgia and farewell to the to thank the help of countless people who have been in his career.
He even talked about the inspiration that his professional career can be for future athletes and how much boxing has given him since he made his first fight in his native Philippines and for which he was paid about $ 20 until he became a millionaire.
Money, which according to Pacquiao himself, for the most part, is donated so that in the Philippines they can build houses that serve as housing for many people who, like him in the beginning, have nothing and have to eat and sleep on the street .
However, he recognized that without the help of many people, including promoter Bob Arum, who turned 50 in the world of boxing, his triumph as an athlete, professional and a better person would not have been possible.
Although Pacquiao did not want to talk about his future as a politician, Bradley did, another of the few boxers who know how to behave with sportsmanship during the traditional public presentations to promote the fight and press conferences.
He even praised Pacquiao’s sporting career and the great future he may also have in the world of politics as a senator in the Philippines.
Then both fighters assured that they will give their all when they are in the ring, that the fans will not feel disappointed and that the sporting event will be guaranteed.
Especially because Pacquiao will have trainer Freddie Roach back in his corner and Bradley will arrive this time with the prestigious Teddy Atlas, who will surely make him get the most competitive facet there is in the 32-year-old American fighter, former welterweight champion.
“I do not think it is necessary to talk too much, people already know that I strive to give them a great show together with Bradley in what will be the best fight of the three,” said ‘Pacman’. Both divided victories in the first two, the controversial Bradley.
For his part, Bradley believes that Pacquiao will triumph in the world of politics, but on Saturday the victory will fall on his side when both have concluded the fight that will define who remains as the absolute winner.
Both believe that a win, especially for Bradley, would put him back within the elite of world boxing, while Pacquiao will allow him to see if he still has the enthusiasm and physical strength to do at least one or two more fights before saying goodbye. definitive.
As for the betting world, they are all on the side of Pacquiao, who has already secured a legacy within the world of boxing, while Bradley has achieved notable triumphs, but has not achieved the label of legendary as the boxer has to his credit. Philippine.
The reality is that Bradley, who regained the title of champion by beating Jesse Vargas, who was unbeaten 26-0, has not beaten as many future Hall of Famers, with the exception of Pacquiao himself.
It was in a fight, the first between the two fighters, in which everyone saw the former Philippine world champion as the winner except the judges.
Steve Weisfeld, from New Jersey, and Dave Moretti and Burt Clements, from Nevada, have been designated for the decisive fight.
The original referee, Robert Byrd, was relieved by the Nevada Athletic Commission for medical reasons, and Tony Weeks was appointed to his position.
Nevada Commission Executive Director Bob Bennett explained that the last minute change was due to a health concern.
Byrd had been the referee for the first fight between Pacquiao and Bradley in 2012, which ended in a controversial victory for the American fighter, who is known by the nickname “Desert Storm.”
Kenny Bayless, in 2014, was the referee in charge of working on the rematch fight in which Pacquiao easily defeated Bradley by unanimous decision.
The economic section that the fight can generate is far from the multimillion dollar figure that Pacquiao himself starred in when he faced the American Floyd Mayweather Jr. and that left him earnings of more than 120 million dollars, including 72 guaranteed.
This time Pacquiao will have to settle for a bag 10 times less, since the money he is guaranteed is only seven million dollars, which will then increase depending on what is going to be raised with the rights of pay television of the fight that will be broadcast on HBO. EFE
The third duel between Pacquiao and Bradley, full of questions
