By now Timothy Bradley Jr. is fully aware that he isn’t given much of a chance against Manny Pacquiao despite being handled by a new trainer in Teddy Atlas. Just the same, such has not hampered his confidence.

It has been repeatedly said that many felt that Bradley’s impressive win over Brandon Rios back in November was made possible mainly because “BamBam” was (visibly) out of shape. While Bradley won that via 9th round KO, it was something many saw coming.

Against Pacquiao, the stakes are a bit different. Bradley faces a fighter wanting to rebound from his last loss (against Floyd Mayweather Jr. back in May) and exiting gracefully before venturing out in his new political career.

Also, Pacquiao will be putting his surgically repaired shoulder to the test. There is no telling how it will hold up against Bradley and such is also a weak point which “Desert Storm” plans to target.

Bradley Has More to Prove

Despite saying that it is nothing more than another boxing match, the fact remains that many will not recognize him as a respectable fighter if he loses yet again.

Bradley did win the first one in 2012 via split decision though many believed it was a Pacquiao show. The unanimous decision in 2014 by Pacquiao only justified that claim and such has placed the third fight in a bad light.

Bracing for the Worst

Despite the questionable shoulder and distraction Pacquiao finds himself in, Bradley is expecting a strong showing from the Filipino boxer. He knows that “PacMan” will come out swinging and there will not much of a change to expect.

Despite age and the fact that Pacquiao could be feeling the effects of a different shoulder, Bradley is not taking him for granted. He foresees the same Pacquiao everyone knows and also the same one who had fought twice in his career.

“I beat Manny Pacquiao, I already know what’s gonna be said. ‘Oh, he was old. He was over the hill. He was this. He was that.’ I already know what it’s gonna be.’ If I lose to Manny Pacquiao, ‘Oh, he’s still great. He can still fight. He’s still this.’ I know how it goes,” said Bradley.

That alone sums up what Bradley expects from the fight win or lose. The odds are against him but for the American boxer, it is simply another boxing match though it does stand to reward him lucratively if he pulls out a big win.

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