Manny Pacquiao: What Pac-Man Must Do to Avoid Massive Upset

It wasn't that long ago when everyone assumed that Manny Pacquiao could sleepwalk through a fight and still come away with a victory. That has changed. He has shown signs of vulnerability in recent efforts. 

It is clear that if Pacquiao doesn't come in focused and execute his game plan he can be beat. While he is rightfully a minus-450 favorite (according to Bovada) in his upcoming June 9th bout in Las Vegas with Timothy Bradley, he is fighting a dangerous fighter that will snap Pac-Man's winning streak if he is not careful. 

Here is what he needs to do to ensure that won't happen. 

Start off Strong

This is easily the biggest bout of Timothy Bradley's career. While he is undefeated in 29 fights, he has never had a bout that garnered anywhere near this level of attention, or fought anyone near the level of Manny Pacquiao. 

You better believe that Bradley will enter this fight prepared. He will know everything Pacquiao's opponent's have done to find success. He will have a clearly defined method of attack. 

This is where Pacquiao needs to listen to Mike Tyson. "Iron" Mike once famously said, "Everyone has a plan 'till they get punched in the mouth."

Pacquiao needs to attack Bradley early and rattle his cage. This is where the well laid plans of Bradley will fly out the window, and make the fight infinitely easier.

Beware of the Combo

In Pacquiao's last fight, Juan Marquez found some success with landing two- and three-punch combos. This falls right into Bradley's wheelhouse. 

He has wonderfully quick hands and can throw flurries in bunches. 

Pac-Man must realize this and stay on the move. He will have to keep in mind that if he leaves any opening that Bradley isn't just going to look for one knockout blow, but a flurry of punches to inflict damage. 

Don't Be Foolish

The last thing he must keep in mind is wise advice for any fighter in any fight, but especially true when a fighter's talents find them as a clear favorite. 

If Pacquiao stays true to his plan, he will win. He doesn't need to take any big chances, or risk it all for a knockout blow. 

Manny simply needs to pick his spots and attack when it is available. He doesn't need to open himself up while desperately going for a crowd-pleasing KO.