Manny Pacquiao: Pac-Man's Experience Will Prevail Over Timothy Bradley's Youth

Manny Pacquiao is well aware that a big challenge awaits him in the form of Timothy Bradley on June 9. He also knows that he has enough tools in his arsenal to win.

Bradley may be undefeated in 28 fights, he may be just 28 years old and there may be concerns from both Bob Arum and Freddie Roach that Pacquiao isn't as mentally ready for this fight as usual. Nevertheless, that has done nothing to sway Pacquiao's confidence heading into the showdown.

In an interview with ESPN.com, Pacquiao willingly discussed his opponent's strengths. He said: 

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Timothy Bradley brings a lot of weapons to a fight. He has youth, an aggressive style and a state of mind that only a world champion possesses. … He has great determination and can adapt and change his game plan in mid-fight. 

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Being young and quick doesn't necessarily translate into beating one of the best boxers in the world, especially when that boxer is coming off a triumph in the toughest bout of his career.

Pacquiao recently admitted that facing Juan Manuel Marquez in November was the biggest challenge he's ever encountered. He's squared-off against Marquez three times in his career, and it's been a unique challenge each time. This was particularly the case the last time out, when Pacquiao seemed far more distracted than usual.

Even so, he still managed to get a win. After that, nothing is intimidating. Bradley may have the undefeated record, but Pacquiao has the experience of fighting some of the best boxers today—Marquez, Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto—and the wins on his record to prove he is just as difficult an opponent.

One similarity between Marquez and Bradley is their proficiency facing southpaws. It's a concern that hasn't escaped Pacquiao's radar. He told ESPN.com: 

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Anytime a southpaw fights an orthodox-style boxer head-butts are bound to happen, but with Bradley it's more of a concern because he tends to lead with his head. Hopefully we will have a good referee who will not let him do that. 

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There will be no excuses on June 9, and the best boxer will win. Bradley is tough, but Pacquiao is tougher and he knows what it takes to beat any opponent of any caliber.

That—not age—will be the deciding factor.