Pacquiao vs. Bradley: Experience Only Advantage PacMan Holds

Manny Pacquiao is living off his reputation at this point.

Fans see his incredible 54-3-2 mark with 38 KOs and their jaws drop.

The 33-year-old has had a spectacular career and is arguably the greatest boxer of the previous decade. But after watching him struggle mightily in his narrow victory over a 38-year-old Juan Manuel Marquez, it’s hard to believe that PacMan is the heavy favorite for next month’s fight.

Timothy Bradley (28-0-0 12 KOs) is quickly rising through the ranks of the sport and at the age of 28, is younger, quicker and built to last better than Pacquiao.

The only real advantage Pacman holds is his experience. He has won six world titles and has championships in four different weight classes. He has seen everything in the ring and will not be thrown off guard regardless of what Bradley has up his sleeve.

However...

Bradley has yet to drop a fight and has done so because of his impeccable foot work. He is incredibly quick on his feet and has a very diverse style.

Bradley can be the aggressor with a brisk left jab that sets opponents up for a devastating right hook.

He may not be considered to be a knockout artist, but if he catches you in a vulnerable position when he throws the right hook…it's lights out. Pacman, a southpaw, will be vulnerable to the situation and will have to consciously remember as much throughout the fight.

If Bradley dictates the pace and creates a fast-paced fight, he will be in business. He is the superior athlete and can systematically wear Pacquiao down. Even if it’s a grind-it-out sort of bout, he still has the reach advantage (69’’ vs. 67’’) to connect on more punches.

The entire boxing world wants Pacman to keep winning to ensure a fight against Floyd Mayweather featuring two of the great’s still in their prime. Unfortunately, Pacman is no longer in his prime, and the whole world will see as much on June 9. 

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