Manny Pacquiao Must Stick to Strictly Fight-Related Commentary to Stay Focused

Trainer Freddie Roach has admitted that Manny Pacquiao's controversial win over Juan Manuel Marquez was so hard-earned because Pacquiao was distracted and unfocused during the effort.

In order to make sure a similar—or worse—outcome doesn't occur when Pacquiao takes on Timothy Bradley on June 9, the boxer's focus needs to be fixated solely upon the fight and nothing else. That means no more talk about gay marriage and no more talk about Floyd Mayweather—the two topics that have dominated the Pacquiao-related dialogue over the last several weeks.

During a conference call on Tuesday, the Desert Sun's Leighton Ginn reported that Pacquiao admitted what many have long assumed: Family problems, particularly with his wife Jinkee, hindered his performance against Marquez—a fight during which he seemed distracted and worn out. 

Since then, Pacquiao has changed his life, abandoning some of his party-boy pleasures in favor of a quieter family life and a dedication to religion. It's a change that promoter Bob Arum insists has worked wonders on his client. During Tuesday's call, he told Ginn: 

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The difference in Manny’s face is so apparent. He’s not as tired as he was, not as worn as he was. There’s a glow in his face. I think this religious awakening has been all good. I’m a bit prejudice because I’m a religious person myself. But I believe when young athletes find religion, they only enhance their careers. 

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True, a focus on something other than family problems can enhance one's focus. But distractions don't have to come from unsavory nightlife activities. They can come from anywhere, and right now, they're coming from an undying fixation on Pacquiao's comments about gay marriage and on Mayweather.

If Roach and Arum truly want Pacquiao to stay focused, they need to make sure that distracting dialogue ends. From here on out, Pacquiao must focus on nothing except Timothy Bradley.

Pacquiao, Arum, Roach and the rest of the world saw what happens when Pacquiao is distracted. He's no longer a sure bet as a winner. He's no longer as confident or as strong.

Roach claims Pacquiao is "fired up" and "motivated" for the matchup, according to the Associated Press, and he'll have to be in order to win. Bradley is younger, undefeated and has a history of success against lefties. To beat him, Pacquiao will need to be in top form, mentally and physically.

To beat him, Pacquiao will need to think about nothing else except winning. So until that happens, all other dialogue needs to stop.