Pacquiao vs. Bradley: Undefeated American Poised to Become a Fighting Force

Timothy Bradley is not the headliner in his fight with Manny Pacquiao, but he will be a force in the boxing world for years to come.

Bradley is 28-0 in his eight-year career with 12 knockouts. He has kept opponents off-balance with his quickness, toughness and sound technique despite lacking major power.

Pacquiao is the unquestioned favorite heading into their June 9 bout. He has more wins, quality experience and knockouts.

But that does not mean Bradley should be overlooked.

Let's look at Bradley's career, how he will fight Pacquiao and why he will be a force for some time to come.

How Did Bradley Get Here?

Bradley won his first major title in 2008, defeating Junior Witter for the WBC Light Welterweight Title. Since that time, Bradley has not looked back.

He would then have the WBC belt stripped for inactivity before winning it back in 2011 against Devon Alexander.

Bradley also holds the WBO Light Welterweight belt, originally winning the belt from Kendall Holt in 2009. Bradley has defended the belt four successful times, most recently in a Round 8 TKO of Joel Casamayor last year.

Bradley does not have a lot of experience in the Welterweight division. His most recent Welterweight bout was against Luis Abrego in 2010, resulting in a no-decision favoring Bradley.

Pacquiao may have a longer resume, but Bradley has worked his way through the Light Welterweight ranks with absolute precision.

Having a belt stripped, and winning it back, shows Bradley's ability to persevere through adversity. This will be important when he fights Pacquiao's phenomenal power.

How Will Bradley Approach Pacquiao?

Bradley needs to approach Pacquiao with extreme caution. Pacquiao's power and quick-strike ability make him a threat to put Bradley on the canvas at any time.

If Bradley is smart, he will watch the tape from Juan Manuel Marquez's third battle with Pacquiao. Pacquiao managed to earn a victory, but Marquez approached Pacquiao with the best possible plan of attack.

Bradley must use Marquez as a blueprint to his success. Keep outside foot position, choose your spots and make Pacquiao dive forward. 

Forcing Pacquiao to dive forward leaves him vulnerable to quick counterattacks, straights and jabs. Bradley must pepper Pacquaio's defense with lightning-quick strikes to the head and body.

Bradley does not have the power to go toe-to-toe with Pacquiao's feverish approach. He must use tact, technique and his head if he wants to maintain his flawless record.

Marquez's approach is the best approach anyone has had toward Pacquiao thus far and is the only thing resembling a reasonable plan for Bradley.

Why Will Bradley Be a Force?

Bradley will be a force because of his ability to change weight classes, his sound technique and his perseverance.

Bradley is primarily a Light Welterweight, but is stepping up to test Pacquiao for Welterweight glory. He is willing to change weight, adapt his strategy and fight the class' toughest opponent.

His technique gives him a chance to upset Pacquiao and be the main reason he maintains a top spot in the boxing world for a long while. He understands the nuances of fighting, makes adjustments and rarely puts himself in tough positions.

Lastly, Bradley perseveres.

He was stripped of a previous title belt, but won the belt back with no questions asked. He is not afraid to stare down a challenge, meet it and move on.

All of these factors will pay dividends for Bradley down the road.

Bradley's versatility will allow him to compete on several different stages, increasing his popularity. His technique will give him a chance in every fight and his perseverance will keep him competing even as he gets older and must change his style to remain relevant.

Bradley has the tools of a fighter set for a long, successful career. Don't be surprised if that great run begins against Pacquiao on June 9.