Pacquiao vs. Bradley Predictions: How Bradley Will Take Fight the Distance

Timothy Bradley is considered the underdog entering his June 9 WBO Welterweight title bout with Manny Pacquiao, but Bradley will take this fight the distance.

Bradley does not have Pacquiao's proven pedigree, powerful reputation or overall ability. He does have sound technique, confidence and the power of the unknown.

Most people will pick Pacquaio to win this fight, and he very well could. But not before a long, drawn-out battle with one of boxing's rising stars.

Let's look at how Bradley will force this fight to go the distance.

Avoid Pacquiao's Left

Pacquiao's straight left hand and left hook are his signature, and most dangerous, punches. When used in tandem, these two punches can put anyone down.

Bradley must avoid them at all costs. He must fight smart, stay on the defensive and always be aware of Pacquiao's next move.

In order for this to happen, Bradley must be cognizant of where his feet are located and how Pacquiao is reacting. Bradley wants to keep his feet positioned to the outside, keeping Pacquiao at a distance and that left hand in check.

Allowing Pacquiao to get inside will open up Bradley's body to punishment, or a possible knockout blow via a devastating left hook.

Bradley will not win this fight with style points. He must fight smart in order to take this fight past the middle rounds.

Do Not Overextend

Pacquiao may try and be coy, using Bradley's defensive tactics to force Bradley to come out of his shell.

If Pacquiao plays possum with Bradley, he must avoid the trap. Fighting Pacquiao like this will force Bradley to overextend himself, opening himself up to brutal punishment.

Bradley needs to stay within himself. If Pacquaio decides to dance with Bradley, Bradley must be patient and ride it out.

That is his ideal strategy anyway, and Pacquiao will not fight that way for 12 rounds.

Overextending himself for a huge punch will wind up getting Bradley clocked, which is too big a risk for a punch that probably would have had little impact on Pacquiao anyway.

Bradley must realize his strengths and fight within his means. He must not open himself up to full-scale assaults from Pacquiao's furious fists.

Attack Any Seams

Attacking Pacquiao's weak points goes hand in hand with the position of Bradley's feet.

Bradley's feet will draw Pacquiao forward, if he keeps them to the outside. Pulling Pacquiao forward will leave Pacquiao vulnerable to short bursts and counterpunches.

Bradley does not have the power to battle Pacquiao head-on. He must use his defense to open up his offense. Using counterattacks and quick flurries off of Pacquiao's attacks are Bradley's best bets.

Bradley will need to hit Pacquiao eventually, if he wants to take this fight the distance. That doesn't mean he needs to jump the gun, open himself up an get pounded by Pacquiao's deadly array of power punches.

Fight smart, do not overextend yourself and pick your spots. That is my message for Bradley, if he wants to take Pacquiao the distance in this WBO Welterweight battle.