Manny Pacquiao: 10 Ways He Can Beat Timothy Bradley

On June 9, Manny Pacquiao (54-3-2, 38 KO) will face one of his youngest and most prime competitors in years in 28-year-old Timothy Bradley.

Bradley's young, fast and highly determined. This fight represents his biggest opportunity. Pacquiao is one of the biggest targets in the sport.

Part of that belongs to the fortune that comes with a Pacquiao fight. Another part comes from Pacquiao's legacy and fame.

Just like in the movie Highlander, when a young fighter takes out an old fighter, some of his power prestige transfers.

Unfortunately for Bradley, Pacquiao isn't planning to lay down. Here are 10 ways he can beat Bradley.

The Stage and Spectacle

Whenever a young fighter moves up, there's always the question as to whether the spectacle of the big stage will mesmerize them.

Victor Ortiz was mesmerized by Floyd Mayweather and made a mistake during his fight that would cost him dearly on the biggest night of his career.

Pacquiao will be sure to keep this in mind when fighting a similarly young Bradley.

Outwork Him

If there's one major sin Juan Manuel Marquez committed in his commendable performance against Manny Pacquiao last year, it was the sin of allowing Pacquiao to outwork him.

Pacquiao may not always be accurate, but he does throw punches in bunches. Judges sometimes score rounds for inaccurate but plentiful punching.

If Bradley fights too carefully and Pacquiao stalks with a hurricane of punches, don't be surprised to see a wide decision in Pacquiao's favor.

Give'im the 'Hatton Special'

Timothy Bradley may be a smart fighter, but he has a tendency to come forward with a seemingly reckless style.

His aggression has served him well against fighters of similar experience, but can it do the same against Pacquiao?

Chances are Pacquiao's left hand will lay Bradley out in a similar fashion to his second-round 2009 Knockout of the Year against aggressive come-forward fighter Ricky Hatton.

Speed

Both men are fast, but it's hard to judge who's faster until they step into the ring. Pacquiao has so far been faster than any man he's stepped into the ring against above 140 lbs.

Will Bradley be the first of Pacquiao's opponents to be faster than him? Highly unlikely. Pacquiao's history says no and history has a habit of repeating itself.

In the 'Hot' Pocket

Timothy Bradley loves to exchange in the pocket. He's in and out. Manny Pacquiao also loves a good exchange and then he darts out of the way after delivering a lightning-quick combination.

The difference is that Pacquiao is far more experienced with this style of fighting. If Bradley decides to stick around in the pocket too long, those exchanges could burn him badly.

Freddie Roach and Team Pacquiao

Freddie Roach is a Boxing Hall of Fame trainer. Alex Ariza is one of the best conditioning coaches in the game. Miguel Diaz is a great cutman.

This is not to knock Timothy Bradley's team. I'm sure he's in good hands, but Manny Pacquiao is in great hands, and that can make all the difference.

Wear Him Down

Manny Pacquiao's speed and combinations can take even the most durable fighters out late in fights.

Timothy Bradley has a good chin, but it won't be able to sustain throughout a constant Pacquiao attack unless he defends it well.

Pacquiao will find his way in and punish him if he can't do more than just defend.

The Stress

Timothy Bradley may be putting on a front when he talks so much tough talk to the media to psyche himself up for this fight that not many are giving him any more than a 50-50 chance to win.

With that in the back of his mind, will the real Bradley come out during a fight with Manny Pacquiao? Will Bradley's self-confidence be exposed as mere fight hype on fight night?

The Laydown

When Joshua Clottey got a chance at a career-high payday against Manny Pacquiao, it was safe to assume he'd give it his best. Unfortunately, he did not.

Fighters don't always understand that if they do well even in a losing effort, it can lead to multiple continued major paydays. Just look at Juan Manuel Marquez.

His trilogy with Pacquiao defines him as great and worth watching despite the fact he has yet to beat Pacquiao in any of their three matches.

It's possible that the money will make Bradley wilt under pressure in the ring much easier with the knowledge that his family is well taken care of.

Bradley just might not be motivated enough to step forward and fight now that he's taking home $5 million.

The Powers That Be

Everyone and their mama's mama wants Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao. Does Timothy Bradley have a chance of defeating Pacquiao? Yes.

Will he be labeled the winner if he actually beats Pacquiao? No, he'll never have his hand raised. Pacquiao will somehow win the judges' decision no matter what.

Las Vegas is struggling and needs their boxing stimulus check that is Mayweather-Pacquiao and Bradley just won't be allowed to interrupt that, even at his best.