Pacquiao vs. Bradley: Pre-Fight Predictions from Around the Web

Manny Pacquiao and Tim Bradley step inside the ring tonight and all the boxing experts have chimed in to give their predictions for the fight at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. 

Both boxers are known for their quick punching ability more so than their power and although Bradley isn't a big-name opponent for Pac-Man, the 28-year-old is 28-0 with 12 career KOs, so he certainly poses a formidable threat to the legendary WBO Welterweight champion. 

As we near the moment when the gloves touch at 9 p.m. ET, here's roundup of pre-fight predictions from boxing experts around the web.

Dan Rafael, ESPN.com 

In a recent column, respected boxing writer and analyst Dan Rafael opined on the significance of this fight for Bradley and gave a rather surprising prediction: 

"

This is (Bradley's) Super Bowl. This fight can change his life and make him a star. Talking to him, you almost feel as though he can taste it--that's how badly he wants it. He is as up for this fight as any fighter I've ever seen. I believe this one will results in a close upset decision victory for Bradley. 

"

Though Pacquiao is the favorite, Bradley does have a little Floyd Mayweather to his fighting style. He's lightning quick and is a mobile fighter who can physically stay with Pac-Man throughout. 

Chris Mannix, SI.com 

Mannix has a totally different view of the fight, questions Bradley's power, and ends his prediction by saying "lights out Bradley":

"

Bradley is an easy-to-hit fight with a questionable chin, zero power and a willingness to trade punches. What am I missing here? I know, I know: Juan Manuel Marquez gave Pacquiao a lot of trouble in their last fight. But Marquez is a tactician with 24 rounds of experience in the ring with Pacquiao to work with; Bradley has not been in with anyone close to that level. 

"

He goes on to say that this is a "collect-a-$5 million-paycheck-and-get-out kind of fight" for Bradley. His prediction? Pacquiao by a ninth-round knockout. Quite the contrast to Rafael's opinion. 

Richard O'Brien, SI.com 

O'Brien, another boxing writer for SI, doesn't agree with his colleague. Like Rafael, he sees Bradley springing the upset in a close decision, but ends his prediction by saying "just for fun, I'm calling the upset."

"

This should be a terrific — and far more competitive than the oddsmakers (and my colleague Chris Mannix) are predicting. Pacquiao may be a changed man, having found religion, but I expect him to be very much the same fighter he's been. I think we'll see a full-powered Manny Pacquiao Saturday night. And I still think he could lose. 

Bradley's no washed-up or over-blown opponent. He's young but experienced and palpably hungry. If he can control the distance, use his speed and keep Pacquiao from blasting away from angles, it could be a difficult affair for Manny. 

"

These predictions are varying and extremely interesting. Based on what these experts are saying, Bradley will give Pacquiao all he can handle tonight and could even pull the upset, setting up a rematch in November. 

Follow @ChrisTrapasso