Manny Pacquiao vs. Timothy Bradley: Pac-Man's Respect for Rival Will Lead to Win

In typical contender fashion, Tim Bradley has certainly kept his jaws flapping in the days and weeks leading up to his clash with Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas. 

Desert Storm hasn't necessarily made any flippant remarks, and it's fine that he's entering the biggest fight of his life with confidence, but let's just say, he hasn't been reluctant to showcase any of it to the media. 

In a recent ESPN.com article, Bradley touched on Pacquiao's controversial win over Juan Manuel Marquez last November: 

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He couldn't stop a 38-year-old [Juan Manuel] Marquez, so he's definitely not going to stop a 28-year-old like myself. They may think that Marquez just has Manny's number, but whatever Marquez can do, I can do 10 times better. 

"

He also made the statement that he was going to "destroy" Pacquiao during a media day at Fortune Gym in Los Angeles in late May. 

In typical champion form, Pac-Man has given Bradley deserved respect, but hasn't alleviated the belief he has in himself. 

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Timothy Bradley brings a lot of weapons to a fight. He has great determination and can adapt and change his game plan in mid-fight.

I have speed and power to counter Bradley. My experience against Hall of Fame-caliber opposition is also an advantage for me. I have learned so much from fighting legends such as Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto, Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez. 

"

Pacquiao's in a position to be more reverential as the favorite, but the more calm approach will be a major determining factor in tonight's bout. 

Both fighters will certainly be focused after they touch gloves this evening, but Pac-Man hasn't be caught up in pre-fight hoopla and trash talk. 

He understands that though an underdog, Bradley's a good fighter who will give him a tough test. In almost a New England Patriots-esque manner, he's held his opponent in high regard and concentrated on the task at hand. 

From the ESPN.com article: 

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Right now, I can only focus on the task at hand, and that's defending my title against Timothy Bradley. Just because Bradley is moving up in weight doesn't mean he is at a disadvantage. Believe me, I know. I've moved up in weight a few times myself. No one has ever beaten him—no one. Freddie and I have four weeks of very hard training to prepare for this fight. I cannot afford to be distracted by thinking of other fights. That is a lesson experience has taught me.

"

It may not seem like much, but the elder, more accomplished boxer is the staying more low-key and keeping in the forefront what's most important—the fight itself.