Freddie Roach Says Manny Pacquiao Promises KO in Timothy Bradley Rematch

Freddie Roach has never been shy about making bold predictions, but Manny Pacquiao usually doesn't veer into that territory, at least not in regards to an upcoming match. 

Apparently, all it takes is a controversial loss to turn Pacquiao into Roach. 

At least that is the story Roach was selling when he appeared on the "Max & Marcellus Show" on ESPN Radio Los Angeles earlier this week and told the world that Pacquiao assured him the rematch with Timothy Bradley will end in a knockout. 

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Bradley is a brave, brave guy, but I don’t see Bradley improving in that short of a time. I see the same result. I will get my wish because Manny promised me he will knock him out and usually when Manny promises something he does it.

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Considering the problems Pacquiao has had knocking opponents out in recent years—his last TKO was against Miguel Cotto in 2009—telling his trainer that he plans to end the rematch via stoppage is a surprising statement to say the least. 

As strange as this sounds, the highly controversial decision loss to Bradley could be the best thing that has ever happened to Pacquiao. 

There was some concern about what the future held for Pacquiao after a lackluster performance against Juan Manuel Marquez. With a growing political presence in the Philippines, how much longer would Pac-Man realistically want to keep boxing?

A decision loss in a bout that Pacquiao clearly won could be a rejuvenating force. Now, Pacquiao is motivated to show that he is still the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world. He wants to assert his dominance in ways that we haven't seen in a long time. 

Roach's comments are not some great revelation. We should expect Pacquiao to come out trying to destroy Bradley. But hearing Pac-Man speak so frankly about a fight is a refreshing change of pace for a boxer who prides himself on being respectful and level-headed. 

All Pacquiao has to do now is deliver on his promise.  

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