MANILA, Philippines – Filipino boxing icon Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao admitted that he is concerned about some of the in-ring tactics of his upcoming opponent, undefeated American boxer Timothy Bradley Jr.
Bradley will challenge Pacquiao for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight championship on June 9 at the MGM Grand.
“Timothy Bradley is undefeated, but I am concerned about the headbutts and I have to prepare for that,” Pacquiao told Boxing Scene.
Bradley has developed a reputation as a dirty fighter because of his tendency to lead with his head, with some of his past opponents complaining that Bradley does this intentionally.
Pacquiao’s trainer, Freddie Roach, has also complained of Bradley’s tactics.
But Bradley’s trainer, Joel Diaz, denied the accusations. “Never in my years that I have trained Timothy, has he every mentioned using his head intentionally,” Diaz said.
Pacquiao said he will have to find a way to avoid Bradley’s headbutts during their fight.
“We have to study his fights to see what I’m going to do to keep away from that headbutt,” he said.
Bradley has not lost in 28 professional bouts. His most recent victory – against veteran Joel Casamayor – came in the undercard of Pacquiao’s trilogy bout against Juan Manuel Marquez last November 2011.
