By Shane Saroya – EM TV Sport, Port Moresby
The Filipino world champion boxer, Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao is almost ready to retire, but before he does he will face two-time WBO welterweight champion, Timothy Bradley.
Pacquiao says he will be both happy and sad to hang up his gloves after this fight against pound-for-pound American rival Bradley.
Eight-time world champion Pacquiao, and five-time world champion Bradley each promised that things would be different this time as they stared down each other on Tuesday (January 19) in California during a media luncheon, where it was announced they’ll meet in a 12-round welterweight championship fight set for April 9 in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao, who in some ways must be motivated to try and erase the memory of his loss to Floyd Mayweather, in what many saw as a very boring fight.
Bradley, who has defeated 12 world champions over his illustrious career, including Manny Pacquiao, is confident after coming off a strong performance under his new trainer Teddy Atlas, also is looking forward to lots of action.
For Pacquiao, the future Hall of Famer who brings a record of 57-6-2 into the bout, feels that the timing is right to end his career after the trilogy with Bradley.