Pacquiao aims to silence doubters by defending title

Manny Pacquiao has more at stake than his World Boxing Organization welterweight title when he takes on unbeaten American Timothy Bradley on Saturday - he has his reputation on the line.

Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach didn't mince words when he said the Filipino ring icon would be fighting to regain some luster after his controversial majority decision over Juan Manuel Marquez last November.

"Manny's motivation is his last fight. We had the first bad fight we had in 11 years," Roach said. "He wants to prove to the world he's not washed up."

Pacquiao has won world titles in eight weight divisions, building a record of 54-3 with two drawn and 38 knockouts.

Along the way he has become a hero in his home country, where he is also a congressman, and a star around the world.

But the 33-year-old southpaw was unconvincing against Marquez, leading many to wonder if he has passed the peak of his powers.

Pacquiao is so determined to prove himself, Roach said, that he believes the fighter is thinking knockout.

"I do feel he has a knockout on his mind," Roach said.

Pacquiao and Roach know the 28-year-old Bradley, who brings a record of 28-0 to the bout, with 12 knockouts, will be eager to make an impression in the biggest fight of his career.

"He's a tough young guy coming up, but I think he'll get eaten up as he comes," said Roach, who believes Bradley is too slow and lacking in power to beat Pacquiao.

Bradley has said he will try to avoid a toe-to-toe battle with Pacquiao, whose quickness, power and ability to punch from many angles have seen him win 15 fights in a row since 2005.

Roach said he believes Bradley will bring the fight to Pacquiao, which will suit the champion.

Agence France-Presse in Las Vegas

(China Daily 06/09/2012 page16)