Manny Pacquiao vs. Timothy Bradley 3 Fight Preview 2016: Bradley's Trainer Teddy Atlas Says Beating Pacquiao A 'Difficult Task' But Will Be Ready
Veteran boxing coach Teddy Atlas is already looking forward to his assignment of preparing WBO welterweight champion Timothy Bradley for a bout against eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao.
The said fight would also be Pacquiao's 66th and final fight, before devoting himself to becoming a full-time politician in his native country of the Philippines. Bradley left former long-time trainer Joel Diaz to be under the guidance of Atlas in October 2014.
The former trainer of Mike Tyson in the 80's was already present in "Desert Storm's" corner during the latter's WBO welterweight title fight against Brandon Rios in November. Bradley won the said fight via ninth round stoppage, marking Atlas' first victory working with the fighter.
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Now that they are facing a rather tough task in the form of Manny Pacquiao, Atlas says they will be ready for whatever happens on fight night.
"Anyone who has watched me on ESPN for nearly 20 years knows I'm not one to throw out superlatives unless I believe them, but Pacquiao is one of the best fighters of the last decade," Atlas said in a report by Miguel Rivera for Boxingscene. "It'll be a tough challenge, but we'll make sure we're ready for [it].
In their first fight in June 2012, Bradley was able to squeak past Pacquiao via a split decision verdict, which was met by violent reactions all over the world. Pacquiao was then able to avenge his loss by defeating Bradley via unanimous decision in April 2014.
According to Atlas, he already began scouting Pacquiao through these said fights, as soon as the fight was announced. The 59-year old trainer adds that he already knows the strengths and weaknesses of both men.
Pacquiao and Bradley will be meeting at the center of the ring on April 9th at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, the same venue where their first two fights were held.
