++++Manny Pacquiao vs Timothy Bradley: Technical/Tactical Breakdown Thread++++

I reckon Bradley is probably a better ring general than Manny. I don't think Manny is a great ring general at all tbh, even with the (exaggerated) improvements. When you look at Manny's ring generalship over the years, whenever it's been good it's always been because of his stamping his mark on the fight early with power and putting some fear into his opponents. Maybe I'm being unfair on him so I'll say that yes that is a form of ring generalship, but someone like Hopkins who controls the ongoings with all thingas technical and tactical, not physical, that's a great ring general in the sense that I enerally associate the term with, personally anyway.

 

Its a fascinating fight, I'm looking forward to this more than Floyd-Cotto. Bradley is as hungry, determined & well-conditioned as anyone around.

Timmy doesnt have the most asthetically pleasing style, he isnt the most gifted athletically or blessed with great punching power.

I'm not sure he is talented enough to win this, he wont lack for effort or graft but I think he'll get outworked & lose on points in a brave performance.

Pacquiao is in for a tough nights work, I think his feet have slowed down since '09 & he isnt quite the formidable force he once was.

 

I agree with Teeto.

Pacquiao's an average ''ring general''.

Against lesser fighters he can command them by planting his left hand on them early and making them weary about opening up too much. Against the superior technicians he struggles to impose himself so much..... Cotto aside.

Like PP mentioned, he has faced a lot of primarily left handed, orthodox fighters.... who'd generally consider the left hook their best punch. Guess which punch is least effective against a ''Pacquiao type'' southpaw.

It's easy to write Manny off in some respects, he still makes a lot of mistakes, overshooting with the left, exaggerated footwork when mounting his attacks, impatience etc - but it takes an exceptional fighter to expose those and actually do something back.

Many a fighter has made a better opponent look **** but lost almost every round in the process. Bradley doesn't seem the type to do that, but I'm not convinced he's got the tools to win the fight.

I expect a Pacquiao decision in the 117-111 region or a late stoppage.

 

:good

Also, on the Cotto thing, Cotto has them mental strength issues. I don't mean to disrespect him and say he has no heart, because he does, he's in there trading punches so I'd never say he doesn't have heart, but he does lack will to win in abundance for sure. All stems back to the Margo loss really.

I'm surprised so many people think Bradley will win this tbh.

 

Looking forward to this fight though, even more so now that I see there's a lot of expectation of Bradley, made it even more interesting for me. I thank you all.

 

Yeah, I know what you mean.

There's a difference between saying someone's got no bottle, and saying ''some have more than others''.

Obviously you can't compare Haye and Holyfield in that respect, just like you can't compare Ortiz with (say) Erik Morales.

 

yeah defo

Holyfield and Morales, absolute legends.

 

A few things that I think Bradley could do:

1. Follow the example of Mosley and JMM
Like Brother Nazim was shouting to Mosley during the fight: "All you’re doing is showing somebody else how to beat this man". JMM, 5 months later, showed us all again. A retreating target confuses Manny big time. He struggles to measure the distance and all of his punches fall short, especially when you circle to your left whilst going back. Once his left hand is taken away from him, he’s rendered ineffective for the most part.

2. Frustrate Manny early
Use the first few rounds to keep Manny’s success rate right down to the ground. He’ll be hopeless and deterred by the latter rounds, and will be less of a monster to take the fight to – something that’ll be needed at some point if you want to win points!

3. Upper body and head movement
Despite being absolutely appalling at cutting off the ring, there may be occasions where Manny will force you against the ropes. When in these situations, simply apply your usual head and upper body movement to continue limiting Manny’s connects. Do this in the middle of the ring too, of course.

4. Countering with controlled, fearless aggression.
Once you’ve got a feel for Manny’s attacks – that are gradually become more desperate and less dangerous – begin launching counter combinations. When timed properly and done with enough accuracy, you’ll not only irritate him, but you’ll actually strike fear and anxiety into him. That may sound weird seeing as though he ate Cotto’s and Margarito’s punches like M&Ms, but those were done whilst knowing his own punches were getting through and landing. When he can’t even get close enough to score without eating counters, he gets disturbed very easily.

Ultimately, the key is making him miss and putting him on a leash. That’s when he’s less threatening and can easily be out-thought.

(I'll try and do Pac's points later on..)

 

That’s an interesting point you’ve made. It again goes back to another thing Brother Nazim said, about the biggest trick that Manny ever pulled, was convincing the world he was a small man. More fighters are beginning to finally realize this now, and are staying away from his power rather than foolishly challenging it.

And yes, you touched up on the cramps thing. Maybe his legs aren’t what they used to be, or maybe he only gets them because he has to chase like never before, or maybe it’s a combination of both. Whatever the case, Timmy couldn’t have been given a better time to face him. If Pac’s physical side isn’t declining, then his mental/heart definitely is. As a fan, watching an unenthusiastic and an easily discouraged Pacquiao, is a massive cause for concern. Especially against a hungry, intelligent guy like Bradley.

 

so much of it is easier said than done though lads. We'll just have to wait and see but seriously I don't see anything but Pacquiao winning.

 

:deal I can't wait when this thread gets bumped after the fight

 

haha yeah, unless it's us that are gunna be wrong!

 

Bradley isnt really that much of a ring general either, I wouldnt say he is a better general than Pacquiao flat out. In his biggest win (vs Alexander) he just basically plodded forward relying on aggression and strength.