LAS VEGAS—They checked in almost even on Friday, with Manny Pacquiao yielding half a pound to Timothy Bradley during the well-attended official weigh-in of Pacquiao-Bradley 2 at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Come fight night on Saturday (Sunday in Manila), however, the discrepancy will be bigger with Bradley expected to be the bulkier fighter.
Chief trainer Freddie Roach earlier told Filipino sportswriters that Pacquiao, who checked in at 145 lb, will be coming in on fight night between 149 to 150 lb.
Bradley, on the other hand, weighed in at 145.4 lb and is likely to climb to 154 lb, which, according to trainer Joel Diaz, is just ideal.
Filipinos constituted about 80 percent of the audience, which gave the combatants contrasting treatment. Each Pacquiao appearance merited applause, while Bradley got booed every time his image and fights were flashed on the big screen.
As in their staredown in Wednesday’s final press conference, Pacquiao and Bradley talked for about 10 seconds in the faceoff.
Again, they did not elaborate on their exchange of words. Surprisingly, the protagonists came lighter than they were in 2012.
Pacquiao was right at the limit then at 147 while Bradley registered 146.
By fight night, Bradley was the heavier guy. The 30-year-old Bradley again displayed a bodybuilder’s physique, with his body fat only at three percent.
Pacquiao, on the other hand, flaunted six-pack abs formed by his regular thousand-plus daily crunches.
While Bradley looked imposing during the weigh-in, Pacquiao was menacing, seemingly backing his assertion that his killer instinct is back.
After having shown compassion to former opponents—to the point of towing them to the final bell at the end of 12 rounds—the Filipino ring icon said he will show no mercy to Bradley this time.
Bradley had repeatedly questioned Pacquiao’s drive and the Filipino lawmaker said he’ll give the undefeated American an answer on fight night.