Bradley: Pacquiao still can fight vs young guys

Manny Pacquiao speaks to the media in Brisbane, Tuesday, June 27, 2017. Pacquiao, is putting his WBO belt on the line Sunday, July 2, against the 29-year-old Australian fighter Jeff Horn. (AP Photo/John Pye)

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA—Tim Bradley Jr. has fought Manny Pacquiao three times over 36 rounds in a four-year span.

And until now, Bradley still marvels at the way Pacquiao has shown no definite signs of decline as a boxer.

“It’s a little strange, but this guy (Pacquiao) can still fight,” Bradley told Filipino media at the lobby of Sofitel Hotel.

“He does well against younger fighters and I think that he will do very well in the fight,” Bradley said, referring to Pacquiao’s defense of the World Boxing Organization welterweight crown on Sunday.

“Maybe he wants to show everyone that he still competes at the highest level,” added Bradley, who beat Pacquiao by a controversial split decision in 2012 before losing their rematch in 2014 and trilogy in 2016, is in this Queensland capital to commentate on Pacquiao’s battle with Horn at Suncorp Stadium.

After watching Pacquiao’s domination of Jessie Vargas last Nov. 4 in Las Vegas, Bradley is convinced the eight-division world champion has more mileage left in his tank.

“This guy, he still has the speed, the power, the reflexes to be at the top of boxing,” Bradley noted.

Bradley, however, refused to specify the manner (knockout or decision) with which he sees Pacquiao winning.

“I don’t know, it’s up to Manny how long he wants it to last,” Bradley said before boarding a waiting cab.