Pacquiao to work on Bradley’s midsection

IF MANNY Pacquiao finds Timothy Bradley’s sturdy chin an elusive target, he’ll try to tag the unbeaten American down low when they collide on June 9 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

According to trainer Buboy Fernandez, tapes of select Bradley fights showed the American has a tendency to open up when he throws punches, especially against southpaws.

“We’ll go after the body,” Fernandez told sportswriters in Filipino yesterday. “I’ve seen the openings and I know we’ll get through (to his body).”

Fernandez, however, cautioned Pacquiao to be wary of Bradley’s head lunges and, sometimes, flying elbows.

“Just be careful of the headbutt,” said Fernandez. “Bradley really has a tendency to use it.”

Having presided over Pacquiao’s early preparations before they started training camp at the Cooyeesan Hotel in Baguio City, Fernandez said he’s confident that his bosom buddy is headed for an impressive win.

“He’s more focused and more intense,” said Fernandez.

In his second four-round sparring session with Ruslan Provodnikov last Saturday, Pacquiao showed that he’s slowly regaining his footwork and timing.

Unlike their first sparring session last Thursday, when Provodnikov was able to sneak in a few hits in the first two rounds, Pacquiao thoroughly dominated the hulking Russian, connecting almost at will and moving around with ease.

Pacquiao, under the guidance of chief trainer Freddie Roach, is slated to wrap up his Baguio training and head back to Manila either Thursday night or Friday.

Team Pacquiao will leave for Los Angeles on Saturday.