LAS VEGAS—The power and snap of Manny Pacquiao’s punches are still there.
But they are becoming fewer these days.
For the first time in years, the Filipino superstar was outworked in his forte—number of punches thrown—by Timothy Bradley Jr.
Pacquiao unleashed only 751 of his ring missiles Saturday, which paled in comparison to Bradley’s 839 punches.
Considering that Pacquiao only threw 578 punches against Juan Manuel Marquez at the end of their fight trilogy last November, the volume should be enough—but not against a fresh, young and hungry fighter like Bradley.
More accurate Pacquiao
While Pacquiao’s shots diminished in number, CompuBox statistics revealed that they have become more accurate.
Pacquiao landed 253 of his shot for a 34 percent conversion rate as compared with Bradley’s 159 for a measly 19 percent connection.
Trainer Joel Diaz claimed that Bradley made Pacquiao miss, but clearly the reverse held true, according to CompuBox.
Out of Pacquiao’s 258 jabs thrown, 63 landed. Bradley let go of 449, but only connected 51 times.
Revealing power punches
The more revealing aspect, however, came in the power punches.
He unloaded 493 bombs and landed 190 for 39 percent, which is much better than Bradley’s 108 out of 390 for 28 percent.
Pacquiao used to overwhelm his opponents by the sheer number of his punches—1,231 against Ghanaian Joshua Clottey and then 1,069 against Antonio Margarito in back-to-back lopsided victories in Texas.
But as he matures as a boxer, Pacquiao has become more careful with his shot selection and the manner he releases them.
Their impact may even be harder.