Fans believe Pacquiao will destroy Bradley in next fight

Filipino boxing idol Manny Pacquiao outpunches American Timothy Bradley Jr. (left) but still loses his WBO welterweight title at MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, in a highly controversial and unpopular split decision. AFP

Supporters of Manny Pacquiao on Monday predicted he would “destroy” Timothy Bradley Jr. if their rematch should push through.

Parañaque Representative Roilo Golez said Pacquiao was still “a mean fighting machine” with at least three years of boxing ahead of him.

“A November rematch would be the biggest boxing event for 2012. With more focus, he should destroy Bradley the way Pacquiao demolished (Erik) Morales in their second  encounter,” Golez said.

Manila Representative Amado Bagatsing said Pacquiao, 33,  still had two years left of fighting before thinking of retirement.

He said Pacquiao’s newfound religious bent  should not be blamed for his loss. “He hasn’t lost his edge, it (religion) has no effect on fighting.”

Vice President Jejomar Binay expressed confidence the Sarangani legislator would win the planned rematch in November.

“If I know Congressman Manny, Bradley would be knocked out in their next fight,” Binay told reporters.

“Sometimes tragedies like this happen,” Binay said in Filipino. “But in the heart of every Filipino, ‘Congressman Manny, you were the real winner.’”

Binay added: “Manny has shown he has the true heart of a champion.”

President Benigno Aquino said in a text message: “I believe that Manny Pacquiao has been given an opportunity to reach even greater heights.”

Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said Mr. Aquino’s message was a “positive encouragement” to Pacquiao. Reports from Gil C. Cabacungan, Jerry E. Esplanada and Christine O. Avendaño