Fellow pound-for-pound great Jones picks Pacquiao

FILE — Roy Jones Jr. of the US celebrates after beating compatriot Richard Hall 13 May, 2000 during their Light Heavyweigh title fight at the Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN. Jones won the fight by TKO in the eleventh round. AFP PHOTO John RUTHROFF / AFP PHOTO / JOHN RUTHROFF

LAS VEGAS — There is no doubt in Roy Jones Jr.’s mind that Manny Pacquiao is going to emerge victorious over Timothy Bradley on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) at MGM Grand Arena here.

The boxing legend is banking on a “sure win” from Pacquiao as the the eight-division champion looks to bookend an illustrious career with a convincing win.

Jones, one of the best pound-per-pound fighters in history, is expecting good action from Pacquiao and Bradley, who are squaring off a third and what could be the final time.

“It’s a wonderful fight, I look forward to a good night,” Jones, who was doing radio rounds at MGM Grand prior to the weigh in, told INQUIRER.net.

Jones and Pacquiao both made boxing history for stepping up in different weight classes en route to ruling pound-for-pound lists.

Jones, who earned his first world title by beating Bernard Hopkins in 1993, is known for being the first middleweight champion to win in the heavyweight ranks while Pacquiao earned his place among the sport’s elites by starting at 106 pounds then wreaking havoc in eight weight classes.

Jones is the latest to pick the Pacquiao over Bradley after the legendary Roberto Duran and celebrated trainers Robert Garcia and Nacho Beristain likewise chose the Filipino boxer to win.