Roach worried about Bradley's dirty tactics

MANILA, Philippines - Most of Manny Pacquiao’s opponents in the past have resorted to dirty tactics to gain the upper hand. Pacquiao is so fast and punches so hard that his opponents are often forced to illegal stuff just to stop Pacquiao’s attacks.

Pacquiao has battled a lot of dirty fighters in the past. He was bloodied against Nedal Hussein and he was basically assaulted in the ring by the late Agapito Sanchez.

Now, Freddie Roach (photo, with Pacquiao) is worried about Pacquiao’s next opponent. “Timothy Bradley uses his head a lot,” said the esteemed trainer. “He tends to lead in his head, then he’ll stick his head to your chest and lift his head up,” he added.

Roach has incorporated how to manage this dirty tactic in Pacquiao’s training. “Pop him with a jab or a hook every single time he comes in,” Roach instructed Pacquiao. “Don’t ever stay in front of him,” he added.

Another tactic Pacquiao will use to avert a clash of heads is by holding on to Bradley’s nape if ever he is able to cut the distance. “If you pull his head down, that’s illegal. But if you just hold on to his nape to protect yourself, the referee will let that slide,” Roach told Pacquiao.

The reigning WBO welterweight champion will be like a matador battling a bull in his next fight. He will use his superior speed to evade the attacks of Bradley. He will use his speed to connect with punches, then step to the side to void getting hit. This is why it is important to stay away from cramps in this fight. Pacquiao has had trouble with cramps in his fights against Shane Mosley and Juan Manuel Marquez. It was not a big deal against Mosley since the American did not fight back but it almost cost Pacquiao the win against Marquez.

If Pacquiao avoids Bradley’s headbutts and if he is able to keep his legs fresh throughout the fight, there is little doubt that Pacquiao will again come out the winner.