Bradley gets Pacquiao all fired up

MANILA, Philippines - Timothy Bradley saying that his main objective is to hurt Manny Pacquiao just got the Filipino boxing icon’s juices flowing.

“Maganda ‘yun (That’s nice),” said the reigning WBO welterweight champion, with a wink and a smile, the other night at the Dusit Hotel.

The fighting congressman from Sarangani made the comment during the 12th Gabriel “Flash” Elorde Boxing Awards where he was guest of honor.

“That’s the goal in mind. I mean, I gotta hurt him. Some way, somehow, I gotta hurt this guy and I’m going into training camp with that on my mind,” Bradley told FightHype.

“Whatever it takes – if it’s to slug out with Manny, I’ll slug it out with Manny,” Bradley added.

Someone must have whispered to Pacquiao’s ears as well that Bradley, at 28 five years younger, has been in and out of the gym flexing his muscles.

“Umpisa na din ako bukas (I’d start tomorrow),” said Pacquiao.

He said he plans to get off early this week for morning runs around his Sta. Rosa, Laguna residence. And in another week or two it’s off to the gym.

Pacquiao wanted  to jog around yesterday morning but his schedule, which included a press conference at mid-morning, didn’t permit him.

Pacquiao will start getting into shape even before training officially begins in the second or third week of April in Baguio City or eight weeks before his June 8 bout with Bradley.

Pacquiao’s conditioning coach, Alex Ariza, is already in town, as well as former junior welterweight champion Amir Khan who will train alongside Pacquiao.

Pacquiao said he’s not underestimating Bradley, even if the early fight odds suggest that he’s the clear favorite.

“Maliit lang. Three-one yata. Siyempre malakas si Bradley eh. Matibay din. Hindi natin puwede under-estimate (Bradley is also strong and tough),” he said.

Pacquiao liked the sound of Bradley saying he’s out “to hurt” him.