MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley are two different boxers. Even in training, they do things in different ways.
When Pacquiao goes out for his morning run, more than a dozen guys join him. He has his Jack Russell, named Pacman, around.
Then it’s back to the apartment for breakfast, some time with the Bible, and a quick nap. By 2 p.m. he drives to the gym, in his Ferrari, for a two-hour session.
He goes home for more of the Bible. He shares dinner with more friends who come to visit, and before it gets too late, he retreats and calls it a day.
As shown on the first episode of HBO’s 24/7, Bradley starts his day taking his stepson, Robert, to school, in his pick-up truck. He gets to the gym at around 10 a.m. for a three-hour workout.
Back home, he probably enjoys lunch, then sleeps for three hours.
While Pacquiao runs in the morning, Bradley hits the road at dusk. It’s dark by the time Bradley finishes eight miles with just a couple of his buddies with him, riding their bicycles.
And while Pacquiao keeps his cards close to his chest, when it pertains to their coming June 9 showdown at the MGM Grand, Bradley makes the whole world know about his plans.
He said he will destroy Pacquiao, and crown himself the new WBO welterweight champion two weeks from now. He said he will hurt Pacquiao.
In the initial episode of HBO’s blockbuster series, Bradley, undefeated in 28 fights and at 28 five years younger than Pacquiao, faced the camera as he ran.
He was talking to Pacquiao.
“I’m the best! I’m the best!” he shouted at the camera.
“You got to prove to me you’re better than me. You ain’t better than me. You got to prove you’re better than me. Prove to me. We’re gonna see on June 9 who the best in the world is. You better be ready boy,” Bradley said.
In one gym session, Bradley closed it out with a flurry of punches thrown at trainer Joel Diaz. Then again, he faced the camera, and said, “What you gonna do?”
Pacquiao was asked what he plans to do with Bradley.
“I will pray for him,” was the answer.
Yes, these are two different boxers.