MANILA, Philippines - In a move seen as an attempt to draw Manny Pacquiao into a rematch with him, WBO welterweight champion Timothy Bradley claimed the Filipino icon’s camp is “scared” to stage a second fight between them.
Speaking to The Desert Sun, Bradley said Pacquiao’s camp is having second thoughts on a rematch.
“To be honest with you, I think a lot of people on that side are scared,” Bradley said.
Bradley took Pacquiao’s WBO title via a controversial split-decision victory last June in a fight that was branded by most boxing observers and fans as a “robbery.”
And if ever they fight again, the undefeated American vowed to win more convincingly.
“He couldn’t knock me out with two peg legs. Me healthy, I’m going to beat him worse,” Bradley added.
Bob Arum recently flew into the country to talk to Pacquiao regarding his next fight, which is scheduled on Nov. 10. Aside from a rematch with Bradley, the fighting congressman is reportedly considering a fourth fight with archrival Juan Manuel Marquez and a second bout with Miguel Cotto.
Pacquiao, however, has yet to come up with a final decision.
“If Manny wants to do it, let’s do it. It’s been a circus around here. I’ve been sitting around here waiting. I want the fight but he hasn’t decided yet,” Bradley said.
Meanwhile, RingTV.com reported that Arum has requested the MGM Grand in Las Vegas to reserve Nov. 10 for a Pacquiao fight.
RingTV.com’s Lem Satterfield said the news came from Keith Kizer, executive director of the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
“Top Rank requests the date of Nov. 10th, 2012 for a Pacquiao event at the MGM Grand on HBO PPV vs. t.b.a.,” Kizer told the boxing website via email.