In a recent interview, undefeated jr. welterweight champion Timothy Bradley revealed that he has a tendency to fight at the level of his competition, and thus far, he has yet to face an opponent that has forced him to fight at his full potential. "The last few opponents that I faced, I didn't really have to use my A game, you know, but in this particular fight, I feel that Manny Pacquiao is gonna bring the best out of me. As a fighter, I don't know why I tend to fight to the level of my competition. I do just enough to win, you know. With Manny, I can't do that," he explained to boxing icon Sugar Ray Leonard. According to Bradley, although boxing fans have yet to see all of his skills on full display, come June 9th, his fight with Manny Pacquiao will prove to everyone that he too is a great fighter.
"Manny is a tremendous fighter, tremendous puncher, speed, power, accuracy, you know, he brings a lot to the table and I feel that I do have the mechanics to compete with him. Great defense, I have good speed, footwork, and I can take a punch, you know, and so I feel that I'm definitely going to be in the fight. I definitely feel that I can win this fight," Bradley continued. "It just depends on the level of competition. This is the best, so I know I'm going to be on my A game."
Ultimately, however, it's respect that Bradley is searching for, hoping to put on a performance that will silence his detractors and earn him the recognition of being one of the best fighters in the world. "I'm still looking for that moment of respect as a fighter. Even though I've captured world titles and things, I still feel that I haven't earned that respect, you know, and I think that this fight will definitely get rid of all doubters that I am a force to be reckoned with, that I am a true fighter, that I'm a real fighter, that I'm a great fighter, and if I can beat Manny Pacquiao, without a doubt, I'll be the best I feel," he added.
There's no denying that a clash with Manny Pacquiao will either bring out the best in a fighter, or it will expose the worst flaws in them. The question is, on June 9th, which will we see from Bradley? Have we really yet to see his A game or have we already seen the best he has to offer. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.