The hype continues as Filipino Manny Pacquiao and American Timothy Bradley intensely train to fight a second time for the welterweight championship on April 12, 2014.
According to the Miami Herald, Pacquiao said that he is focused on being more aggressive and wants to prove that he is still hungry enough to finish business and emerge victorious after suffering the worst year of his career in 2012.
The HBO "24/7" series have been following both boxers throughout their pre-fight training and routines. The second episode revealed several quotable quotes and sentiments from both sides.
Pacquiao, who is also a congressman in the Philippines, said, "Manny Pacquiao at age 35, the most important thing is to maintain my name in boxing, help more poor people in the Philippines, my countrymen, and, of course, to get closer to God."
Bradley, on the other hand, said, "Knockout, that's it, that's the only way this fight is going to end. Decision, it's not good enough."
Freddie Roach, Pacquiao's trainer said that they intend to get payback for their previous controversial loss. Bradley's trainer Joel Diaz, said, on the other hand, that they have to avoid another controversial call by winning unanimously, as reported by Newsday.
The episode started at the Wild Card Gym. There were several elements featured and also shots of both fighters, showing their various sides. Pacquaio opened a private gym just under the Wild Card Gym to minimize eyeing fans. Pacquiao was also featured shooting basketballs on the court, his other favorite sport.
"24/7" showed Bradley taking his daughter to school. Bradley also replaced his manager Cameron Dunkin with his wife. The essence is to trust your manager or promoter to ensure that all contracts are signed in good faith. There were comparisons made between the business opportunities between a fighter and a boxing manager.
This is the first time that Pacquiao will attempt to win back a lost title. Pacquiao's last fight was against Brandon Rios, which he won. Bradley also last won against Ruslan Provodnikov. Pacquiao know has a 55-5-2 record with 38 Kos while Bradley remains undefeated at 31-1 with 12 KOs.