MANILA, Philippines - Johnathon Banks, the American head coach of former heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko, sees a good chance of Timothy Bradley Jr knocking out Manny Pacquiao in their third encounter on April 10 (April 9 in US).
Banks, who left the sport of boxing with a record of 29-3-1 (19 knockouts) before assuming the role as Klitschko’s trainer from the late Emanuel Steward, stressed that Bradley will be able to clearly read Pacquiao’s fast-paced attacks as the Filipino boxer has not changed his style since both men’s first meeting in June 2012.
"Pacquiao hasn’t changed. Just time that jump and catch him when he comes in and Timothy Bradley should be able to knock him out. I really believe Bradley can knock him out,” he said in an interview with On The Ropes Boxing Radio.
The 33-year-old native of Southfield, Michigan believes out that Bradley can emulate what Juan Manuel Marquez achieved in December 2012 when the Mexican counterpuncher connected a short right with just a second to go in the sixth round, knocking the Pinoy pugilist out cold.
“You got to look at what Marquez did. Although Pacquiao and Marquez had such a good rhythm because they had fought so many times before, they could fight each other with their eyes closed,” Banks stated. “Marquez timed it right and I think Timothy Bradley should do the same thing, time the jump."
Pacquiao has not stopped an opponent since he routed Miguel Cotto via twelfth-round technical knockout in November 2009, while Bradley recently finished Brandon Rios in 9 rounds to keep the WBO welterweight belt around his waist this past November.
Betting odds heavily favor Pacquiao to get another victory over Bradley in what is considered as the last hurrah of boxing’s only 8-division world titleholder.
Banks was admittedly surprised when he found out that Bradley is coming into the 12-round showdown for the WBO welterweight championship as the underdog.
“I didn’t think Pacquiao should have been the favorite in any of the previous fights. I think Timothy Bradley is a good athlete. I think he’s a hard worker, and I really believe if comes in there and fights Pacquiao, I honestly think that he will beat him," he claimed. – Rappler.com