LAS VEGAS - As outspoken as Tim Bradley is, so is his trainer Joel Diaz.
Bradley's return bout with Manny Pacquiao this weekend, according to Diaz, will be the last in the colorful career of the Filipino ring icon, as he vowed another win for the reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion.
"I think this will be Manny Pacquiao's last fight. Like everything in life, there is a beginning and an end. And I think this is Manny Pacquiao's end," he said.
Bradley's trainer said the legendary Filipino fighter's advanced age and lifestyle change has a lot to do with it.
A former world lightweight contender, Diaz said he's trained fighters who are both in the prime and at the end of their careers, and at 35-years-old, he said Pacquiao is obviously showing signs of slowing down.
"Common sense that Manny Pacquiao at his age, he's got a lot of wear and tear in his body. I don't remember when was the last time he had a knockout.” he said.
And becoming a devoted Christian also affected his performance inside the ring, according to Diaz, who observed the eight-time world champion become more compassionate to his opponents.
"If you're compassionate to your opponent, you don't belong in the sport, because this [boxing] is all about fighting, you have to execute against the opponent in front of you.
"But if you feel sorry for them, you don't belong here. Go find another sport, hopefully, golf or tennis," he said.
And Diaz guaranteed Bradley would try to take advantage of it, if Pacquiao becomes too considerate inside the ring on Saturday night (Sunday, Manila time).
"He's determined to show he can beat Manny Pacquiao," Bradley's trainer said. "You’re gonna see Bradley attack Manny Pacquiao. At his age, a young fighter like Tim Bradley can't be worn down. We have a lot for Manny on that night and I can see their worry and concern.
"He's gonna box, he's gonna brawl, it depends on what Manny Pacquiao brings every round. Every round I'll make adjustments, but you won't see Bradley backing down." - Gerry Ramos, SPIN
source: gmanetwork.com
