By John F. McKenna (McJack): Top Rank CEO Bob Arum has reported that opening day ticket sales for the showdown between World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao (54-3-2, 38 KO’s) and WBO light welterweight champion Timothy Bradley (28-0-1 NC, 12 KO’s) have gone very well. Tickets went on sale Friday, February 24 for the fight, which will be held at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Ticket sales were brisk on opening day with only 3,000 tickets remaining to be sold for the 16,800 seat venue in Las Vegas. Arum was reportedly elated at the demand for tickets. It had been thought by some boxing pundits that Bradley, though undefeated, would be a tough sell at the MGM Grand Arena. But apparently that is not the case. Arum was also excited about the positive article in the prestigious Wall Street Journal which highlighted the upcoming Pacquiao – Bradley matchup.

It has also been reported by strength and conditioning coach Alex Ariza that “Pacman” is eager to regain the speed and power that he had been noted for prior to his fight last November against WBO/WBA lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez (53-6-1, 39 KO’s). Ariza also said that the Filipino icon will remain focused on Bradley and won’t underestimate him.

Pacquiao’s long time trainer Freddie Roach had voiced concerns several weeks ago that Manny may have trouble getting motivated for a fighter at Bradley’s level. Ariza’s comments are apparently part of an effort by Team Pacquiao to emphasize the importance Manny places on the Bradley fight.

Arum has been busy hyping the unbeaten Bradley as a legitimate contender. “Desert Storm” was selected as Manny’s opponent for June 9 after undefeated superstar WBC welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. (42-0, 26 KO’s) elected to fight WBA light middleweight champion Miguel Cotto (37-2, 30 KO’s) rather than Pacquiao.

Arum of course is sensitive to the fact that although Pacquiao and Mayweather will not be facing each other in the ring, boxing fans will be looking at which fight does the most Pay Per View (PPV) buys, Pacquiao – Bradley or Mayweather – Cotto. The Top Rank CEO will be pulling out all the stops to ensure that the Pacquiao – Bradley fight receives maximum exposure on the airwaves prior to the June 9 match.