By John F. McKenna (McJack): When the fight between Filipino icon World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao (54-3-2, 38 KO’s) and undefeated WBO light welterweight champion Timothy Bradley (28-0-1 NC) was first announced “Desert Storm” as Bradley is known to his fans appeared to be somewhat in awe of Pacquiao. With the big fight now being less than four weeks away however Timothy appears to have changed gears.

Bradley seemingly feeling the need to build up his chances against Pacquiao was quoted in the Los Angeles Times saying the following:

“I can slip, slide, bob and weave, I have good footwork. For Manny he’ll be looking at himself when he sees me. The only advantage he has on me is his power. But I can go to the body if he gets reckless.”

In a further effort which appeared to be Bradley attempting to convince himself of how good his chances are against the “Pacman” he had this to say:

“I’m young and in my prime. I have a lot of confidence and swagger.”

Especially telling was when Timothy added:

“I don’t fear this guy. He’s just a guy to me. He hasn’t proved he’s better.”

Bradley went on to characterize Pacquiao’s last four victories as lackadaisical, adding that Manny would have to dig down deep to defeat him.

When questioned whether or not he would be able to handle the added media pressure of fighting Pacquiao, which will certainly exceed anything he has experience thus far in his career, Bradley responded with:

“Once I step into the ring I own it bro’”

Of course you would expect a boxer who is about to undertake what will easily be the biggest fight of his career to express confidence. It is a given that no fighter is going to admit to self doubt in his own ability prior to a major fight. Still, in some respects, Bradley’s comments are reminiscent of a young boy whistling past the graveyard late at night in an effort to still his innermost fears.

“Desert Storm” is used to performing before sparse crowds except for his fight against the badly faded Joel Casamayor on the undercard of the Pacquiao – Marquez III fight last November. Casamayor was not a real test for Bradley.

CEO Bob Arum was not going to match the fighter he had just signed against a fighter he might lose to. Instead Arum secured a fight for Bradley against Casamayor.

Despite what Timothy Bradley now says, he is sure to have some misgivings when he steps into the ring on June 9 against probably the finest offensive fighter of this era.

How he handles that pressure is an unknown, even to Bradley.