By John F. McKenna (McJack): All indications are that World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao (54-3-2, 38 KO’s) will be making his next title defense against WBO light welterweight champion Timothy Bradley (28-0, 12 KO’s). The only major concern Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach has is whether or not Manny can psych himself up for Bradley.

Roach was quoted in the Manila Standard saying:

“It looks like Bradley at this point but the thing is I worry about that sometimes, because can Manny really get up for guys like that?”

Roach went on to say that Pacquiao has no trouble getting himself up big fights but he has concerns about an opponent like Bradley, who although he is a champion and is undefeated is definitely not a superstar and does not have a huge fan base.

Roach makes no effort to hide his disappointment that Mayweather elected not to fight Pacquiao despite publicly calling “Pacman” out on several occasions for public consumption.

Referencing Mayweather Roach said:

“When you call somebody out and you offer a 70 – 30 split you know that is a deal -breaker. So who is really wearing the dress?”

Roach acknowledges that the Pacquiao camp will turn their full attention to Bradley once the contracts for the match are signed. Top Rank CEO Bob Arum will undoubtedly have his work cut out for him in promoting the Pacquiao – Bradley fight. But “Uncle Bob” has pulled rabbits out of the hat before.

Last May it was an uphill battle for Arum to sell the Manny Pacquiao – Shane Mosley fight. Even Roach and Pacquiao had to be sold on the idea of pitting Manny against a 39 year old Mosley. But by the night of the fight Arum had many boxing fans thinking Shane had a real chance against Pacquiao. The fight wound up doing 1.3 million Pay Per View (PPV) buys, which is a testament to Arum’s proficiency at promoting fights.

The Top Rank CEO does not seem to be bothered that he was outflanked by his nemesis Floyd Mayweather Jr who landed the fight with Miguel Cotto. Arum had hopes of promoting a Pacquiao – Cotto fight if the Mayweather fight did not materialize. Any chance of putting together a Pacquiao – Mayweather fight will now have to wait until the fall of 2012. But if Mayweather continues to cling to the absurdity that Pacquiao should not get a 50 – 50 split it will reinforce the notion held by many that Floyd Mayweather Jr. does not really want to fight Manny Pacquiao.