By John F. McKenna (McJack): World Boxing Organization (WBO) light welterweight champion Timothy Bradley (28-0-1 NC, 12 KO’s) has gone on record to say that he is not in awe of Filipino icon WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao (54-3-2, 38 KO’s). “Desert Storm” as Bradley is known to his fans also insists that he has a strategy on how to beat Manny and that when he steps into the ring at the MGM Grand Arena on June 9 in Las Vegas it will be total war.

The 28 year old Bradley has demonstrated his ability to win in tough fights. He holds victories over such noteworthy opponents as Nate Campbell, Devon Alexander and new WBA/IBF light welterweight champion Lamont Peterson. In short Bradley is a proven winner and is not lacking in confidence. In addition Timothy is always in shape and always comes to fight.

Bradley was emboldened by what 38 year old WBO/WBA lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez (53-6-1, 39 KO’s) was able to accomplish against Pacquiao last November. Many boxing observers feel that Marquez won that fight. Bradley is of the opinion that he does everything at least as well as Marquez does and that he is in a good position to take Manny’s WBO welterweight crown when they clash.

Pacquiao and his trainer Freddie Roach have obviously already started to strategize on how they will handle the challenge of Timothy Bradley. Bradley at 5’6” is a half inch shorter than Pacquiao and although he is the WBO light welterweight champion his walk around weight of 160 pounds is actually higher than Manny’s.

Much is made of Bradley’s notorious head butting and it is definitely an issue that Pacquiao and Roach will have to contend with and plan for. Although Roach and “Pacman” are both aware of the potential to be head butted they are planning to use Manny’s superior power and speed by going right after Bradley in an effort to break him down quickly.

Pacquiao will begin his training in Baguio City on April 16 along with Roach. Manny will heed Roach’s advice by lengthening his training camp in the United States at Roach’s Wild Card Gym in Hollywood. Training will begin in the United States on or around May 7. Pacquiao is already engaged in early morning jogging and light training.

Manny has made it clear that he wants to be impressive against Bradley and that he will not take him lightly.