Atlas has been discreet about his fight strategy in the early stage of Bradley’s training but in a recent interview he talked about confronting Pacquiao’s natural speed in a controlled and calculated manner.
“Speed and power are always the key for Pacquiao- that makes him dynamic. For us, speed will be an important part of the equations, but calculated and controlled speed,” Atlas said.
Atlas also talked about Pacquiao’s injury in the Mayweather fight and he doesn’t see Pacquiao struggling with age on fight night.
“I didn’t see any influence from injury in the Mayweather fight. When he had to throw that hand, he did without wincing or discomfort. As for age, I haven’t seen any dissipation and I don’t expect any now,” he said.
Atlas said he has watched Pacquiao-Bradley fight tapes and he saw his fighter’s mistakes which he intends to correct. Asked how he intends to address it, he says Bradley shouldn’t ‘allow Pacquiao to control the pace or rhythm of the fight.’
Atlas has not talked about earlier statement by Bradley hinting he might attack Pacquiao’s injured shoulder.
Boxing Scene asked Bradley if he will target Pacquiao’s injured shoulder when they face each other in the ring on Paril 9 and Bradley hinted he will.
“I think the answer would be – what would you do? C’mon lets think here. You are a smart guy. What would you do? Would you target that shoulder? What would you do? I will do whatever it takes to win,” Bradley said
Meanwhile, Pacquiao along with longtime trainer Freddie Roach and other members of Pacquiao’s training camp in the Philippines are set to fly to the US on Saturday. March 12 (Phl time) for the second and final phase of training leading up to the night of the fight on April 9.
