Pacquiao had his shoulder surgery a few days after his historic fight against Floyd Mayweather last year to repair his right shoulder rotator cuff.
Pacquiao claimed he lost to Mayweather mainly because of the injury, which happened in the fourth round and during his training leading up to their May 2nd fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nev.
Now Pacquiao is saying he has fully recovered from the surgery. His adviser Michael Koncz has also confirmed Pacquiao’s successful rehab, saying Pacquiao’s orthopedic surgeon Dr.Neal ElAttrache has examined him and confirmed he’s ready to train for the April 9 fight.
“The doctor is very pleased with the way the shoulder has healed,” said Koncz, who was with Pacquiao during the week-long press tour in Los Angeles and New York last month.
But Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum and long-time trainer Freddie Roach sound like they are not exactly sure if indeed he had successful rehab.
Sensing Pacquiao’s injured shoulder may not be in top condition after less than a year of self-imposed therapy, Bradley has hinted he will do whatever it takes to win without exactly saying he will attack the 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 told BoxingScene.com.
No one can prevent Bradley from hitting his target. But targeting Pacquiao’s injured shoulder could lead to his knockout loss as Pacquiao will know if Bradley is going for it as planned, which could give Pacquiao an opening for an unobstructed power shot.
Even before they touch gloves in the opening round, Roach must have already told Pacquiao what to do in the event that Bradley would go for his specific target,
Bradley’s trainer Teddy Atlas must have scolded Bradley for telegraphing his punches by hinting on his fight plan. But even if Bradley goes for his target, it will be very difficult for him to hit a small target like Pacquiao’s shoulder because of his speed and mobility.
While it is tempting for Bradley to hit Pacquiao where it hurts most, It would be best for him to abort his plan or he could supper the consequences of his action.