Pacquiao will knock out Bradley, says trainer Robert Garcia

MANILA, Philippines – Boxing trainer Robert Garcia believes that Manny Pacquiao will punctuate his rivalry with Timothy Bradley Jr in convincing fashion as he expects the Filipino boxing icon to knock out the American pugilist in their rubber match on April 9.

According to Garcia, he feels that Pacquiao will seek a statement-making victory over Bradley as he plans to hang up his gloves for good to focus on his political career.

“I actually think for that one, I think Pacquiao’s going to come out and do what he hasn’t done with Bradley before and win by knockout,” Garcia said in an interview with HoopJab.com.

Pacquiao has tallied 38 knockouts in his 57 professional wins, but he has not stopped an opponent in the ring since November 2009 when he routed Miguel Cotto via twelfth-round technical knockout.

The 41-year-old boxing coach also shot down the notion that veteran trainer Teddy Atlas will make any difference in Bradley’s corner against Pacquiao.

Bradley acquired the services of Atlas to prepare him in his WBO welterweight title defense this past November. Their first match together produced a rare Bradley knockout win as he defeated Garcia’s fighter Brandon Rios by ninth-round stoppage.

Atlas, who has been working as a commentator for ESPN Boxing for more than a decade, had previously made his reputation as a tough disciplinarian who used strong language and emotional speeches to get the most out of underachieving boxers like Michael Moorer and Shannon Briggs.

“I don’t think there’s much of a difference. I think Pacquiao’s going to train hard and wants to look good and impress like he was doing 4 or 5 years ago,” Garcia stated.

Garcia is also no stranger to Pacquiao as he trained Antonio Margarito and Rios when both men fought the Pinoy southpaw in 2010 and 2013 respectively. – Rappler.com