Pacquiao vs Bradley: Manny Says Only Floyd Mayweather Prevents Boxing's Mega-Fight

Timothy Bradley faces Manny Pacquiao on June 9 in Las Vegas, live on HBO pay-per-view, in the biggest fight of the 28-year-old American's career to date. In the weeks leading up to the fight, we'll have Q&A sessions with the fighters, courtesy HBO. Here's Pacquiao's third entry. See Also: Pacquiao's Concerns About Bradley's Headbutts and Problems With Marquez, Danger in Bradley.

At this point, what is keeping you and Floyd Mayweather Jr. from climbing into the ring together? Will the fight ever happen? How Important is to you being considered one of the best of all times when you career is over? What's that your goal when you started fighting 8 divisions below?

"The only thing preventing a fight between Floyd Mayweather and me is Floyd Mayweather. He no longer wants to split the pay-per-view revenue with me equally, something he agreed to in our first negotiation. Will the fight ever happen? It's up to Floyd. I hope it does. I'm a competitor and I enjoy a challenge. I know the fans want to see us fight. I think it would be good for boxing. As long as I continue fighting I will remain hopeful that the fight will take place.

"To be considered an all-time great is very important to me. Hopefully my story can inspire people to achieve their dreams. When I was growing up, watching Sugar Ray Leonard, Roy Jones Jr, and Larry Holmes fight inspired me to work harder and to become better. They still do inspire me. They were great. They were my heroes.

"I never dreamed that I would achieve as much as I have. I wouldn't even dare to dream of winning world titles in eight different weight divisions. My goal when I began boxing was to earn enough money for my family to make their lives easier and to win a world title - to be considered the best in my weight division. But as opportunities presented themselves - world title fights at higher weights against superstars - I worked harder and studied harder. Every victory was an incentive to do better in my next fight. I believe it is the responsibility of every boxer to put on a good show for the fans and themselves. It's the only way to grow and invest in the sport. Making boxing fans happy is a legacy that would make me proud."

Bradley Blogs
Week 1: Best and Worst Boxing Memories
Week 2: Life Away From the Ring
Week 3: Great to Fight Manny, Better to Win

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