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Manny Pacquiao: Nothing will be easy in Timothy Bradley rematch

Most felt that Manny Pacquiao won in his first fight with Timothy Bradley in 2012, including Manny Pacquiao. But the Filipino legend says it won't be easy to hand Bradley an official loss on April 12.

Scott Christ is the managing editor of Bad Left Hook and has been covering boxing for SB Nation since 2006.

At 35, how has your motivation to compete changed from earlier in your career?

"My motivation is the same now as it was when I started my boxing career. I love the competition and I love to win. When that stops, so does my professional boxing career. But I don't see that happening for a long time.

"Because I am facing Tim Bradley again I am extra motivated for this fight. I may not have won the decision the first time we fought but I know I did not lose that fight. I want the world title he won from me back around my waist. I want to prove I am the better fighter.

"Freddie Roach and Justin Fortune are asking more from me in this training camp than I have ever given before and as hard as that is to do, I am giving them everything they have asked of me. Too much is at stake for me and for my country. I want to end my career on a winning streak and against the best fighters.

"No one has ever defeated Tim Bradley during his professional career. I want to be the first name in his loss column. It will not be easy. Nothing at the world championship level is easy. I still have the hunger and the desire to win and I appreciate Tim Bradley giving me this rematch to prove it. Unfortunately for him, on April 12, I will not be able to repay him that favor with kindness."

24/7 Pacquiao/Bradley 2 premieres Saturday, March 29 at Midnight ET/PT on HBO. Show 2 debuts Saturday, April 5 at 11:30 p.m. ET/PT and show 3 debuts Thursday, April 10 at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT two nights before the high stakes welterweight title bout.

Pacquiao vs. Bradley 2 takes place Sat., April 12 live on pay-per-view beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

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