Boxing
Pacquiao denies being affected by delay to watch Celtics-Heat
Reuters
Filipino fight icon Manny Pacquiao’s final preparations for his fight against Timothy Bradley was delayed after the champion watched the conclusion of Game Seven of the Eastern Conference championship between the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat.
Pacquiao, a Celtics fan, watched his favorite NBA team lose the game, before beginning his preparations, which included stretching his calf on the treadmill before the fight. The same calf has been affected by cramps in two previous fights, hampering Pacquiao.
This resulted in a slight delay of the match, which saw Bradley winning by a split decision. The American fighter seemed to come out with more energy to start the match, although Pacquiao found his form shortly afterwards.
After the match, Pacquiao denied any effect from the delays.
“I was very warmed up before I go up to the ring,” said Pacquiao, who gave credit to Bradley.
“He’s not an easy opponent, he’s very strong, he was undefeated.”
But while he said he respected the judges’ decision, Pacquiao begged to disagree.
“I feel like I won the fight.”
