Juan Manuel Marquez knows Manny Pacquiao very well after engaging in four fights, and the Mexican gave a piece of advice to Timothy Bradley, who is set to defend his WBO welterweight title against the Filipino boxing icon.
Marquez, who knocked Pacquiao out cold in their fourth fight in December 2012, said that Bradley should not allow himself to trade blows with Pacquiao in their rematch on April 12 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Marquez fell into Pacquiao's trap during their first fight in 2004 when he traded punches with him, leading to three knockdowns in the opening round.
The Mexican boxing icon recovered in that bout with a more tactical approach, saving his title as he managed to force a draw.
"Bradley cannot allow himself to trade punches," Marquez said in interview, via BoxingScene. "He has to use his technique and speed as he's always done."
Marquez added, though, that Bradley should not be contented in running away from Pacquiao like what he did during their first fight, saying that the undefeated champion should also connect with a lot of punches in order to have a chance to retain his title.
"I have always said that an elusive fighter, who steps side to the side, can win fights. But you can't go backwards without throwing punches. Bradley has to connect with punches and box, use the skills that best suits his needs -- stepping to the side, speed, but connecting," Marquez said.
The 40-year-old Mexican, who is currently preparing for his upcoming showdown with Mike Alvarado on May 17, said that Bradley should pressure Pacquiao by boxing consistently, and by moving away every time Pacquiao tries to lure him into an exchange.
"Bradley has to get in there and box without stopping," Marquez said. "He has to use that technique, move, and not allow himself to get lured in to exchange punches. He has to use jab, hook, one-two combinations and move. That is what he should do and that is going to affect Manny Pacquiao a lot."
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