Bradley's trainer blames self for loss to Pacquiao

LAS VEGAS – Timothy Bradley’s resurgence under new trainer Teddy Atlas has been a key factor in driving interest in his third meeting with Manny Pacquiao on Saturday (Sunday in Manila).

Bradley had been harping about how he’s become a better fighter under the tutelage of Atlas, also a known trainer of champions. It showed when he stopped Brandon Rios – something Pacquiao wasn’t able to do – when they fought last year.

But the duo failed to repeat the success against Pacquiao at the MGM Grand Garden Arena here, where Bradley went down twice en route to losing a decision to trail in their head-to-head series.

When Atlas told reporters at the post-fight conference that the setback was on him, Bradley quickly intervened.

“Listen, I came up short,”  Atlas admitted.

“Coach, you didn't (fail). Come on,” Bradley countered.

But Atlas was keen on putting the blame on him.

“I didn't serve my fighter enough,” the veteran trainer added.

Regardless of whose fault it was, it’s clear that Pacquiao had an effective game plan heading into the match. He landed flurries when he and Bradley engaged each other at close quarters. He responded to Bradley’s combinations with left straights.

“Manny was drawing me in. He was waiting on me to lounge so he can counter me,” Bradley recounted.

“I should have should've gotten the jab working, but he was always a step ahead of me,” the American contunued

In the end, Bradley and Atlas somehow pointed to the man on the opposite corner as the one responsible for their failure.

“Give credit to Manny. He was terrific,” said Atlas.