Pacquiao, Bradley make weight before big fight

LAS VEGAS — Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao comfortably made the weight for his farewell fight against Timothy Bradley Friday as anticipation built toward their Las Vegas showdown. In front of several thousand fans crammed into the MGM Grand Garden Arena, a smiling Pacquiao (57-6-2) tipped the scales at 145.5 pounds, half a pound heavier than his weight for his last fight against Floyd Mayweather in May last year. Bradley, 33-1-1, was a pound heavier at 146.5, well within the 147-pound limit for Saturday’s non-title welterweight bout. The two fighters — who have twice gone the distance before, with one victory apiece — waved to fans before squaring up to each other for the cameras. Pacquiao, 37, is bidding to crown his 21-year career with an explosive performance before hanging up his gloves to concentrate on a political career in the Philippines. “Expect more action than the last fights we had,” said Pacquiao. Bradley, the California-based fighter known as the “Desert Storm,” heads into Saturday’s contest with renewed confidence after changing trainers and hiring the experienced Teddy Atlas last year. The 32-year-old looked in formidable shape as he stripped down for the cameras before shrugging off the largely pro-Pacquiao crowd. “I think there’s going to be a lot of disappointed fans tomorrow night,” Bradley said. Pacquiao promises action Pacquiao promised to deliver an action-packed finale to his career. “Expect more action that the last fights we had,” said Pacquiao. The 32-year-old from California shrugged off catcalls from the largely pro-Pacquiao crowd, telling the audience: “I think there’s going to be a lot of disappointed fans tomorrow night.” “I cannot say that I’m not going to come back,” Pacquiao said this week, explaining that his mindset may change once he faces up to life without the sport that has made him fabulously rich and a national hero. “I don’t know how I’ll feel when I hang up my gloves,” he added. Those closest to Pacquiao, including his long-time trainer Freddie Roach and the veteran promoter Bob Arum, believe he may yet return. Arum said Pacquiao could be persuaded to prolong his career if he scores a spectacular victory over Bradley. “I think if he wins this fight well, he’s going to find a way to continue,” Arum said.