Dubai: Record holder Manny Pacquiao defends his World Boxing Organization welterweight title in a fight with unbeaten challenger Timothy Bradley Jr on Saturday (Sunday in the UAE).
The match is widely anticipated, mainly by fans waiting to see if Pacquiao still has the drive to dominate the ring.
The boxer has recently turned to Bible studies and has said he plans to retire soon after God told him to do so in a dream.
His latest fight (expected to begin at around 5am in the UAE) is scheduled for 12 rounds at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach, said the Filipino boxing icon would be fighting to regain some luster after his controversial majority decision over Juan Manuel Marquez last November.
"Manny's motivation is his last fight. We had the first bad fight we had in 11 years," Roach told AFP. "He wants to prove to the world he's not washed up."
Pacquiao has won world titles in eight weight divisions, building a record of 54-3 with two drawn and 38 knockouts. Bradley is a 5-1 underdog despite his unbeaten record of 28-0 with 12 knockouts.
"He's worn out, tired, I can see it in his eyes, the wrinkles," Bradley said of Pacquiao. "This boy's not ready for me."
With input from wires
