No slaps to the face or spit in the eye for these two fighters. Not even an overturned desert dish at the Hudson River catering hall— just plain old respect.
For reporters looking for something to spice up the upcoming June 9 world welterweight title fight in Las Vegas it seemed more like vanilla pudding.
The fighters complimented each other from the dais then stood face-to-face and smiled.
It was a repeat of the civilized press conference they held two days earlier in Beverly Hills— where the most excitement was when Pacquiao snatched a photographer's camera and took snapshots of his opponent.
Maybe the only thing that can motivate Pacquiao these days is Floyd Mayweather Jr..
Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach had a better explanation and said his fighter "has changed."
"Manny has really found God," he said.
"No more gambling, no more drinking, no more nothing," he said.
Asked if he was concerned that Pacquiao didn't finish off any of his opponents over his last four fights and Pacquiao's new-found pacifism could affect his bout with Bradley, Roach didn't sound worried.
"Yeah. He could have definitely knocked out two, but didn't want to hurt them," said Roach. "He's a compassionate person. He won't embarrass them, but I tell him every fight to get a knock out so there won't be any questions asked."
Roach claims Pacquiao hasn't lost any of his killer instinct in the ring and will bring it when necessary.
"Bradley is not the type to be your friend in there," he said.
"Bradley comes out aggressive. It's going to be a fast start," said Roach. "He doesn't know how hard Manny punches and once he feels that power— we'll get him. It will take a while to break this guy down."
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