Manny Pacquiao is set to take on Timothy Bradley this Saturday in a matchup that may become a springboard to a mega fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. While Pacquiao's superstardom was borne more of his fists and in-ring performances, he's always had a little help from trainer Freddie Roach's mind games.

Pacman will "hunt down" Bradley on Saturday

In the first fight with Bradley, which "Desert Storm" won via a very controversial decision, Bradley claimed to have badly injured both of his feet as a result of not wearing socks. That bizarre claim prompted Roach to mail Bradley a box of socks with a taunting message attached.

"Is it really your feetal (sic) position that these injuries occurred because you did not wear socks?" Roach wrote. "Though many members of the media think this excuse sounds like a hose job, I for one do believe you. To me, you are boxing's No. 1 sox symbol. Please think of me not as your arch nemesis but as your sole supporter. I hope the enclosed gift helps with the heeling process."

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The ploy is a clever one, but Bradley fired back with his own barbs that questioned Pacman's ability to generate knockouts. When was the last time you saw him knock somebody out?" Bradley asked.

"He had a guy sitting in front of him - a tough guy (Rios) - and he couldn't get rid of him. I think it was the last round he had Rios trapped in the corner and you saw Manny take his foot off the gas pedal and it was unbelievable to me.

"In our fight I had two wounded feet and he couldn't take me out. Manny Pacquiao used to come in blazing and knock guys out. He didn't mess around. Now it looks like he's more compassionate towards his opponents and that's not good for boxing."

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