By Dan Rafael
ESPN.com
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There is a reason why Manny Pacquiao is about a 5-to-1 favorite to retain his welterweight title against Timothy Bradley Jr. on Saturday night: because he's an all-time great fighter.

I recognize and appreciate all that Pacquiao has done, but past glory doesn't win fights. So although Pacquiao remains an excellent fighter -- one of the best -- he has looked slightly diminished in his recent fights, especially in his November trilogy match with Juan Manuel Marquez, a fight many strongly believe he lost. At best, Pacquiao looked as bad as he has in years.

I look at Bradley and see the livest 'dog in a Pacquiao fight that I've seen in years. Bradley has a lot going for him. First and foremost, he's an excellent fighter. He has won multiple junior welterweight titles, he's undefeated and, more important, he's undefeated against quality opponents.

He's a guy who went overseas to win his title, against Junior Witter, on the champion's British turf -- when Witter was still good. Bradley showed his heart and resiliency when he got off the deck twice against Kendall Holt, a tremendous puncher, and won to unify belts. Bradley also basically shut out Lamont Peterson, who later beat Amir Khan in a title fight. And Bradley won another unification fight, against Devon Alexander, taking his unbeaten record.

Bradley is also 28 -- five years younger than Pacman, who is entering his 60th fight. Bradley won't be troubled by moving up one division. Pacquiao is a small welterweight. The size, in this case, doesn't matter. Bradley is also close to his opponent in terms of speed, which is almost always a major Pacquiao advantage. Not in this fight.

When is the last time Pacquiao faced a quality younger man in his prime who could match his speed? You'll be thinking for a while.

Since moving up to junior welterweight and beyond, Pacquiao has etched great names on his ledger: Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto, Shane Mosley, Antonio Margarito and Ricky Hatton. Not one of them was in his prime when Pacquiao defeated them. Bradley is.

I also love Bradley's intangibles. This is his Super Bowl. This fight can change his life and make him a star. Talking to him, you almost feel as though he can taste it -- that's how badly he wants it. He is as up for this fight as any fighter I've ever seen.

Pacquiao? He's ready, but to him, I believe, this is just another fight. It's not in his top five, maybe not even his top 10, most significant fights of his career. That have-to-have-it attitude that Bradley has can make a world of a difference in a tight fight.

Pacquiao has a significant power advantage, but Bradley has good enough movement and quickness to avoid any prolonged toe-to-toe action that could put him in jeopardy. Bradley is intelligent and should be able to effectively pick his spots to gamble, but he won't deviate from the controlled game plan devised by underrated trainer Joel Diaz.

I believe this one will result in a close upset decision victory for Bradley. See you in November for the rematch.