BRADLEY-PACQUIAO REMATCH NOT TOO TOUGH TO CALL
Manny Pacquiao-Tim Bradley
New York, NY– This weekend features the WBO welterweight (147 lb.) rematch bout between ex-champ Manny Pacquaio (53-5-2 38 KOs) and titleholder Timothy Bradley. Bradley is facing Pacquiao primarily because the majority of fans did not believe he deserved the nod in their controversial 2012 first bout. Since then, Bradley has gone on to defeat Juan Manuel Marquez and Ruslan Provodnikov, while Pacquiao was knocked out by Marquez and rebounded by defeating Brandon Rios in Macau, China. Putting the controversial first bout aside, it does appear that Manny is on the decline and Bradley is peaking, but this is boxing and anything can happen. Let’s explore who’s is more likely going to be a winner on Saturday night.
BRADLEY TO WIN AT ALL COSTS
Over the course of Tim Bradley’s career, I’ve been one to pick against him. I’ve seen him dropped and hurt on occasions by ESPN level talent on more than one occasion, and at times thought he was out on his feet. I didn’t think Bradley would beat Devon Alexander and I didn’t see him beating Manny the first time or even Marquez when they fought. The Provodnikov fight was one Bradley was “hurt” often. But Tim won all of the aforementioned bouts and has consistently done what needed to be done to win his contests. Simply put, Tim Bradley is a proven champion.
Marquez “Owned” By Bradley
PACQUIAO & PROVODNIKOV FIGHTS ONLY SCRATCHES
But if there is a blemish on Bradley’s resume, it is the controversial bout he won against Manny Pacquiao. While most would say Pacquiao won, Bradley himself believes that he won the fight, 8-4 in rounds. He also feels he beat Ruslan Provodnikov. Although I agree that Tim should not have won the Pacquiao fight, I can see that Manny was not as effective against Bradley as many generally believe. And Bradley also suffered injuries to both feet in the bout. But with public opinion against his favor, it’s up to Bradley to prove he can do what he hasn’t done, to beat Manny Pacqauio definitively.
IS IT FIRE OR FUMES REIGNITE PACQUIAO?
Manny Pacquiao was once thought of as the baddest man in the sport who’s only rival was Floyd Mayweather. But today he’s looking more like a fading star than the relentless pugilist who managed to gain belts in multiple weight divisions. Many have speculated that Manny has lost his passion and simply isn’t as focused on winning as he was in the past. Although Manny did well in rebounding from the Marquez knockout by defeating Brandon Rios, it does appear his ‘killer instinct’ has faded and he hasn’t knocked out an opponent in several years.
DO OR DIE FOR MANNY PACQUIAO
If Manny can’t defeat Bradley, it’s likely his career will essentially be over as he will have nothing left to prove and would have clearly lost the ability to compete with the elite in his division. Even with the Mayweather-Pacquiao bout looming, a decisive loss to Bradley, coupled with a stoppage from Marquez would destroy his credibility as a legitimate threat to Mayweather. If he wins, the Mayweather carrot can continue to be dangled and he’ll be able to squeeze a few more bouts out, even if they are rubber matches and recycled bouts from the not to distant past.
Pacquiao KO’d Two Fights Back
BRADLEY WIN GIVES HIM THE WORLD
If Timothy Bradley can decisively beat Manny Pacquiao, he’ll have a few options as an A-side fighter. Mainly rematches with Marquez and Provodnikov and potential stay busy fights against the likes of Brandon Rios, Mike Alvarado or Jesse Vargas. And if the promotional banners can come to a compromise, Bradley will have options including Floyd Mayweather across the street with Golden Boy and their fighters.
SO WHO WINS ON HBO PPV SATURDAY?
Although I can see this bout going in multiple directions, I believe the most likely is a UD for Timothy Bradley. At 30, he has a future as an undefeated fighter, and matches up well with many of the styles that can be placed in front of him. On the technical side, Bradley seems more focused and determined to win than Manny. If Bradley was able to compete with Pacquaio injured and sans suffering a knock down, he should be able to make any necessary adjustments to win on Saturday and cement his own legacy as an elite fighter in the sport.
Jarrad Woods