Tim Bradley W SD12 Manny Pacquiao
Tim Bradley shocked the boxing world with a head scratching split decision victory over Manny Pacquiao moments ago in Las Vegas as seen live on HBO PPV. It was a stunning verdict as HBO and everyone in the press had Pacquiao winning by near shut out scores. It was a one sided beating in which Pacquiao backed an innefective Bradley up in nearly every round. FightFan.com?s Ace Freeman had it ten rounds to two for Pacquiao.
In the opening round Bradley boxed well early but after an even first couple of minutes Pacquiao landed some big shots in the closing moments. The California native was busier early on but Pacquiao had a visible edge in power which was underlined when he landed several big straight lefts that Bradley had no answer for. Pacquiao became more and more accurate as the rounds went on and in the closing moments of Round 4 Manny landed some big shots as Bradley crouched that had him hurt and on unsteady legs. Bradley looked in trouble but survived the round. In the fifth Pacquiao rang Bradley?s bell again as it became abundantly clear Tim?s style of inside fighting would be hard pressed to work in tight with Manny.
In the middle rounds Manny cruised through the first two minutes of each stanza before unleashing his fury in the final sixty seconds. Bradley was game in spots and tried to stand and trade with Manny but each time he did the speed and power disadvantages lead to him eating a lot of leather.
Bradley began to back off for the most part and was unable to mount much offense while doing so. Manny would jab and throw his left when Bradley retreated and got the better of him any time they were in close.
To his credit Bradley ate some good punches and stood up to them well and perhaps won a round or two late as Pacquiao elected to cruise to the finish line with (what he thought was) a huge lead in tact.
After twelve one sided rounds were complete Pacquiao was ahead on only one card by a score of 115-113 while Bradley was ahead 115-113 on the other two.
The arena was stunned. Stay tuned.
