THE speculation has begun. But frankly, I am worried why Timothy Bradley?s (33-1, 13Kos) name has cropped up again.
While Bradley did well against Brandon Rios last month, stopping him inside nine rounds, I find no compelling argument for a third fight.
DESERT STORM. The first fight?s verdict will forever go down as one of the worst decisions in recent boxing history. Though ?Desert Storm? did have his moments, Manny clearly won majority of the rounds and this fact was universally recognized by most fans and spectators ringside.
In the rematch, the Pacman thoroughly dominated, winning by unanimous decision with wide margins.
Ergo, even though the record books will indicate they are 1-1 against each other, those statistics do not accurately reflect what actually transpired in the ring when these two warriors fought each other for 24 rounds.
Bradley?s a good fighter and he resonates good vibes with his Christian values and humble persona. But those don?t win you opportunities that should be earned through meritocracy.
What I find not to my liking is that the choice of Bradley might be an indication that Manny?s team wants him to take it easy or wants a sure victory on his retirement fight.
OTHERS. I still maintain that Pacquiao has a score to settle with Juan Manuel Marquez and even though the latter has reportedly declined a fifth bout- in boxing money talks and I?m quite surprised Pacquiao?s team hasn?t pursued this option with more fervor.
Then there?s Amir Khan. Sure he?s exultant and self applauding, but he was Manny?s sparring partner for a couple of years, and that may account for something when you factor in style familiarity and a common trainer in Freddie Roach.
Or how about Terence Crawford (27-0, 19K0s) who looked spectacular in that 10 round stoppage victory of Dierry Jean last October.
Crawford is fast, strong and talented who can switch seamlessly from orthodox to southpaw mid-fight. After that fight, promoter Bob Arum conceded Crawford had a slot in the Pacquiao sweepstakes in April of next year.
Crawford is a risky proposition though if you are Pacman?s handlers as he is an enigma with a lot more to gain and less to lose.
To me, a far more interesting and fan-friendly matchup would be against Russian banger Ruslan Provodnikov. (25-4, 18 KOs) He is never in a bad fight, and the ferocity level in the ring would be amped up to the max should these two gladiators clash.
Providnikov won his last fight against Jesus Rodriguez last month, but in April, he lost a highly-entertaining donnybrook against Lucas Mathysse and so this might affect his viability as an opponent.
VERBATIM. ? I need to beat this chick.Who knows if I?m going to pop my teeth out or break my jaw or rip my lip open again. I have to f***ing do it.
-Ronda Rousey (ESPN Interview)
LAST ROUND. It?s on my lovely cuz, Janice Fabroa- Kintanar, who recently celebrated her birthday. Cheers! ([email protected])
