MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao vs Timothy Bradley 3 it is.
Whether you like it or not, Bob Arum’s announcement that the 8-division champ from the Philippines will face Bradley for a third time all but seals the deal on this trilogy coming to Las Vegas on April 9. Detractors will assert with much credibility that a third fight isn’t necessary, as there is no unfinished business between them.
Bradley (33-1-1, 13 knockouts) won a controversial split-decision in their first fight in 2012, a decision that was panned universally. Even Teddy Atlas, who currently trains Bradley, said of the judges at the time: “It’s either corruption or incompetence.”
Highlights of Pacquiao-Bradley I (June 9, 2012)
In their second fight in 2014, the judges at least got it right, awarding Pacquiao (57-6-2, 38 KOs) a unanimous decision win. The fight was more competitive the second time around, with Bradley stunning Pacquiao with a counter right hand in the early goings before Pacquiao’s activity took over the fight.
Highlights of Pacquiao-Bradley II (April 12, 2014)
Now both fighters are a little older (Pacquiao is 37, Bradley is 32) with a few new wrinkles to their careers. Pacquiao has stated this will be his last bout as he prepares to focus full-time on a political career, while Bradley looks rejuvenated under his new trainer after scoring a knockout of Brandon Rios. ? Rappler.com
