LAS VEGAS — Saturday’s marquee indicates a third go-round in a would-be rivalry between Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley. And given the consensus one-sided nature of the first two bouts, you have to hand it to the Top Rank promotional machine for another round of pay-per-view relevance.
?This is a different Timothy Bradley under the aegis of Teddy Atlas,? Arum said at the official fight announcement in December. ?This is not me just saying that. The Bradley who fought Rios, whatever you thought about Rios, was a different fighter. It’s still Bradley, but a new Bradley with Teddy. And at this point of his career, can Manny handle that? Remember, Manny is also coming off an injury.?
And there, in five dozen words, is a storyline.
Thanks to the corner work of Atlas, a nine-round battering of Brandon Rios has been hyped into a Hall-of-Fame-worthy accomplishment for Bradley. Meanwhile, Pacquiao, whose dinged-up right shoulder was first considered grounds for a rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr., is now being sold as just damaged enough to believe a guy he’s whipped twice might have a chance to level the playing field.
Still, regardless of who wins, neither will be a champion.
Pacquiao handed the WBO welterweight title to Bradley in June 2012 before getting it back 22 months later, but the only hardware up for grabs this time is the organization’s mid-level International title. That’s because Bradley — who regained the full-fledged title after Mayweather was stripped — was quickly forced to surrender it when he chose another Pacquiao fight over a date with Sadam Ali.
Ali got his shot last month and was dumped in nine rounds by Jessie Vargas.
And as for the WBO, its president, Francisco Valcarcel, insists there are no hard feelings.
He replied to Bradley’s abdication by promising a “special” trinket to Saturday’s winner.
“Do know that we wholly understand your decision and commend you for always giving fans the best fights possible and doing what is best for your career at this important juncture,? Valcarcel wrote.
?You have been an outstanding, honorable and loyal WBO junior welterweight and welterweight champion of the world and the doors of the WBO will always be open for you. Finally, I am pleased to inform you that we are preparing a special recognition for the Pacquiao vs. Bradley III winner — two remarkable fighters and worthy ambassadors to the WBO. Wishing you all the best.?
The main event will top a four-bout HBO pay-per-view card that will go live at 9 p.m. ET.
Preceding Pacquiao and Bradley on the broadcast are a WBO super middleweight (168 pounds) title bout between champion Arthur Abraham and No. 1-ranked challenger Gilberto Ramirez, a 10-rounder at 126 pounds matching Oscar Valdez and Evgeny Gradovich and a 10-rounder at 140 pounds between Jose Ramirez and Manny Perez.Pacquiao vs. Bradley Fight Card Favorite Challenger Weightclass Manny Pacquiao (-250) Timothy Bradley (+195) Welterweight Gilberto Ramirez (-225) Arthur Abraham (+175) Super Middleweight Oscar Valdez (-900) Evgeny Gradovich (+550) Featherweight Jose Ramirez (-1200) Manuel Perez (+700) Super lightweight
When it comes to betting, Pacquiao is again a favorite. It’ll take a $250 wager to return $100 on him this time at VegasInsider.com, while a $100 outlay on Bradley would return $195 for an upset.Tale of the Tape Manny Pacquiao Timothy Bradley Record 57-6-2, 38 KOs 33-1-1, 13 KOs Height 5-foot-5 1/2 5-foot-6 Weight 147* 147* Stance Southpaw Orthodox Hometown General Santos City, Philippines Palm Springs, California Age 37 32
How does Pacquiao win?
Pacquiao used smart pressure and stinging power to win 18 of the first 24 rounds these two have fought, so it’s not difficult to imagine it going the same way again. Provided his right shoulder is back where it needs to be after the Mayweather disappointment — and assuming 11 months off at this stage of his career isn’t fatal — simply being Manny Pacquiao is good enough to handle most opponents.
How does Bradley win?
After two failed outings against the same foe, clearly the burden of proof is on Bradley. The arrival of Atlas certainly adds a wrinkle, provided the fighter follows the instructions and isn’t lured into a slugging match the first time he gets tagged. Similar to Mayweather’s recipe last May, the duller the fight is, the better chance he’s got. He’s younger, he’s skilled and he’s getting the third chance at the right time.
Prediction: Bradley by close decision
Bradley is a good fighter. He’s a dedicated athlete. And he’s a smart guy. But perhaps most of all, he’s driven to reach a historical level that Pacquiao has already long since attained. That fuel ? along with the between-rounds shrieks from Atlas — should keep him on task in the midst of the Filipino’s constant aggression. That means a boxing match more than a brawl. And that’s good news for Bradley.
