A recent survey revealed boxing’s reigning pound-for-pound champion, Manny Pacquiao, should fight Timothy Bradley next.
Hardcore boxing fans, or at least the majority of those voting on the survey, do not want Floyd Mayweather Jr., Antonio Margarito or Miguel Cotto matched against the Filipino super star. Instead most like what they see in a matchup between two pint-sized destroyers, Bradley and Pacquiao.
Bradley is hedging his bets.
“I want to fight the best fighters in the world. Manny Pacquiao or even Floyd Mayweather,” said Bradley (26-0, 11 KOs) during a press conference on Saturday following his unanimous decision over welterweight slugger Luis Carlos Abregu.
That same night, a proposed midnight deadline to negotiate a megafight between undefeated Mayweather and Pacquiao dissolved into explanations and rationalizations by Bob Arum, the president of Top Rank, the company that conducted the survey and promotes Pacquiao.
The general sports fan is just beginning to take notice of Palm Springs’ Bradley. Last Saturday’s victory by the “Desert Storm” proved that he can compete in the 147-pound weight division.
Though Bradley is one of the top seven boxers pound for pound at the moment, his fame is just now growing. With the help of Saturday’s bout, shown on HBO, Bradley is finally generating interest from the national media.
“I’ve never seen so many media people before,” said Bradley, 26, at the post-fight press conference at Rancho Mirage’s Agua Caliente Casino. More than three dozen reporters attended the Bradley fight. “It’s nice to see.”
Bradley may be becoming a fan favorite because of his willingness to take on any fighter.
“If the money is right,” said Bradley, with timing as near perfect as one of his combinations.
Is it too early to see Bradley in a megafight with Pacquiao?
Even Bradley knows he doesn’t have the same name recognition as Mayweather, Cotto or Margarito. But he’s getting closer.
Bradley hopes the recent survey convinces Pacquiao and his promoter that maybe there is a sparkle to a Bradley-Pacman fight.
“He’s one of the most likeable kids I’ve ever come across,” said Cameron Dunkin, who has managed dozens and dozens of former and current world champions. “What makes him special is he will fight anybody. I’ve never seen anyone like him.”
Right now the casual sports fan wants Mayweather to fight Pacquiao on the proposed Nov. 13 date in Las Vegas. Boxing experts predict that fight could generate more than 2.5 million pay-per-views and set a box-office record as well.
But will their battle be worth the bill? What most boxing fans fail to realize is that great matchups don’t necessarily translate into great fights.
“You know me and Pacquiao or me and Mayweather will be worth watching,” said Bradley with the usual smile. “I’m a risk taker. I don’t care if I lose.”
Gary Shaw, who co-promotes Bradley with Thompson Boxing Promotions, said he hopes Top Rank doesn’t match Pacquiao with one of its own boxers (Cotto or Margarito).
“Tear down those walls,” shouted Shaw.
The fans in the survey are shouting for Bradley to fight Pacquiao.
