CATHEDRAL CITY — Like most fight fans, WBO welterweight champion Timothy Bradley said he was dazzled by Juan Manuel Marquez?s knockout victory over Manny Pacquiao on Saturday night, and snuck in his own not-so-veiled message. ?Every dog has its day and Karma?s a bitch,? Bradley said laughing.
The loss is the second consecutive for Pacquiao, who was the fighter of the decade. Pacquiao lost a split decision to Bradley in June in what many have called controversial.
Instead of a rematch with Bradley, Pacquiao elected to fight Marquez a fourth time after three close fights. This one was the most decisive in the Pacquiao-Marquez series.
?Marquez is a bad dude,? Bradley said. ?When I saw him at the weigh in, I was like wow. I?ve never seen him look that thick. I had to go with him. When he landed that overhand right (in the third), then it was on.
?And in the sixth, he landed that hellacious right hand that was unbelievable. It unbelievable finish. The fight was unbelievable. … Pacquiao went for the kill and got caught in the process.?
As for Bradley, he has targeted a return to the ring in February, but he?s still searching for an opponent.
Bradley said he would welcome a fight against Marquez, saying it would make sense.
But Bradley said it was a tremendous fight and applauded the fighters for the show they put on.
?It was a great fight for Marquez who is one hell of a fighter,? Bradley said. ?I?m so happy for the Mexican people and the fans around the world.?
As for what?s next for Pacquiao, Bradley said he?s still a big draw and fans will still pay big money to watch him.
?A knockout like this won?t dampen his drawing power,? Bradley said. ?People still love and respect him. He?ll probably come back, and probably fight Marquez again (laughing).
?But I thank them for putting on a good fight for the fans, with me being a fight fan. They did a good job.?
