Manny Pacquiao (56-5-2, 38 KOs) clearly won a twelve round unanimous decision over Timothy Bradley (31-1, 12 KOs) on Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. All three judges had it for Pacquiao, 118-110, 116-112 and 116-112, as he regained his welterweight world title and handed Bradley his first defeat.
Nearly two years ago, Bradley won by split decision, which sparked widespread criticism of the judges and an investigation by the Nevada Attorney General’s office.
“I knew I had to do more in this fight than I did in the last fight,” said Pacquiao, who came with 32 stitches in his left eyebrow at the post-fight press conference.
Pacman was cut over the left eye by a headbutt in the last 30 seconds of the fight. Pacquiao outworked Bradley and landed the better punches. Though he did not win by knockout he was more aggressive than he has been in recent bouts.
“He gave me a good fight. He’s not that easy,” Pacquiao said. “I listened to my corner about keeping my hands up and timing. He threw a lot of punches. He threw wide, wide, wide hooks. I got hit one time and said it’s not good to be careless.”
Bradley said he was hampered by a right calf injury in the first round, but he did not make excuses. He was a sportsman and gave Pacquiao credit for the victory.
“I have no excuses,” Bradley said. “Stuff happens. I got nothing to say about it. You can’t say nothing against Manny. I lost to one of the best fighters in the world. Manny fought his heart out. I tip my hat to his whole corner, Freddie Roach and his whole team.”
What’s next for Pacquiao? Forget the eternally discussed mega-fight with Floyd Mayweather. The blood feud between Top Rank/HBO and Golden Boy/Showtime/Mayweather is at an all-time high
Pacquiao said he could probably fight for another two years and wouldn’t mind a fifth fight with Marquez next. “But it’s up to my promoter Bob Arum.”
In a clash for the vacant NABO lightweight title, Ray Beltran (29-6-1, 17 KOs) won a tough, gritty twelve round unanimous decision over Arash Usmanee (20-2-1, 10 KOs). Usmanee, who came in as a late replacement for Rocky Martinez, got off to a good start, but Beltran began to wear him down as the bout progressed. Scores were 118-110, 117-111, 117-111.
That dude Bradley needed to lose this one his over-confidence leading up to the fight was extremely annoying. Side note Manny’s mom’s voodoo may have played a part with Tim’s “injury” lol.
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