Bradley ‘loses’ memory of two knockdowns

LAS VEGAS — Timothy Bradley needed to watch a video replay to remember the two times Manny Pacquiao dropped him to the canvas.

Bradley candidly told HBO’s Max Kellerman in an interview at ringside that he couldn’t recall the two defining moments of the fight, which drew 14,665 at MGM Grand Garden Arena here.

“Honestly man, I can’t remember,” Bradley said, eliciting a laugh from the audience.

Kellerman showed him a replay of the two knockdowns to refresh his memory. After watching the first, Bradley said it wasn’t a pure knockdown, adding that he got pulled down by Pacquiao after getting hit.

The second knockdown, however, stole the words from his mouth.

“Oooh!” Bradley said, as if the memory also made him remember the pain of the vicious punch that sent him tumbling, literally, backwards in the ninth round.

Despite the twin knockdowns and loss, the American boxer was in good spirits, refusing to be broken by his failure to conquer the eight-division champion on his third try.

“You win some you lose some. I’m okay. I’m happy,” Bradley said in the post-fight presser.

The Californian warrior, who still has a lot left in the tank at 32 years old, is not turning his back on boxing just yet.

“I got beat by a legend, but I’ll be back. This is not going to stop me.”

However, he has has no plans of a stepping back in the ring anytime soon after the two-month gruelling build up for this fight, which had him away from his family.

“I wanna take some time off. I’m gonna enjoy my family. I wanna enjoy my beach house in San Diego. I wanna relax, kick my feet up before thinking about what’s next, that’s what we’re going to do.”

Once his memory of the knockdown is fully restored, he’s probably not going to use the phrase “kick my feet up” too much though.
RELATED VIDEO

source: sports.inquirer.net

Arum: Pacquiao doesn’t need KO to impress

LAS VEGAS — Manny Pacquiao need not knock Timothy Bradley out to be impressive Saturday (Sunday in Manila).

All the Filipino ring icon must do is dominate Bradley in the same manner that he demolished Chris Algieri, according to Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum.

“There’s no need for that (knockout),” said Arum. “If he can stagger Bradley or put him down several times like what he did to Algieri, then that’s impressive.”

If that happens, Arum is ready to begin the long road to convincing Pacquiao to put off his retirement plans or at least consider a comeback next year.

Arum, who initially was adamant that Pacquiao wouldn’t retire after the Bradley fight, started hedging on his belief Friday.

“I can feel that he is really serious about retirement,” Arum told Manila-based sportswriters in an interview at the press center of Pacquiao-Bradley III at MGM Grand Garden.

“There’s no more hunger and he is focused on what he’s going to do for his country and family after leaving boxing.”
“If before he was joking as to who he wants to fight next, he’s not mentioning anything to me now,” added the 84-year-old Arum.

If Pacquiao succeeds against Bradley and Arum can convince the Filipino champion to fight on, the promoter insists the next bout should be against a top-tier opponent like the retired Floyd Mayweather Jr. or Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez in April next year.

“There’s no ordinary Pacquiao fight if ever, it should be against Mayweather.”

Arum is holding hope that a resounding win by Pacquiao will catch Mayweather’s attention and lure the unbeaten American to come out of retirement.

“A grudge rematch between the most recognizable fighters of their generation should be huge,” said Arum, a Harvard-educated lawyer who’s been involved in boxing for 50 years.

Mayweather-Pacquiao shattered several boxing records, including the pay-per-view buys (4.5 million) and live gate receipts ($72 million), last May 2 and if the second edition did half as well, then Arum would be happy.

source: sports.inquirer.net

‘Pacquiao greatest fighter of his era’

NEW YORK City—When Manny Pacquaio retires, what will be his boxing legacy?

The world’s only eight-division world champion, Fighter of the Decade for 2000 to 2009, or perhaps pound for pound king.

Trainer Freddie Roach feels his prized ward deserves a more encompassing accolade.

“Pacquiao is the greatest fighter of his era thus far,” Roach said in an interview after the second press conference of Pacquiao versus Timothy Bradley III at Madison Square Garden Thursday afternoon.

Roach may be biased, but certainly Pacquiao’s reign starting in the flyweight division up to the junior middleweight class will be beyond reach of any of his contemporaries or other rising stars.

In an illustrious career spanning 21 years, Pacquiao also won the super-feather, lightweight, super welterweight, super-welterweight (WBC), super-bantam (International Boxing Federation), feather, super-lightweight and welterweight titles.

Pacquiao’s record went 24-1-2 during the decade, winning six of his eight world titles, while emerging as the pound-for-pound king.

In addition, Pacquiao became a box-office sensation, (raking in millions of dollars) in gate receipts and pay-per-view buys.

That was Pacquiao at the top for a long time.

He was so dominant that whenever he fights, Roach will always predict a knockout victory.

And Pacquiao, almost always, will deliver.

He knocked out David Diaz, Oscar dela Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto on Nov. 14, 2009.

Since then, however, Pacquiao has failed to stop 10 of his last opponents and even incurred three losses, including a disputed split-decision loss to Bradley on June 9, 2012.

That’s why, Roach, a seven-time trainer of the year, isn’t announcing a knockout prediction yet on Pacquiao-Bradley III on Aprl 9 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Roach told Manila-based sportswriters, however, that for the first time it was Manny who first talked about knocking out Bradley this time.

For his part, Roach would settle for any form of farewell victory.

“A win is a win, but I expect Manny to be at his best this time,” Roach added.

Roach, however, wouldn’t stand in the way of Pacquiao’s retirement plants, which he reiterated in the second stop for their two-city promotional tour that kicked off at Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles.

“It’s really hard to be a boxer and senator at the same time,” added Roach. “There are more responsibilities than being a congressman.”

source: sports.inquirer.net

Pacquiao wins unanimous decision vs Bradley to reclaim WBO title

LAS VEGAS/MANILA — Revenge was served, and it was cold.

Manny Pacquiao won a 12-round unanimous decision over Timothy Bradley on Saturday to avenge his controversial 2012 loss to the previously unbeaten American.

The Filipino ring icon improved to 56-5 with two drawn and 38 wins inside the distance as he regained the World Boxing Organization welterweight world title he lost to Bradley on June 9, 2012.

Although he couldn’t get his first knockout win since 2009, Pacquiao lived up to his pre-fight promise to come out with more aggression, denying Bradley’s avowed aim of sending him into retirement with another defeat.

“I think I can go another two years,” said Pacquiao, who has won world titles in an unprecedented eight weight divisions. “I’m so happy to be world champion again. Tim Bradley was not an easy fight.”

Bradley, who said he fought from the first round with a right calf injury, fell to 31-1, with 12 knockouts.

“Life goes on,” Bradley said of his first pro defeat. “It’s back to the gym. Not a big deal.”

“You won the fight, you deserved the win,” Bradley said. “I have no excuses.”

After a forgetful 2012, Pacquiao has now picked up two impressive wins in just five months following a dominant victory over Mexican-American Brandon Rios last November at the Venetian in Macau.

Scorecard

Judge Glen Trowbridge scored the bout 118-110 for Pacquiao, while both Michael Pernick and Canada’s Craig Metcalf saw it 116-112 for the ‘Pacman,’ whose every move was cheered by the star-studded crowd of 15,601 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

“Bradley is better from the first fight,” Pacquiao said. “He hurt me on the chin. He made adjustments.

“I knew I had to do more this time than I did the last time,” he added.

Pacquiao landed 35 percent of his 563 punches, while Bradley connected with just 22 percent of his 627 blows. Pacquiao’s jab was much more effective, landing 23 percent to Bradley’s measly 11 percent, and the Pacman had a slight edge in landing 148 power punches to Bradley’s 109.

Round by round

Pacquiao’s performance righted one of the biggest perceived wrongs in recent boxing history. Pacquiao was an eight-division world champion on 15-fight winning streak when Bradley was awarded a split decision in their last bout.

Pacquiao was more aggressive and accurate from the opening minutes of the rematch, sticking to trainer Freddie Roach’s pleas to take the action to Bradley. They exchanged big shots in the opening rounds, but Pacquiao appeared to wear out Bradley with the heavy early pace — and the Pacman never slowed down.

Pacquiao landed a series of big left hands in the early rounds, knocking back Bradley with gusto.

Bradley responded impressively in the fourth round, wobbling Pacquiao twice with a right hand.

The pace slowed in the fifth, with Bradley showing off his defense and movement while Pacquiao attempted to trap him against the ropes.

Pacquiao appeared to wobble Bradley late in the seventh round with a vicious combination, but Bradley stood with his back against the ropes and defiantly encouraged it, blocking most of the shots. Bradley appeared to pretend to have wobbly legs at one point after a Pacquiao miss, but his open mouth betrayed his weariness while Pacquiao steadily racked up rounds midway through the fight.

Bradley came on strong in the 12th, and the fighters’ heads collided late in the round. Pacquiao avoided any trouble until the final bell, when he did a short dance step to his corner.

Pacquiao finished the fight with a cut over his left eye. Roach said Pacquiao needed stitches to close the jagged cut.

Old ‘killer instinct’

Saturday’s victory showcased more of the old “killer instinct,” with Bradley saying it was clear that Pacquiao was “going for it”.

But Roach said Bradley’s unexpected strategy of seeking a big knockout blow of his own caught him and Pacquiao by surprise.

“He was swinging for the fences all night,” Roach said of Bradley, who said he thought it was the only way he could win the fight.

But as the pace slowed in the later rounds, Pacquiao dominated, putting together multi-punch combinations that kept Bradley off balance.

“I tried, I really tried,” said Bradley. “I wanted that knockout. I kept trying to throw something over the top, that’s what the plan was.”

But Bradley trainer Joel Diaz said he knew the plan had gone out the window when Bradley came to the corner after the first round saying he thought he had torn his right calf muscle.

Diaz tried massaging it, but Bradley told him to stop because it hurt.

“From that point on, I knew I didn’t have much to work with, because our plan was to dominate Pacquiao and we couldn’t do it,” Diaz said.

The injury was later diagnosed as a strain, and Bradley said he had “no excuses”.

“Manny is a great fighter, one of the best in the world maybe the best ever,” he said.

Before the rematch

While Bradley remains publicly confident he beat Pacquiao in their first bout despite fighting on two injured feet, that much-derided decision sent both fighters’ careers on wild spirals.

The two judges who scored the bout 115-113 for Bradley are no longer in the boxing business, but their decision ended Pacquiao’s 15-fight win streak and forced Bradley to defend himself against widespread criticism of the result.

Bradley endured death threats and depression before returning to the ring in unusually reckless style. He brawled with Ruslan Provodnikov in March 2013 in a sensational unanimous-decision victory that silenced critics of his style and heart. Bradley then outpointed veteran Mexican champion Juan Manuel Marquez last fall, polishing his skills and making himself attractive to Pacquiao for a rematch.

Pacquiao was knocked unconscious by Marquez in the sixth round of their fourth fight in late 2012, and he took nearly a year off before returning for an unspectacular victory over Brandon Rios last fall. Pacquiao’s last two performances prompted Bradley to declare Pacquiao had lost his killer instinct, noting he was unable or unwilling to stop any of his opponents since late 2009.

Pacquiao’s next foe



Pacquiao’s next opponent could be the winner of the May 17 bout between Mike Alvarado and Marquez.

If Marquez wins, he could meet Pacquiao for the fifth time.

“I have no problem with fighting Marquez again, but that’s up to my promoter, Bob Arum,” Pacquiao said.

Motherly love

After the decision was announced, Dionisia Pacquiao, the fighting congressman’s mother, quickly approached the fallen American.

Mommy D, as she is fondly called, was probably the first to console Bradley from the Pacquiao camp, giving the American some motherly hug and a playful jab to the chin.

And Mommy D did not disappoint, claiming the 8th spot on the World’s trending topics on Twitter as of 1:30 p.m. (Manila time).

source: sports.inquirer.net

Where to watch the Pacquiao-Bradley fight?

MANILA, Philippines—As the re-match between the People’s Champ and American boxer Timothy Bradley Jr. is nearing, Filipinos for sure are starting to search for local channels or venues where they could watch the much-awaited fight scheduled April 13, Sunday at 9 a.m. (Manila time).

In an official statement released Thursday, Solar Entertainment Corporation announced that it is the sole authorized entity to broadcast the match in the country.

But while the rights are exclusive to the local TV network, official partners of the broadcasting company will also be granted the privilege to showcase the duel dubbed “Vindication.”

“Any unauthorized exhibition, rebroadcasting or reception, distribution, or commercial use of the satellite broadcast of this event is considered piracy and illegal, and at the same shall be automatically disconnected / terminated by Solar’s satellite tracking system.

Solar has engaged the services of NBI agents to assist in its anti-piracy campaign.

Violators will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” according to the statement issued by Solar.

Listed below are Solar Entertainment Corporation’s official broadcasting partners for the Pacquiao-Bradley Fight as of April 9, 2014:

HOTELS / SPORTS CLUBS / RESTAURANTS

    Grand Regal Hotel Bacolod (Regal 1 Function Room)
    Hooters Makati Avenue
    Hooters Mall of Asia
    Makati Sports Club (Ayala Banquet Hall)
    Manila Elks Club, Paseo de  Roxas, Makati
    Manila Grand Hotel (Ambassador Hall 8/F)
    Manila Jockey Club (1/F & 2/F function rooms), Carmona Cavite
    O Hotel, Bacolod City (Function Room)
    Palms Country Club (Strikes Bowling Alley)
    Sequoia Hotel, Quezon City (CypressFunction Room)
    Starwood Café Makati
    The Bellevue Manila (The Vue Bar)

CINEMAS

    Abreeza
    Alabang Town Center
    Alimall
    Ayala Center Cebu
    Blue Wave Cinema, Marikina
    BQ Cinema, Tagbilaran
    BSS Legaspi, Cinema
    Cash N’ Carry, Makati
    Centre Plaza Mall, Balanga Bataan, Cinema 1
    Centrio
    Century City, Makati
    Eastwood
    Ever Gotesco Commonwealth
    Ever Gotesco Ortigas
    Fairview Terraces
    Festival Mall Alabang
    Fisher Mall, Quezon City
    Gaisano Davao Cinemas 1, 2, and 4
    Gaisano Tagum Cinema 1
    Gaisano Toril Cinema 2
    Gateway Cineplex
    Glorietta 4
    Greenbelt 3
    Greenhills Promenade
    Harbor Point Subic
    Isettan Cinerama Recto
    Lucky China Town
    Magic Star Tarlac, Cinema 2
    Market Place, Cinema 1
    Market! Market!
    MarQuee
    Mindpro Zamboanga City, Cinema 2
    Newport Cinemas 1 and 2
    Powerplant
    Robinsons Angeles
    Robinsons Bacolod
    Robinsons Butuan
    Robinsons Calasiao
    Robinsons Dasmariñas
    Robinsons Dumaguete
    Robinsons Ermita
    Robinsons Forum
    Robinsons Galleria
    Robinsons General Santos
    Robinsons Ilocos Norte
    Robinsons Iloilo
    Robinsons Imus
    Robinsons Lipa
    Robinsons Magnolia
    Robinsons Malolos
    Robinsons Metro East
    Robinsons Palawan
    Robinsons Roxas
    Robinsons Santiago
    Robinsons Sta. Rosa
    Robinsons Starmills Pampanga
    Screenville Tagbilaran
    Shang Cineplex
    SM Aura
    SM Bacolod
    SM Bacoor
    SM Baguio
    SM Baliwag
    SM Batangas
    SM BF
    SM Bicutan
    SM Cagayan de Oro
    SM Calamba
    SM Cebu
    SM Clark
    SM Consolacion
    SM Dasmariñas
    SM Davao
    SM Fairview
    SM General Santos
    SM Iloilo
    SM Lanang
    SM Lipa
    SM Lucena
    SM Mall of Asia
    SM Manila
    SM Marikina
    SM Marilao
    SM Masinag
    SM Megamall
    SM Molino
    SM Muntinlupa
    SM Naga
    SM North Edsa
    SM Novaliches
    SM Olongapo
    SM Pampanga
    SM Rosales
    SM Rosario
    SM San Fernando
    SM San Lazaro
    SM San Pablo
    SM Southmall
    SM Sta. Mesa
    SM Sta. Rosa
    SM Sucat
    SM Tarlac
    SM Taytay
    SM Valenzuela
    Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall
    The Podium
    Trinoma
    Waltermart Calamba
    Waltermart Gapan
    Waltermart Makati
    Waltermart Plaridel
    Waltermart Sta. Maria
    Waltermart Tanauan

OTHER VENUES

    CirculoVerde Guesthouse QC
    Dasmariñas Village Pavilion, Makati City
    Motolite Plant at Industrial Park, Sta Maria Bulacan
    Pacific Global Hospitality Institute(Billion Function Room)
    PNP National Head Quarters CIDG, CampCrame QC

OFFICIAL CABLE PARTNERS

    ATD Community Cable, Sta. Cruz Balamban Cebu Area (Residential Only)
    Atimonan Cable, Atimonan Quezon Area (Residential only)
    Ating Kooperatiba, Tagkawayan Quezon Area (Residential only)
    Buenavista Cable, San Antonio Antique Area (Residential only)
    Cablevision Systems Corp., Sta. Cruz, Pila, Pagsanjan, Laguna Area (Residential only)
    Celestron Cable, San Pablo Laguna Area (Residential only)
    CignalTV (Residential only)
    Community Cable Vision Corp., Los Banos Laguna Area (Residential only)
    DCTV Cable Network, Albay Bicol Area (Residential only)
    Destiny Cable, Metro Manila Area (Residential only)
    E&E Electronics Cable TV, Bayawan Negros Oriental Area (Residential only)
    Galaxy Cable, Sto Tomas Batangas Area (Residential only)
    Happy Dove Cable, Malitbog, Southern Leyte Area (Residential only)
    Hillview Cable, San Felipe, San Narciso, Zambales Area (Residential only)
    Infanta Cable, Infanta Quezon Area (Residential only)
    KCAT CATV, Kabankalan Negros Occidental Area (Residential only)
    Laguna Bay Vision, Sta Cruz Laguna Area (Residential only)
    Lucky Seven Cable, Candelaria Quezon Area (Residential only)
    Morning Star Cable, Tandag Madrid Surigao del Sur Area (Residential only)
    Multinetwork Cable, Cabantuan City Area (Residential only)
    NECA CATV Corp., Liloan Cebu Area (Residential only)
    Negros Cable, Silay Negros Area (Residential only)
    Northwest Cable (NCTVN Cable Network Corp.), North Cotabato Area (Residential only)
    Pakil Cable, Pakil Laguna Area (Residential only)
    Parasat Cable, Cagayan de Oro, Opol & Tagoloan, Malaybalay, and San Carlos Areas (Residential only)
    PBCCI Cable TV, Padre Burgos Southern Leyte (Residential only)
    Planet Cable- Antipolo Rizal Area (Residential only)
    Planet Cable- Bacoor Cavite Area (Residential only)
    Royal Cable Vision, Sta Rosa Laguna Area (Residential only)
    Sariaya Cable, Sariaya Quezon Area (Residential only)
    Siquijor Cable, Siquijor Area (Residential only)
    Sky Cable (Residential only)
    Tagkawayan Cable, Tagkawayan Quezon Area (Residential only)
    Toledo Cable, Toldeo City Cebu Area (Residential only)
    Tri-Ex Engineering, Virac Catanduanes Area (Residential only)
    UniCable, Cebu Area (Residential only)

OFFICIAL VOD Partner

  Blink-Now.com

OFFICIAL FREE TV PARTNER
GMA 7

Establishments not on this list are STRONGLY ADVISED to contact Solar All Access immediately at +632 548 4688

source: sports.inquirer.net

Bradley to Pacquiao: You better be ready

LAS VEGAS—Just when their final press conference was about to wrap up without fireworks, Timothy Bradley and Manny Pacquiao lit up some sparks.

During their face-off, the loudmouth Bradley initiated the verbal exchange that lasted for 10 seconds at the center of Hollywood Theatre at MGM Grand here Wednesday.

Pacquiao answered back with nary a pause.

Nobody heard them talking, but it reportedly went like this: 





  


Bradley: Are you ready?

Pacquiao: Yes, I am ready.

Bradley: Are you sure you’re ready?

Pacquiao: Yes, I am ready.

Bradley: You better be ready.

Pacquiao: Yes, I am ready.

Then they stared at each other without blinking and shook hands before heading back to their corners.

Disgusted Arum

If there was genuine hatred between the protagonists for the World Boxing Organization welterweight title fight on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) at the MGM Grand Arena here, they acted good enough to hide it.

Venerable promoter Bob Arum couldn’t hide his disgust with MGM officials for a serious affront they committed.

Instead of Pacquiao-Bradley II being displayed all over the hotel and casino, it was the Floyd Mayweather Jr.-versus-Marcos Maidana tussle on May 3 that was being shown.

2-1 favorite

The 82-year-old Arum said Pacquiao-Bradley was a much more competitive fight, with sports book putting the eight-division world champion from the Philippines a 2-1 favorite.

In contrast, oddsmakers have installed Mayweather a 15-1 favorite over Maidana.

Only the fact that the grudge rematch between Pacquiao and Bradley, to be shown on HBO pay-per-view (PPV), was sure to be a sellout put a smile back on Arum’s face.



PPV superstar

According to Arum, only about a thousand tickets are left and they are sure to be gobbled up in the last three days.

HBO’s Mark Taffet lauded Pacquiao as a PPV superstar.

Taffet said Pacquiao’s 18 PPV fights have generated a total of 12.2 million buys for a whopping $660 million in revenues.

With Pacquiao-Bradley II expected to hit a million buys, Pacquiao should breach the $700 million mark.

Fight of the Year?

WBO president Paco Valcalcel said it could be the Fight of the Year.

Bradley’s showdown with Ruslan Provodnikov was also explosive enough for the Fight of the Year award.

Pacquiao, who is guaranteed $20 million, will be making his 11th appearance at MGM Grand, while Bradley, who’s guaranteed $6 million, will be making his third.

Next fight in Macau

In their first fight, Pacquiao got $25 million while Bradley pocketed $5 million.

With Top Rank’s relationship with MGM strained, Arum intends to bring Pacquiao’s next fight to The Venetian in Macau in November.

source: sports.inquirer.net

One Pacquiao-Bradley judge replaced

MANILA, Philippines—Staying true to correct the blunder off years past, the Nevada State Athletic Commission has subbed one judge for the rematch of Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley.

According to Dan Rafael of ESPN, Craig Metcalfe of Canada replaced John Keane of Britain after the latter was reportedly ill and would be unable to travel for the fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Top Rank vice president Carl Moretti informed the international sports website Tuesday.

In his report, Rafael said that the NCSA and its chairman, Francisco Aguilar, informed Top Rank, which promotes both fighters, of the change in the judges’ lineup.

Glenn Throwbridge of Nevada and Michael Pernick of Florida are still on-board while Kenny Bayless is still the third man atop the ring.

source: sports.inquirer.net

Pacquiao receives signed game ball from Carmelo Anthony

MANILA, Philippines – Pacman meets the Meloman, and more.

Manny Pacquiao, eight-division world champion and basketball fanatic, received a signed game ball from New York Knicks main man Carmelo Anthony.

According to Boxing Scene, Pacquiao received the game ball from Anthony in Knicks locker room of the Madison Square Garden after the Knicks hosted the Portland Trailblazers Thursday morning (Manila time) at the basketball Mecca.

Pacquiao is in the Big Apple in a two-day swing to promote his second fight against Timothy Bradley.

source: sports.inquirer.net

Pacquiao, Bradley both seek redemption in rematch

BEVERLY HILLS, California — Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley intend to leave no doubt this time.

Nearly two years after Bradley beat the Filipino congressman in a hotly disputed split decision, the welterweights both seemed uncommonly confident Tuesday as they began promotional work for their April 12 rematch.

That’s because each man is still unshakably certain he won their first meeting.

“I want to maintain my name at the top and prove I can still fight,” Pacquiao said. “My career is not done yet.”

The June 2012 decision was savaged by fans, media and even Bob Arum, both fighters’ promoter. They all believed Pacquiao’s power and combinations had beaten Bradley’s elusiveness and tactical approach.

Bradley (31-0, 12 KOs) still feels wronged by the reactions to the biggest win of his life, ranging from catcalls on the street to death threats in the mail

“With all the controversy, this fight is about redemption,” Bradley said. “I want to redeem what I didn’t get, which is the credit. It’s important for me to make the win decisive in the people’s eyes this time. I’ve already got a win. This is so I can walk down the street and nobody says, ‘Hey, you didn’t win that fight, man.’ That hurts me.”

Pacquiao (55-5-2, 38 KOs) and trainer Freddie Roach both believe Pacquiao won essentially every round in the first bout. But the Pacman still wants to prove he’s back on top of his game by avenging the loss that snapped his 15-fight winning streak.

“I’m not angry anymore,” Pacquiao said. “I was surprised by the decision, but I’m the kind of person that I respect the decision of the judges.”

But did Pacquiao agree that Bradley gave him “a boxing lesson,” in the infamous words of judge Duane Ford?

“I think I gave him a boxing lesson, and the judges gave him that,” Pacquiao said with a smile.

Pacquiao and Bradley will meet again for the WBO 147-pound title at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas. Bradley is opening camp in his native Palm Springs area on Monday, while Pacquiao will train in the Philippines before moving back to Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Gym in Hollywood in March.

“To be honest, I wasn’t as motivated when I was training for our first fight,” Pacquiao said. “I guess I didn’t take him seriously enough.”

The split decision was so reviled that the WBO hired five independent judges to re-score the bout on video, and all five favored Pacquiao. The WBO didn’t overturn the result, but asked for a rematch — and after both fighters boosted their careers with victories last year, they were ready to do it again.

Pacquiao was knocked out by Juan Manuel Marquez a few months after the Bradley bout, and he took nearly a year off before returning to dominate Brandon Rios in Macau. Bradley watched both fights, but wasn’t impressed.

“He still has all the skill sets,” Bradley said. “I just feel like that killer instinct is gone.”

Bradley turned himself into one of boxing’s biggest names in 2013 with a sensational brawl against Ruslan Provodnikov and a classy decision win over Marquez.

Bradley acknowledges being a bit star-struck before he got in the ring with Pacquiao, but he was surprised how easily he could handle the man who was on top of the sport at the time. Bradley feels he won the first fight, but believes he can win the rematch clearly enough for everybody to see.

“I know what to expect this time,” Bradley said. “It’s like when you learn to ride a bike. The second time is easier.”

source: sports.inquirer.net

No review of Pacquiao-Bradley despite Arum criticisms, says Nevada State Athletic Commission

In spite of accusations from Top Rank CEO Bob Arum and tweets from UFC president Dana White calling the Nevada State Athletic Commission the "worst" in the U.S., the organization is not expected to discipline or review any of the judges in Saturday's (Sunday, PHL time) split-decision win by Timothy Bradley over Manny Pacquiao for the WBO welterweight title.

Nevada State Athletic Commission Executive Director Keith Kizer told the Los Angeles Times' Lance Pugmire that no such action would be needed, saying, "Every fighter who loses a close fight looks at the judges."

He also conceded however, "I think every judge should strive to get better."

Kizer's comments came on the heels of criticisms from Arum and White after the controversial result kept Bradley's undefeated streak alive, while causing Pacquiao to drop his title.

Arum told Yahoo Sports' Kevin Iole that he wanted an investigation to see if someone rigged the outcome of the bout.

"I want to investigate whether there was any undue influence, whether the [Nevada Athletic Commission] gave any particular instruction and how they came to this conclusion," said Arum.

"If this was a subjective view that each of [the judges] honestly held, OK. I would still disagree, but then we're off the hook in terms of there being no conspiracy. But there needs to be an independent investigation because it strains credulity that an event everybody saw as one-sided on way all three judges saw it as close. It strains credulity."

Arum also said he would hold off on a Pacquiao-Bradley rematch until Nevada attorney general Catherine Cortez Masto agreed to such a probe.

UFC President Dana White was also unafraid to share his opinion regarding the match, tweeting out to his followers, "Nevada state athletic commission at its finest!!! You've for to be f***ing kidding me!! that is disgusting Nevada state athletic commission!!" and "Worst athletic commission in the country!!!!!!!"

Earlier today, judges Duane Ford and Jerry Roth defended their scores in an interview with Steve Carp of the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Ford said that he thought "Bradley gave Pacquiao a boxing lesson," and thus scored it 115-113 for Bradley.

Roth, who gave the match to Pacquiao, 115-113, said, "[Despite the last three rounds] I still thought Pacquiao had done enough to win."

The third judge, CJ Ross, declined to comment. She scored it 115-113 for Bradley.

Nevada State Athletic Commission chairman Skip Avansino reiterated what co-worker Keith Kizer said when asked if the judges acted inappropriately, saying, "We had three seasoned professionals working and I don't question their determinations.

"I'm not going to second-guess our judges."

Curiously, Arum was hit with a $125,000 fine by the Nevada State Athletic Commission back in 1995, due to an attempt to bribe the International Boxing Federation. At the time, it was the highest fine ever issued, Sports Illustrated wrote. - AMD, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com

A Pacquiao-Bradley rematch? Not so fast

Manny Pacquiao has a contractual right to a return engagement after losing a controversial split-decision. But lukewarm public interest could derail such plans.




LAS VEGAS — Manny Pacquiao reserved a contractual right to request a rematch against Palm Springs' Timothy Bradley if he lost Saturday.




And even though Pacquiao was left stunned by a split-decision defeat in which two of three judges awarded Bradley a 115-113 victory, it's not a given that the pair will reunite in November.

Fight promoter Bob Arum said after the bout that he heard from ticket brokers who said they would have trouble selling seats to a Bradley rematch because most fight watchers considered the World Boxing Organization welterweight title bout on Saturday at the MGM Grand a one-sided Pacquiao victory.

"The brokers are telling us if we make a Bradley rematch, no one will go," Arum said.

Todd duBoef, president of Arum's Top Rank promotional company, said he'd like to see the results of polls asking fans if they want a rematch before committing to a second fight.

Veering from Bradley would deny him another major purse after he earned $5 million against Pacquiao. Bradley manager Cameron Dunkin said following Saturday night's fight that he would expect a rematch purse to be "something near" $10 million now that Bradley has the belt.

So there's some leveraging going on too.

Pacquiao's alternatives would be another run atFloyd Mayweather Jr., who's due for release from Clark County (Nev.) jail on a domestic-violence conviction in August, or a fourth fight against Juan Manuel Marquez.

Bradley improved to 29-0 with Saturday's victory, but few outside of his supporters were buying the scores that favored him from judges Catherine J. Ross and Duane Ford.

Arum said Bradley told the promoter in the ring before the scorecards were turned in, "Manny's a great fighter. I tried as hard as I could, but I came up short."

Despite concerns Pacquiao (54-4-2) had been flat in his two previous fights and might be unfocused after experiencing a religious awakening this year, the Filipino superstar returned to form close to his peak and connected on 253 punches to Bradley's 159, according to CompuBox statistics.

"I was proud of Manny," Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach said. "I thought it was his best fight since" a 2009 victory over Miguel Cotto. "He clearly won the fight. I think the judges had their eyes closed. Something wasn't right."

Nevada State Athletic Commission Executive Director Keith Kizer said he does not anticipate any discipline or review of Ross or Ford.

"Every fighter who loses a close fight looks at the judges," Kizer said. "I think every judge should strive to get better."

Arum expressed concern for boxing fans' faith in the sport.

"The outcome of this is not good," he said. "I hope boxing recovers."

Pacquiao said he would "respect the decision, but I 100% believe I won the fight. The best attitude is respect and professionalism. I hope this dismay doesn't cause people to discard the sport. I'm still here. I can fight."

Arum told Pacquiao on the news conference stage that, "If you want," the Bradley rematch, "that's what we'll do."

Pacquiao, who hadn't lost since March 2005, hasn't knocked out an opponent in five consecutive fights. He said meeting Bradley again, "would make me become a warrior in the ring, because I don't want it to go to the judges."

Pacquiao had a 158-to-80 lead in punches-connected after seven rounds against Bradley, who twisted an ankle in the second round and was clearly failing to convince the champion that he was capable of a knockout.

"I was glad Bob Arum gave me an opponent who would fight toe-to-toe," Pacquiao said. "My goal was to exchange strong punches, but then toward the end he started running. … Aside from three rounds, I hurt him, and I know he felt that."

Bradley trainer Joel Diaz said his fighter won five of the last six rounds on Ross and Ford's scorecards by "moving."

"After the seventh round, I was continued action," Bradley said. "There were three judges, and two of them thought I won. What do you want me to do?"

source: latimes.com

Stunned Pacquiao eyes revenge in Bradley rematch

LAS VEGAS - Boxers usually look devastated in defeat but Manny Pacquiao smiled and turned his mind to quick, brutal revenge after being stunned by a controversial split decision loss to Timothy Bradley in their WBO welterweight showdown on Saturday (Sunday, PHL time).

Pacquiao said he was "100 percent" confident he had won the 12-round fight at the MGM Grand and, like his American challenger Bradley, eagerly looked forward to a rematch on November 10 at a venue yet to be decided.

"I didn't listen to the announcement because I thought I had won [verdicts from] all the judges," Filipino southpaw Pacquiao told reporters after ending an unbeaten run of 15 bouts.

"I respect the decision but 100 percent I believe I won the fight. I don't even remember if he hurt me one punch. He got me with a couple of jabs but I don't remember if he hit me a solid punch in my face.

"I give Bradley credit, maybe three rounds for him because in some rounds I relax. Aside from three rounds, every round I hurt him."

Pacquiao surrendered his WBO welterweight title after earning one verdict from judge Jerry Roth (115-113) while CJ Ross (115-113) and Duane Ford (115-113) gave the fight to the American.

The Filipino's trainer, Freddie Roach, was dumbfounded by the decision.

"I was very surprised they gave it so close," the bespectacled Roach said. "I had it for Manny by 10 rounds to two."

Even Bradley sounded surprised at the decision.

"Pacquiao was a tough, tough warrior. This guy can punch, he has speed. He has all the tools," he said.

"I used my ability to clear some rounds, maybe the last five rounds I feel, to get the victory. I am still shocked."

Dish served cold

While Pacquiao said he wanted to respect Bradley after a result which was roundly booed by the crowd, he promised to beat the American inside the distance when they next meet.

"It will make me a warrior in having this kind of rematch," Pacquiao said, looking to avenge the loss. "I want to finish him before the whole 12 rounds. I want the rematch."

Bradley, a 5-1 underdog against Pacquiao, was also itching to have the rematch, which he had arrogantly promoted during the build-up to Saturday's (Sunday, PHL time) fight.

"That was all my idea, pretty much," said the 28-year-old from Palm Springs in California after improving his career record to 29-0 with 12 knockouts.

"Just part of promoting the fight, hyping it up," he added, addressing reporters from a wheelchair.

"I felt I was going to win this fight so the rematch is in place, the date is there. It's definitely going to be a different fight."

Bradley conceded that hearing the boos from the crowd after the decision had been announced gave him added motivation to get back into the ring with Pacquiao.

"I'm happy to be the new welterweight champion but I definitely would like to do this again," said the American, who was back in the ring for the first time since he retained his WBO junior welterweight title by stopping Cuba's Joel Casamayor in November.

"I heard all the boos at the end of the fight, which is okay because we need to do this again. Let's make this more decisive."

Bradley spoke to the media while sitting in a wheelchair before being taken to hospital to have a check on his ankles, which he said he had twisted during the second round.

"I injured my left foot in the second round, twisted my ankle, and now both of my ankles are swollen," he added. "I got hit with some big shots early on but I persevered and went through the pain." - HS, Reuters

article source: gmanetwork.com

Pacquiao vows to KO Bradley in rematch

Just moments after swallowing a difficult-to-accept split decision loss to Timothy Bradley, Manny Pacquiao said in a post-fight press conference that he vows to get a knockout in the rematch.

Pacquiao lost his WBO welterweight title to Bradley, Saturday (Sunday, PHL time) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, with two judges giving him a 113-115 loss, while one had the reverse, a 115-113 win for the Sarangani congressman.

For Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach, that was what he should have done in this fight, saying, "When Manny gave the 11th away, I said, 'Pick it up and finish this guy.' I told him to finish it in the 12th. I like knockouts."

As early as the end of May, Bradley was already prepping for a rematch against Pacquiao, creating mocked up posters and tickets for a November 10 bout (November 11, PHL time).

Bob Arum, CEO of Top Rank, which handles the promotion of both boxers, had a clause in Pacquiao's contract that should the Filipino ring icon fall, he would get first crack at Bradley again, before the two fighters seek other opponents.

Roach actually said prior to the fight that he thought his charge would go for a knockout, but it was not to be. - AMD, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com

Live Blog: Bradley shocks Pacquiao to win WBO welterweight title on spilt decision

Timothy Bradley is still undefeated. Let that soak in for a few seconds and consider his most recent opponent — legend Manny Pacquiao.

Bradley won a split decision Saturday against Pacquiao in a shocking result at the MGM Grand Garden Arena to win the WBO welterweight title, taking a battle of several apparent close rounds to hand Pacquiao his first loss in 16 fights and seven years. C.J. Ross and Duane Ford had it 115-113 in favor of Bradley; Jerry Roth scored in 115-113 for Pacquiao. (I had it 116-112 for Pacquiao).

A chorus of boos are filling the arena as Bradley is interviewed in the ring — a clear sign several also had Pacquiao winning comfortably. When Pacquiao was interviewed, the pro-Pacquiao crowd were wildly in support, especially when he says he think he won the fight.

source: lasvegassun.com

Live Blog: Fight delayed while Pacquiao loosens leg muscles on treadmill

Manny Pacquiao went missing for a few minutes. Seriously.

Moments before Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley were scheduled to enter the ring at the MGM Grand Garden Arena for their WBO welterweight title fight, HBO sports — which is providing tonight’s pay-per-view — reported Pacquiao couldn’t be found. Turns out he was on the treadmill doing some cardio to loosen his leg muscles, which in his last two fights cramped toward the end.

Fans in the near sold-out arena have been entertained with a disc jockey and fan-cam showing images on the big screen, several surely wondering what the delay is.

You have to feel bad for Bradley, whose undefeated record and career hinges on this once-in-a-lifetime fight. Bradley’s been ready to go in his locker room, but has been forced to wait for the superstar Pacquiao. Very strange, folks.

I’ll be back soon — well, whenever Pac-Man is ready.

Title fight to start after NBA playoff game

When Manny Pacquiao steps into the ring later tonight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena to defend his WBO welterweight championship against undefeated Timothy Bradley, the Filipino legend and one of boxing’s top performers of this era will be on some unfamiliar ground: having something to prove.

Pacquiao is riding a 15-match winning streak that has elevated him from an up-and-comer to the pound-for-pound best boxer in the world, but that certainly wasn’t the case during his last match. That’s when he escaped with a majority decision against Juan Manuel Marquez, struggling with leg cramps late in the fight, and Marquez’s superb counter-punches in showing weaknesses for one of the first times in seven years.

The struggles led many to suspect that Pacquiao was quickly fading out of his prime — after all, the 33-year-old has long maintained a possible retirement in 2013.

In the past few months, Pacquiao has admitted navigating through marital, drinking, gambling and financial problems, and claimed his performance in the ring was a direct result of the distractions.

He’s had a spiritual awakening in the months after the close call against Marquez, turning to the Bible for guidance and stopping his reckless ways. He’s even salvaged his marriage, with his entire family making the trip from the Philippines to Las Vegas for tonight’s fight.

Some argue the lifestyle changes have made Pacquiao a softer fighter, while others claim it’s helped him refocus. We’ll soon learn the answer.

Bradley, who has just 12 career knockouts, seems confident that he’ll be the one to stop Pacquiao’s run. He’s about a 4-to-1 betting underdog and not given a chance by many — including myself. While I agree there is good betting value in Bradley, I just don’t see someone with limited punching power stopping Pacquiao.

I’ll talk to everyone once the fight begins, which won’t happen until after Game 7 of the NBA’s Eastern Conference finals between Boston and Miami.

source: lasvegassun.com

Pacquiao, Bradley each make weight for Saturday’s title fight

Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley each made weight for their WBO welterweight title fight Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

During Friday afternoon’s weigh-in, Pacquiao tipped the scales at 147 pounds and Bradley was 146. The welterweight maximum in 147.

The event was free to the public at the MGM, and thousands of people were in attendance to show their support of both fighters. Pacquiao, one of the sport’s top draws, seemed to have more support with his fans coordinating the wave before the fighters took the stage. Others were chanting in favor of Bradley.

The undefeated Bradley is nearly a 5-to-1 betting underdog but has confidently maintained all week that he’ll be the better boxer once the bell rings. He had a swagger in his step on the stage and didn’t back down when staring at Pacquiao during a photo after the weigh-in.

The confidence might not matter come fight night. Even though Pacquiao is coming off a poor performance in outpointing Juan Manuel Marquez, he’s still an eight-division champion and riding a 15-match winning streak that dates back seven years.

article source: lasvegassun.com

Bradley on Pacquiao: 'I don't think he's as hungry as I am'

Timothy Bradley doesn't think boxing is Manny Pacquiao's passion anymore, telling BET.com Thursday [Friday, Manila time] that the Sarangani congressman is "going off in a completely different direction."

Bradley was asked what he thought the fight meant to the Filipino boxing icon, and he replied, "I don't think he's as hungry as I am. He's had his claim to fame. I think now, at this time in his life, he's ready to move on.

"I think that he has a lot of money, he has a lot of fame. I think his mind is completely somewhere else. He doesn't have the love that he had for boxing anymore. That's what I think.

"He might tell you differently, but that's just what I see, just by looking at him. His whole faith has changed now, he's all involved in his religion and stuff like that. I see where he's going. He's going off in a completely different direction. I don't think boxing is his passion anymore."

Despite saying that though, Bradley said Pacquiao was still "the best pound-for-pound fighter right now," telling BET.com, "He's [Pacquiao] more active and he's been beating more guys than Floyd [Mayweather] recently.

"Now skill-for-skill, I go with Floyd Mayweather. Because he's a technician. I think he's the more skillful fighter and I would favor him if they were ever to fight."

Still, Bradley is pushing for a rematch with Pacquiao, should he pull off an upset, and the currently undefeated pugilist thinks that would be a better fight than Pacquiao-Mayweather. "I'm gonna stand there and fight," he guaranteed. "I don't think Floyd will stand there and fight."

Bradley's confident attitude is no doubt fueling him for Saturday's fight (Sunday, PHL time), and he's got a strategy all prepared, aware that it's going to take a lot to get a win over the more-heralded Pacman. "I believe that you gotta take it from the champion. You can't just be comfortable with, 'oh well, he could've won the last round, he didn't,' I don't want any excuses. You gotta try to win every single round.

"Determination is the key here." - AMD/RSJ, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com

Roach on Pacquiao: 'He has a knockout on his mind'

LAS VEGAS - Manny Pacquiao has more at stake than his World Boxing Organization welterweight title when he takes on unbeaten American Timothy Bradley on Saturday (Sunday, PHL time) -- he has his reputation on the line.

Pacquaio trainer Freddie Roach didn't mince words when he said the Filipino ring icon would be fighting to regain some luster after his controversial majority decision over Juan Manuel Marquez last November.

"Manny's motivation is his last fight. We had the first bad fight we had in 11 years," Roach said. "He wants to prove to the world he's not washed up."

Pacquiao has won world titles in eight weight divisions, building a record of 54-3 with two drawn and 38 knockouts.

Along the way he has become a hero in his home country, where he is also a congressman, and a star around the world.

But the 33-year-old southpaw was unconvincing against Marquez, leading many to wonder if he has passed the peak of his powers.

Roach said that Pacquiao is so determined to prove himself, Roach said, that he believes the figher is thinking knockout.

"I do feel he has a knockout on his mind," Roach said.

Both Pacquiao and Roach know that the 28-year-old Bradley, who brings a record of 28-0 to the bout with 12 knockouts, will be eager to make an impression in the biggest fight of his career.

"He's a tough young guy coming up, but I think he'll get eaten up as he comes," said Roach, who believes Bradley is too slow and lacking in power to beat Pacquiao.

Bradley has said he will try to avoid a toe-to-toe battle with Pacquiao, whose quickness, power and ability to punch from many angles have seen him win 15 fights in a row since 2005.

Roach said he believes that Bradley will bring the fight to Pacquiao, which will suit the champion perfectly.

"I think they are trying to mix us up a little," Roach said. "I think we can count on him coming to us."

Even if he doesn't, Roach said, Pacquiao will be ready, having sparred with partners who were aggressive and with those who weren't.

"If he does try not to engage, we'll take the fight to him," Roach said.

Bradley, who won the WBO light welterweight title by beating Britain's Junior Witter in England in 2008, will be fighting for just the second time at 147 pounds.

The pre-fight hype -- including a reality television series following both fighters and numerous publicity stops to promote the pay-per-view program -- is more than Bradley has encountered before, but he has shown himself adept.

He is relaxed and engaging in his interviews, explaining his vegan diet and the financially lean years of his early pro career.

He got a laugh out of Pacquiao at the pre-fight press conference by unveiling a giant "ticket" for a re-match to follow his victory on Saturday (Sunday, PHL time).

Bradley's trainer, Joel Diaz, also said his fighter was ready for the pro-Pacquiao crowd that is sure to greet him Saturday (Sunday, PHL time) night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, noting that he dealt admirably with the hostile crowd in Nottingham when he upset Witter.

Both fighters have said they have made adjustments in training to try to minimize the risk of head-butts determining the bout -- Bradley because he has been accused of leading with his head in the past and Pacquiao mainly because the southpaw-righty matchup can often lead to such butts.

"He's tired of all these people saying he uses his head intentionally," Diaz said of Bradley.

Roach didn't go so far as to call Bradley a dirty fighter, but said: "He does use his head quite a bit. It's something we have to be concerned about.

"If he comes in head first, you use lateral movement. Over 12 rounds, a southpaw and righty, their heads are on the same side. Head butts do happen." - AFP

source: gmanetwork.com

Bradley just another job for Pacquiao

LAS VEGAS—For Manny Pacquiao, juggling from being religious to being ferocious takes little effort. He can be a preacher before the bout then transform into a fighter once the bell rings.

“I can change the mode,” Pacquiao told the international media at the VIP room of the MGM Grand Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila). “I can switch the button.”

That’s why, Pacquiao finds no conflict in his new spiritual calling with that of boxing. He’ll hurt an opponent, he said, without remorse because it’s what he needs to do. It’s what he’s trained to do for his showdown with Timothy Bradley on Saturday (Sunday in Manila).

“Yeah, I love Bradley,” said Pacquiao. “But we have a job in the ring to do. We have to entertain people because it’s our profession. It’s part of the sport, but there’s nothing personal.”

Similarly, Pacquiao holds no rancor against loudmouth Floyd Mayweather Jr., who is serving an 87-day sentence for domestic violence.

“I’m praying for him,” Pacquiao said. I treat him as my friend, my brother. I am praying that everything with him will be fine.”

Pacquiao, however, admitted that he felt insulted when Mayweather called and offered him a flat payment of $40 million for their eagerly awaited megabuck bout to push through.

“I felt that if I accept it (fight) he’ll be laughing behind my back,” said Pacquiao. “It’s not the proper way to negotiate if you’re a businessman.”

For now, Pacquiao said he’s focused on the Bradley fight that would guarantee him $26 million, plus shares in the pay-per-view and gate receipts.

He’ll consider Mayweather as a possible opponent once he’s done with Bradley.

The projected Pacquiao-Mayweather bout has the potential to be the highest grossing boxing match in history.

source: http://sports.inquirer.net