You might not know it, but Manny Pacquiao is scheduled to fight Timothy Bradley this Saturday to complete their trilogy. There are a slew of reasons why this one isn't getting the media push or buzz from the fans. The original fight that saw Bradley defeat Manny on the score cards in 2012 was so controversial that post-fight, there was an investigation as to how the judges could've actually scored the bout for Bradley. Despite a five-judge panel reviewing the tape and all of them scoring the contest for Pacquiao, they didn't have the authority to overrule the official decision, which makes the entire review process seem pointless. When the pair fought again nearly two years later, Manny won with a comfortable margin on the score cards, a result that many expected for the initial fight. Since the first fight was considered a robbery (not Bradley's fault, considering he didn't score the fight) and the second bout was what most expected, is there really a demand for a trilogy? It's not as though either fight was close or incredibly action packed so why book another rematch? "Pac man" also created a stir and was dropped by sponsors for comments he made last year, but more on that later.
However, more than any of the previous reasons mentioned, the lack of interest in a Pacquiao pay-per-view event leads back to the lackluster "super fight" with Floyd Mayweather last year. With a price tag of $99.99, one of the most anticipated bouts in boxing history flopped as the savvy Floyd danced and dodged his way to an easy victory. Following the contest, it was revealed that Manny fought with a torn rotator cuff, an injury that he didn't disclose to the Nevada State Athletic Commission prior to the fight. Pacquiao had surgery to repair the injury, but in terms of perception, the damage was done. Many fans thought they were deceived by Manny not disclosing the injury and ripped off after the lackluster bout.
As has been the trend for Floyd during most of his career, he chose a relatively easy opponent with Andre Berto for his retirement fight. No disrespect to Berto either, he's a solid pro, but it's obvious that he wasn't a threat to Mayweather. The shrapnel from the Manny fight was apparent as ticket sales were sluggish and the buy rate was the lowest Mayweather offering in a decade.
The stain of the $100 disappointment was upon Mayweather as he concluded his career to an underwhelming public response. With Pacquiao being rumored to be nearing retirement to possibly run for president in his native Philippians, he could also exit the sport with an absence of spotlight. Quite frankly, Manny decided to fight with an injury to ensure he made over $100 million for the record-setting Mayweather fight and after fans paid to watch it, the general public doesn't want to spend $59.99 on an essentially unnecessary Bradley/Pacquiao rematch.
The 37-year-old Filipino star hasn't fought since he lost a unanimous decision to "Money" Mayweather nearly a year ago, but made headlines for controversial comments in February that caused long time sponsor, Nike to drop him. If someone agrees or disagrees with Manny's views is their personal decision, but controversial comments might not help sell the fight either.
For Timothy Bradley, the contest is a win-win for him in the sense that he's guaranteed $4 million and even a loss against a competitor the caliber of Pacquiao won't damage his value going forward. At 33-1-1, "Desert Storm" has a chance to avenge the only loss of his nearly twelve year career. Saturday will be Bradley's second fight alongside his new trainer, Teddy Atlas, who guided him to a ninth round TKO victory against perennial contender Brandon Rios in November of last year. Atlas, who worked with former champions, Michael Moore and Mike Tyson, can bring a new strategic edge to Bradley's game, which could set the stage for a competitive fight at the MGM in Las Vegas, Nevada. Atlas' instructions were audible between rounds during the Rios contest, as one of boxing's most knowledgeable figures, with the trademark scar on the left side of his face, barked a combination of encouragement and advice to his fighter. One of the criticisms of Pacquiao in recent years is his lack of aggressiveness so if Bradley can effectively push the pace, the bout could be much closer than their contest in 2014.
As for a winner, it will depend on a few key factors, which involve how much the "Atlas factor" will bring something different to the table than what Bradley did against Pacquiao two years ago. Bradley is younger, in the prime of his career, and goes into the bout with wins in his last two fights. Manny is rumored to be nearing the end of his career, is returning to the ring after shoulder surgery, and was defeated in the most lucrative fight in boxing history the last time he stepped between the ropes. With political aspirations and already banking a record pay check for the Mayweather fight, does Manny have enough left in the tank if this becomes a hard hitting prize fight? The stage could be set for Bradley to get the career defining win that elevates is profile among boxing fans. However, I have to pick Manny Pacquiao to win a decision because Bradley didn't seem to have a way to avoid the speed of Pacquiao in their two previous bouts.
Regardless of who wins, the story will probably be the lack of buzz from the general public around potentially the final fight in the career of one of the biggest stars in boxing. Similar to Floyd Mayweather, Manny could conclude his career without the farewell that some would expect for such a legendary career. Again, the stain of the "super fight" won't define Pacquiao or Mayweather's career, but it certainly appears to have tainted the conclusion.
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