Sweet Revenge: Pacquiao is Back on Top

By Francisco Romero

Manny Pacquiao beat Timothy Bradley by unanimous decision on Saturday in a 12 round bout. With the win Pacquiao accomplished two things:

1. He became world champion (WBO World Welterweight championship) again and

2. He avenged the loss he suffered June 9, 2012 when he lost his championship belt to Bradley.

Pacquio came out strong and focused and continued that way throughout the fight. The aggressiveness of Pacquio wore Bradley out. Punches were exchanged in the early rounds, but as the fight went on Pacquiao had the upper hand.

“My opponent is very tough, he improved a lot,” said Pacquiao after the fight. “I was trying for a knock out, but he is very tough,” he added.

Oddly enough Bradley came out strong in the 12th round knowing he needed to knock Pacquiao out to get a win, but it was not enough.

“It was a very tough fight, Manny came in and did his thing.” “I injured my calf during the first round and had to adjust my style, I was trying to end him with one shot,” said Bradley after the fight.

Bradley suffered his first official loss; his record stands now at 31-1 with 12 knockouts while Pacquiao’s record improved to 56-5.

Even though the boxing fans around the world would love to see a Pacquiao-Mayweather fight next, it probably will not take place this year. It is expected for Pacquiao to face the winner of the Juan Manuel Marquez – Mike Alvarado showdown.

Marquez and Pacquiao have already fought four times, Pacquiao said he has no problem with facing Marquez once again, but will leave the decision up to Bob Arum.

How the Judges Scored:

Glen Trowbridge 118-110 (Pacquiao)

Michael Pernick 116-112 (Pacquiao)

Craig Metcalf 116-112 (Pacquiao)