By James Slater: Superstar Manny Pacquiao has not yet made an official announcement regarding who he will fight next, on November 10th in Las Vegas. Meeting with promoter Bob Arum, the 33-year-old pound-for-pounder has a list of three fighters to choose from: Miguel Cotto, Juan Manuel Marquez and Timothy Bradley.
According to Pac-Man’s legal advisor, Franklin Gacal, Manny has pretty much made up his mind: it will be a revenge-motivated return fight with Bradley next.
“I think it’s Bradley,” Gacal said to Philstar.com when speaking on the subject of who he thinks Pacquiao will fight next. “There’s a score to settle.”
There is indeed. Two months ago today, in Las Vegas, the man known as “Desert Storm” shocked the boxing world and Pacquiao by winning one of the most controversial decisions in all of boxing. Almost to a man, the experts, the writers and the paying fans had Pacquiao winning on June 9th, yet Bradley’s hand was raised. Reports say the majority of fans are somewhat cool on the idea of seeing a part-two of the June 12-rounder, yet it’s easy to see why Pacquiao and Bradley would love the rematch. Pacquiao obviously wants to put right the wrong that went against him, while Bradley wants to prove he can do even better than he did in June (remember, Bradley badly hurt both ankles in the early going of his career biggest win).
Of course, a fourth Pacquiao-Marquez fight would appeal to millions, but we pretty much know already what would happen if these two masters met again: Pacquiao, unless KO’d, would win on points. And as for a Pacquiao-Cotto II, this one would perhaps be interesting, only because the return would possibly take place at 150-pounds and because Pac-Man might be past his best, but a Bradley return looks more interesting to me.
Pacquiao would have to be made the favourite to win the rematch, but I have a strange feeling that Bradley will give the Filipino southpaw another tough night. Could Bradley shock the world for a second time and won another close, debatable decision? Can lightening strike twice? There is just something about Bradley: he always finds a way to win. Pacquaio said shortly after the June defeat that he would go for the KO in a rematch. If Gacal is correct, Pac-Man will get his chance in three months time.