By Jeff Gauna
Manny Pacquiao once again proved that he is the best pound for pound fighter by defeating Timothy Bradley by unanimous decision (116-100 from all three judges) in front of 14,665 at MGM Grand Garden last April 9.
Pacquiao scored two knockdowns that gave him the win. The first knockdown happened late in the seventh round and the second was in the ninth round.
First round: Both fighters jabbed and circled each other but punches never connected.
Second round: Pacquiao was the aggressor, landing a couple of left punches.
Third round: Bradley landed a solid right; Pacquiao retaliated with a short left and a right to the body.
Fourth round: Both fighters threw caution to the winds and traded punches.
Fifth round: Bradley backed Pacquiao to the ropes, landing a straight punch. Both fighters exchanged punches but Pacquiao seized control in the last minute of the round.
Sixth round: Pacquiao threw counter punches at Bradley while keeping his guard up.
Seventh round: Pacquiao’s right hook combo knocked down Bradley.
Eighth round: Bradley bounced back, again backing Pacquiao against the ropes compensating with some clean punches. But Pacquiao held his ground and hung on.
Ninth round: Pacquiao connected a hard left straight punch that knocked Bradley back down a second time.
Tenth round: The pace slowed down. Bradley’s only hope to win is to knock out Pacquiao.
Eleventh round: Bradley tries to comeback with a flurry of punches. But clearly Pacquiao was in complete control.
In the last and final round, it seemed like both fighters were just waiting for the bell. Bradley valiantly threw some punches in the last minute. But by the time Pacquiao retaliated it was all over.
Remarkably, no one was seriously injured during the fight. Both fighters showed incredible defense and speed, delighting fans an epic fight that lasted the whole 12 rounds.
Bradley (33-2-1, 13 KO) with his new trainer Teddy Atlas said during the post-fight interview that he came up short and Pacquiao was the best fighter. “He’s very quick, very explosive and it’s hard to judge him with quick reflexes. He won the fight, much respect to Manny”. He also added “He was super smart tonight. He was always in the right spots. He was a step ahead of me. I was supposed to be a step ahead of him.”
Pacquiao (58-6-2, 38 KO) said that “Bradley is a very tough fighter and a very good counter puncher.” He said that it was the best Bradley he had encountered in three fights. And unlike the previous match, Manny said his shoulder felt good and it did not bother him at all.
“As of now, I’m retired. I am going to go home and think about (fighting again.) I want to go home with my family and serve the people.” He was referring to the senate election on May 9 but some fans remain hopeful that the legend does not end here.
