After Bradley, who’s next? | Inquirer Sports

After Bradley, who’s next?

08:29 AM April 09, 2016

Manny Pacquiao says his third fight with Timothy Bradley Jr. on Saturday night at MGM Grand in Las Vegas will be his last.
But why is everybody speculating on his next bout?
Apparently, nobody believes Pacquiao’s statement because fans are looking forward to a much-longer career for the eight-division world champion.
Include experts like my favorite lawyer, Ed Tolentino. The fight fan-analyst believes Pacquiao has to win this weekend against Timothy Bradley, though.
* * *
“If Manny wins, I think he will fight again and pursue a rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr.,” Tolentino said.
“Latest reports have it that Floyd is on the verge of making another comeback, probably by September, and this alone gives Manny the incentive to extend his career.”
According to reports, Floyd is broke. He made a lot of money from his fights, but burned his millions on trips around the globe in his luxury jet and on the acquisition of a fleet of expensive sports cars.
“He spends money like it was going out of style, that’s why he needs another big fight to replenish his dwindling coffers. Pacquiao would be the perfect opponent for him.
According to Tolentino, there was so much “monkey business” in the Pacquiao-Mayweather mega fight that only “a rematch can take care of unfinished business.”
* * *
For this weekend’s fight, this is what Tolentino has to say:
“I see Bradley taking a page off the style Mayweather used in beating Pacquiao. Bradley will move a lot and once he gets inside, he is going to wrap up Manny and test that shoulder.
“But Bradley has no power and he can’t harry Manny. That’s why Manny chose to fight him.
“Manny will have his way with his volume punching. Bradley, with his pesky defensive style, will make it difficult for Pacquiao to knock him out.”
* * *
Tolentino believes the fight will be very competitive.
“Pacquiao is still the favorite because he dominated Bradley in their first two fights. My concern is Manny’s mental focus because he has so many concerns on his plate right now. Bradley also has mental issues because, up to this day, I think he is intimidated by Pacquiao’s reputation.
“I see a points win for Pacquiao.”
* * *
And this is the reason why Top Rank’s Bob Arum continues to shop around for Pacquiao’s next foe. He is looking at Mexican star Canelo Alvarez and American Terrence Crawford.

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TAGS: Pacquiao Last Fight opinion

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