Bradley beats Provodnikov by decision in thriller

Timothy Bradley, left, takes a punch from Ruslan Provodnikov, of Russia, in the 10th round of a WBO welterweight title boxing match in Carson, Calif., Saturday, March 16, 2013. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

CARSON, Calif.  — Timothy Bradley overcame an early beating and a 12th-round knockdown to win a narrow unanimous decision over Ruslan Provodnikov on Saturday night, defending his WBO welterweight belt.

Bradley (30-0) barely survived a thriller with the unheralded Provodnikov (22-2) in the champion’s first bout since beating Manny Pacquiao in a much-debated decision last June.

Bradley appeared to be out on his feet at times the first two rounds against his Russian challenger, even tumbling to the canvas in a fall that was ruled an accidental slip. Bradley then was forced to take a knee with 10 seconds left in the 12th round after another barrage from Provodnikov.

But Bradley also punished Provodnikov with multiple shots all night, causing huge cuts and swelling on the face of the “Siberian Rocky.”