Manny Paqcuiao vs Timothy Bradley (Photo : Jeff Gross | Getty Images Sport)
Manny Pacquiao has reportedly chosen his next opponent-possibly his last opponent.
After much speculation that it could be Floyd Mayweather, Amir Khan, Terrence Crawford or even Saul "Canelo" Alvarez, the Filipino former champion has apparently chosen Timothy Bradley if a report holds true.
The report came from The Desert Sun, although they cited a Philippine newspaper, The Philippine Star. TDS stated that "the former pound-for-pound king has chosen Bradley as his next opponent, according to The Philippine Star in Manila. The Desert Sun has been unable to independently confirm this report."
Manny Pacquiao's next fight, whether with Bradley or another opponent, is set on April 9 in Las Vegas, but the exact venue has yet to be announced.
According to TDS, Pacquiao was choosing from Amir Khan, Terrence Crawford and Timothy Bradley, but he chose the latter. It is believed that Bradley has the edge because of his history with Pacquiao: the two fighters fought twice before with the first ending up as one of the most controversial decisions in boxing history.
Most people believed that Pacquiao won the first fight in 2012. It led to a second fight in 2014 which PacMan handily won. Thus, it is a question whether a third fight, a "rubber match" was necessary considering there was no question.
The actual report from Philstar (The Philippine Star website) could not confirm the information. They only quoted a report from David Anderson from The Daily Mirror which said that Amir Khan has been "bypassed" for the Pacquiao fight and is now pursuing Kell Brook. Khan was quoted in that report: "As it's not me, then I'll fight Brook. I know I can beat him and it should be at Wembley in late May," Khan said.
Philstar also noted that Dan Rafael of ESPN called Bob Arum on December 4, and he reports on Twitter:
"Checked in with Arum tonight. No word yet from Pacquiao on April 9 opponent selection. Sleep well."
Thus, the decision on Timothy Bradley may not be final. Stay tuned.
