Pacquiao stakes future in Bradley rematch

LAS VEGAS  — With his boxing future in the line, Filipino ring superstar Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (55-5-2, 38KOs) faces this morning (Philippine time) the most crucial fight at this stage of his fistic career.

He challenges the undefeated WBO welterweight champion Tim Bradley (31-0, 12KOs) in a highly-anticipated rematch that has all the makings of another blockbuster hit at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

The 35-year-old Pacquiao steps into the squared arena with a lot of things to prove—that he was the rightful winner over Bradley during their first bout he completely dominated two years ago at the very same venue and more importantly, that the old, deadly Pacman is truly back.

When they first clashed in the ring in June 2012, Pacquiao outclassed Bradley on all range but ended up losing by a highly questionable split decision, stunning many observers who thought the fighting congressman from Sarangani Province clearly won.

Aside from his popularity and high market value in the US, that fight is perhaps one of the underlying reasons why odds-makers here in Sin City have installed Pacquiao as heavy favorite going into their keenly-awaited return bout.

In Friday’s official weigh-in, Pacquiao tipped the scales at 145 lbs., while Bradley came half a pound heavier, both meeting the weight limit signifying their readiness for the battle royale today.

Pacquiao is guaranteed in this fight a $20 million purse, while Bradley will earn $6 million in prize money.

Though the top dog, this is the first time that Pacquiao will challenge for a title he previously held, and despite his earlier pronouncement of going for a decisive knockout in his quest for redemption over Bradley, some quarters have doubts.

Pacquiao has not scored a knockout since his last technical knockout  win Miguel Cotto in 2009.Also, there was not a shade of his once ferocious form when he fought and won by a lopsided decision against Brandon Rios in November last year in Macau, which somehow resuscitated his sagging career after back-to-back losses to Bradley and Juan Manuel Marquez.

The 30-year-old Bradley has taunted the former eight-division world champion for “no longer having a killer instinct” and that a “compassionate” Pacquiao has no more business inside the ring.

Asked what is the difference this time from his first meeting with Pacquiao, Bradley quickly replied, “It’s the confidence in the fact that I beat him before.”

“He’s ready. He’s fierce. He’s determined. But I will knock Pacquiao out. That’s what I’m gonna do tomorrow night,” Bradley said.

Pacquiao had said that Bradley’s sharp remarks motivated him more to pour out all what is left in his arsenal.

“I’m ready for whatever his style in the ring. I can’t tell what is going to happen in the fight because I have to finish the business first,” said Pacquiao, drawing warm cheers from his compatriots at the gallery.

Pacquiao is hard-pressed to make an impression against Bradley because his career is at stake in today’s tussle.

A defeat could mean the end of the road for him, while a victory could give him a new stamp of greatness, which may lead to a fifth match with Marquez or a dream showdown with Floyd Mayweather.

Whatever the future holds for Pacquiao, it will hinge on how he fares with Bradley today. This is one big fight he should treat as if there is no tomorrow. — /RHM (FREEMAN)