Who?s afraid of Tim Bradley, world champ?
By Recah Trinidad
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 04 Jan 2016
Who? Definitely not Manny Pacquiao, our fearless, firebreathing national treasure of a world boxing superhero.
The whole truth about it is that Tim Bradley, whom Pacquiao had handpicked for his next opponent, did not want this third meeting with the eight-division world title winner from General Santos City.
Bradley since two months back had been pointing in the direction of Omaha, Nebraska where the unbeaten world light welterweight champion, deemed to be Pacquiao worthiest next opponent, lives.
**
Terence Crawford, 27-0, 19 KOs, was an outstanding choice by veteran promoter Bob Arum for Pacquiao?s next bout, scheduled in Las Vegas on April 9.
The bout had been tagged (by Arum) as Pacquiao?s final fight before he calls it a career.
Pacquiao, tabbed as a shoo-in in the forthcoming Philippine senatorial race, can not box and function as senator at the same time, according to Arum.
**
While it took Pacquiao quite a time?he had to be given an ultimatum by Arum?to name his final foe, there grew what amounted to a unanimous clamour around the world boxing community for Pacquiao to pick the worthiest opponent to cap a fantastic career.
There predictably came an overwhelming clamor for a Pacquiao-Crawford fight.
Meanwhile, Pacquiao would announce that he would love to end his career with a significant win.
**
Sorry, but there was an obvious jumble in the boxing jargon deep in Pacquiao?s mind that helped make this guy who still has to score a legit win over him after two encounters (Pacquiao got cheated by the judges in the first fight) to suddenly loom larger than life.
Bradley holds the WBO welterweight champ, which used to belong to Pacquiao until he lost it to Floyd Mayweather Jr. last May.
That crown, up for grabs come April 9 at the MGM Grand Las Vegas, should help sell Pacquiao?s final fight.
**
Of course, Pacquiao himself knows the WBO title alone would be a limp lure to attract a big pay-per-view market.
Truth is that there had started a quiet campaign to keep away from Pacquiao-Bradley Part 3.
While many fans had rated a Pacquiao-Crawford alarming (a sure thrill), the April 9 farewell party for Pacquiao got labeled as annoying in advance.
**
No, Pacquiao, contrary to mounting taunts, is not deathly afraid to face Crawford.
It just so happens Pacquiao has inexplicably found a retooled Bradley a bigger, worthier final challenge.
Pacquiao said: ?When Bradley took in a new trainer (Teddy Atlas), he became a bit more aggressive. If he maintains that fighting style, the fans will be in for a treat. I like that.?
Pray that remaining spectators will find it to their liking, too.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Recah Trinidad.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Efe Ajagba vs Charles Martin: Zuffa Heavyweights Square Off on Sunday
By Chris Carlson, Sun, 15 Feb 2026“The Nightmare” Back in Action: Oguni vs Tapales April 3 in Japan
By Carlos Costa, Sun, 15 Feb 2026Cold Comfort: Tapales and Vitor Frozen Out in Moscow Heartbreaker
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 14 Feb 2026WBC Celebrates 63 years of dedication to the sports and fighters
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 14 Feb 2026BOXING STARS FROM AROUND THE WORLD LINING UP FOR 2026 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND IN "BOXING’S HOMETOWN"
Sat, 14 Feb 2026Filipino Boxers Make Weight in Brico Santig's Valentine's Show in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 14 Feb 2026Filipinos Vitor and Tapales Take on Russians for IBF Asia Titles in Moscow Today
By Dong Secuya, Fri, 13 Feb 2026Manny Pacquiao Promotions Returns to Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif. with a Pair of World Championship Bouts
Fri, 13 Feb 2026IOAN CROFT AND GARAN CROFT SIGN FOR MATCHROOM BOXING AS EDDIE HEARN LOOKS AHEAD TO BRIGHT FUTURE FOR EXCITING WELSH TWINS
Fri, 13 Feb 20263 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Marco Antonio Barrera Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
Fri, 13 Feb 2026Day One Concludes at 2026 USA Boxing International Open
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Female Boxing GOAT Katie Taylor to be Special guest at All-N.E. Golden Gloves Thursday, Feb. 12, in Lowell, MA
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Brandon McCarthy Signs with Wise Owl Boxing, Set to Make Noise at 135 lbs
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Filipino Boxers Set for Action on Valentine's Day in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Wed, 11 Feb 2026Oklahoma Outplays LA Lakers, 119-110; Arrests Skid to Hold on to League Lead
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Wed, 11 Feb 2026