Pacquiao-Bradley: Sorry for the convenience
By Recah Trinidad
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 07 Jan 2016
THEY still try to call it a showdown, the third meeting between Manny Pacquiao and Tim Bradley slated in Las Vegas on April 9.
Sorry, but of the 10-something local Pacquiao fans initially polled on the alleged grudge bout, over a dozen frowned on the idea of their national boxing idol concluding his great career with what is generally considered a stale, tasteless final bout.
?Takot, he was afraid to lose, as it could tell on his political plans,? cried veteran Dagupan-based newsman Jun Velasco, a faithful Pacquiao follower.
**
Out in the wet market sports hub in Mandaluyong City, all the boxing followers who have tuned into the Pacquiao adventure theater since Day One decry the prevailing absence of uncertainty in the third match-up between Pacquiao and Bradley, who have split their lackadaisical two previous bouts.
The general feeling: there was nothing significant to expect or explore.
If to a debate, the issue has long been settled. Bradley is not in Pacquiao?s class.
**
So let it be, cried the more considerate among Pacquiao diehards.
There were those who would say Pacquiao deserves this relatively easy exit, all for the undeniable fact he has provided the boxing world more than its share of greatness and excitement.
Here at home, his league of devotees cannot ask for more, with majority claiming they should?ve, in fact, allowed Pacquiao to exit many years ago yet.
**
Does Pacquiao need a sure win in order to enhance his political career and plans?
Not anymore, if we are to go by his consistent solid placing inside the winning circle in the popularity survey for this year?s Philippine senatorial race.
If to a boxing bout, it?s a mismatch: Pacquiao clinching a senate seat is a foregone conclusion.
**
Not only that. Pacquiao beating a more dangerous opponent, like the unbeaten WBO light welterweight Terence Crawford, may no longer play a big factor in his sensational political run.
In short, he no longer needs more pogi points for the purpose of name recall.
**
Still, not a few fans insist Pacquiao should exit in a blaze of glory.
Why? A conquest of the strong and ferocious unbeaten Crawford should more than make up for Pacquiao?s comprehensive defeat in the hands of the flamboyant Floyd Maywether Jr. last May.
Many of his fans still want to remember Pacquiao as a great winner, not a desperate losing whiner.
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