Redemption card is a perfect sales pitch for Pacquiao- Bradley 2
By Rich Mazon
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 07 Feb 2014
New York ? Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley have been here in The Big Apple before. Two years ago at Chelsea Piers, both boxers were joined by their promoter Bob Arum in promoting the first of what is to now a two-fight series between the two.
Fast forward to Thursday, at a stage where Off-Broadway shows are held, Pacquiao and Bradley are back in New York pitching their second encounter to the New York media.
But this time they are not only selling themselves, they are selling the main ingredient of their rematch bound for Las Vegas on April 12th ? Redemption.
A vast majority of boxing fans and the media covering the sport believed Pacquiao won their first encounter in 2012. The rest, including Bradley and his team were satisfied with the controversial decision that rewarded him the WBO world welterweight belt that was a staple on Pacquiao?s waist for two and a half years.
But despite Bradley?s iron man physique and his tough persona in the ring, he is also bothered by the ridicule that followed and the criticisms that continue to persist after their first duel. That is why he wanted this fight so bad - really bad.
?I am fighting for credit. This is what this is all about. Get it right for the fans. Get it right for the public. This is what this fight is all about.? Bradley stated.
But getting it right for the fans and the public is also Pacquiao?s battle cry. The former owner of the belt that Bradley proudly displayed in the bright lights of New York today was eyeing it from across the table. He wanted it back - badly.
?I will try.? Pacquiao replied when Philboxing.com asked him if he will try to retrieve the belt that is now in Bradley?s possession.
?There is a big question mark in our first fight and this time around we have to answer that question mark in the minds of the fans.? He told the New York media.
?Both of us have something to prove.? added the boxer slash congressman.
But that won?t be easy, probably not as easy as that of 2012.
Bradley is now a more experienced fighter. He has defended the crown twice, first against a tough Ruslan Provodnikov and second by a very convincing victory against Juan Manuel Marquez last year.
Yes, the Juan Manuel Marquez that dropped Pacquiao face down in the canvass also in 2012.
?I am the champion and I am the underdog. That is amazing. He just got knocked out by Marquez and I just beat Marquez and I am the underdog? Still, still I have to earn respect from the fans, because of the first fight and that is why we are doing it here again today.?
And like Pacquiao, Bradley, the defending champ also believed and also stated that he has something to prove and he wanted to do it in the same ring in Vegas on April 12th.
How important of an ingredient is ?redemption? in their fight? Ask their promoter Bob Arum and he will answer you with smile.
In less than 24 hours after tickets for the rematch went on sale, Arum stated Thursday that 70 % of the tickets have already been sold. And with a full two months before the event at The MGM Grand in Las Vegas, a sellout is not only predicted but expected.
The task now is to sell it in homes across the US, Mexico and Puerto Rico through pay-per-view. Hence expect the two fighters to continue to pitch themselves and their own claim to, yes ? REDEMPTION, in the weeks to come.
Redemption, yes it sells.
You can reach the author at rrmaze24@aol.com and on Twitter @Freemazon910.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rich Mazon .
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
CLARESSA SHIELDS VS. LANI DANIELS PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Wed, 18 Jun 2025Brian Norman Jr.: "This Championship Belt Means Everything to Me!"
Wed, 18 Jun 2025Julian Gonzalez Takes on Former World Title Challenger Jason Sanchez in Main Event on Friday, June 27th at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia
Wed, 18 Jun 2025IBA reaffirms its commitment to good governance and stability in Africa
Wed, 18 Jun 2025Day One of the USA Boxing Junior Olympics and Summer Festival Concludes
Wed, 18 Jun 2025The Past Week in Action 16 June 2025: Hitchins Stops Kambosos; Wins by Andy Cruz and Teremoana; Donaire Returns
By Eric Armit, Tue, 17 Jun 2025THRILLA IN MANILA GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY 9 - MUHAMMAD ALI WINS WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE
By Maloney L. Samaco, Tue, 17 Jun 2025OKC Nears First NBA Title in Thunder Era; Outclasses Indiana, 120-109 in Game 5
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Tue, 17 Jun 2025Crawford Refutes #3 P4P Ranking; WBA Doesn't Forget Nonito Donaire
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Tue, 17 Jun 2025GM John Paul Gomez joins Touchmove in Roxas City
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 17 Jun 2025Perfect foe, perfect outcome
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 17 Jun 2025Prospects Collide Results: Rajon Chance Defeats Yan Carlos Perez
Tue, 17 Jun 2025Undefeated Russian super middleweight Petr “The Surgeon” Khamukov to headline This Friday in Long Beach on DAZN
Tue, 17 Jun 2025International Boxing & MMA Consultants Appointed to serve as El Salvador Professional Combat Sport Commission
Tue, 17 Jun 2025Sasotize teams champion and 1st runner up in 2nd JCI Senate Chess Tourney
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 17 Jun 2025