The Filipino Manny Pacquiao returns to the ring to meet before his final retirement the appointment that will decide who is the best between him and the American Timothy Bradley after two bouts in which they divided honors.
At the age of 37, it remains to be seen if after the expected fight in the welterweight division of the World Boxing Organization (WBO) the former champion will have gas to continue a more active time.
This is because speculation also abounds about an imminent rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr. after the disappointment generated last year by the fight he lost, but which returned more than 600 million dollars in income.
Now, with Mayweather Jr. retired, but without saying that he will not return, all to the point that he will be very aware of what Pacquiao can do on Saturday at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao could confirm his retirement, even if he beats Bradley on this third date.
The fighter is a candidate for the Senate in the Philippines, a position that requires much more time than his current position as a congressman in his country.
Polls have him as one of the favorites for next month’s elections.
Hence, the fight against Bradley in the same scenario where he lost by decision to Mayweather Jr. last year will have several readings depending on the result.
A victory could give Pacquiao the final push to win the election, as well as leaving the door open for him to fight at least two more times.
Coach Freddie Roach believes that Pacquiao benefited from the break after the loss to Mayweather, forced by shoulder surgery, and has enough fire, power, speed and enthusiasm to continue to talk about the ring.
“I think he’s ready to be the same as before, rest, he felt like he needed to keep boxing and now he’s in great shape,” Roach said.
“I feel fresh, both physically and mentally,” said the boxer who began his professional career in 1995, at the age of 16.
Pacquiao is guaranteed a $ 7 million payout for facing Bradley. Much less than the $ 75 million he received for facing Mayweather Jr. and then increased his earnings from television rights to $ 125 million.
Bradley is now trained by Terry Atlas, who for years served as a television commentator before the WBO welterweight champion convinced him to return to the gym.
“Having Teddy is like having all the secrets of the opponent. Analyze the fights, “he said. EFE
Pacquiao returns to settle accounts with Bradley but does not clarify his future
