Pacquiao-Bradley:Vindication For Both

The first fight between Timothy Bradley and Manny Pacquiao will forever be known for the cloud of controversy that emerged following the decision in that fight by three judges that many, myself included thought was a travesty. If there was a silver lining in the controversy that not only did damage to both fighters, but also to the integrity of the sport, is when there is a controversial outcome, there is always the potential for a rematch.

In the two years since their first fight both fighters have gone through trials and tribulations. Bradley sought validation and recognition for not only his victory in the first fight, but also the recognition that he was due as one of the best pound for pound fighters in the world. Pacquiao, after losing two of his last three fights, including a devastating knockout at the hands of Juan Manuel Marquez looked to prove that he was still the fighter who had spent years dominating fighters much bigger than himself as he went up the weight scale through various weight classes with relative ease.

For two fighters seeking vindication it was more than appropriate that a rematch take place. On April 12th, Boxing fans got the rematch that they demanded. In the lead up to the rematch I commented that the most intriguing storyline in my mind centered on the three judges who were charged the responsibility of rendering a decision if the fight went the full twelve round distance. In all honesty, I felt that although both fighters are highly skilled that the fight might not have been as tactical due to both fighters not wanting to leave any doubt as to the outcome of this fight.

Although I did not expect either fighter to come out with reckless abandon I was somewhat surprised to see the fight begin tactically with both fighters looking to counter each other. In contrast, to the first fight, where Pacquiao was able to land his left hand and mix in combinations in the early going, the story of the early rounds of the rematch was Bradley’s ability to bring the fight to Pacquiao and land his right hand to the body and head. I feel Bradley won three out of the first four rounds based largely on being the aggressor and his lateral movement. This was highlighted twice in the early rounds first in round two when Pacquiao knocked Bradley off balance with a straight left hand and Bradley came back very aggressively. Bradley returned the favor in round four by staggering Pacquiao with an overhand right that briefly lifted Pacquiao off the canvas.

Bradley, who said prior to the fight that he was looking to knock Pacquiao out was clearly intent to not let this fight go to the scorecards. It was also clear that Bradley was able to stun Pacquiao in this fight, which was something he wasn’t able to do in the first fight. As the fight progressed however, the momentum shifted in Pacquiao’s favor.

 Gradually Bradley’s aggression seemed to start working against him in that he was putting so much behind everything he threw.  As the fight went on it seemed as though he missed more than he landed and seemed to change his strategy slightly as he looked to entice Pacquiao to come in recklessly and catch him coming in. Bradley clearly was looking to land one knockout punch in the same manner that Juan Manuel Marquez was able to knock Pacquiao out in their fourth fight in December 2012. This allowed Pacquiao in my mind to take the initiative and outwork Bradley in spurts over the course of much of the second half of the fight.

Some might believe that it would have served Bradley better to box Pacquiao and not look to land power shots whenever he threw punches. Whether or not Bradley’s strategy was directly attributed to the blame some placed upon him after the controversial outcome of the first fight in not wanting to leave any doubts in the rematch is a question that only he can answer. As the fight went on I felt the strategy worked against him and cost him rounds that were otherwise close. In contrast, in the early rounds Bradley clearly brought the fight to Pacquiao and dictated how the fight was being fought.

Manny Pacquiao’s ability to make his opponent miss and respond with quick combinations and lateral movement is what turned this fight around for him in my opinion. As was the case in the first fight, the rematch between Bradley and Pacquiao would go the distance. I felt that unlike the first fight, the rematch was more competitive and that there would be some difference of opinion as to the scoring. In the first fight, I had Pacquiao winning every round based on his overall ring generalship, ability to land cleanly, and his defense.

Much like the first fight, the rematch provided rounds where you could make an argument for either fighter having won those rounds. Unlike the first fight, where I felt Timothy Bradley simply did not do enough to win rounds that wasn’t the case in the rematch. Although I feel that the fight gradually got away from him from the fifth round on, I felt that he won three out of the first four rounds clearly and can easily see how some might have scored four out of the first five rounds for him.

From my perspective, the momentum shifted to Pacquiao starting in the fifth round and Pacquiao gradually took control of the fight from that point on. Unofficially I had Manny Pacquiao winning this fight 117-111, or nine rounds to three. Unlike the first fight, there would be no controversy this time. Judges Michael Pernick and Craig Metcalfe each scored the fight 116-112, and judge Glenn Trowbridge scored the fight by a wider margin of 118-110, unanimously in favor of Pacquiao. With the win, Pacquiao regains the WBO World Welterweight championship that he had lost to Bradley in the first fight and his ninth world title overall in his career.

Following the fight, I commented on Twitter that this was an adequate decision for a fight that unlike the first fight will be remembered for all the right reasons. Although some might have difficulty in understanding the scorecard of judge Glenn Trowbridge of 118-110 or ten rounds of two, the first five rounds of this fight were what is commonly referred to as “Swing Rounds” where an argument could be made for either fighter having won those rounds. As I have said many times over the years, when it comes to “Swing Rounds” it will often boil down to what a judge prefers in their own individual criteria based on clean punching, effective aggressiveness, ring generalship, and defense that will determine who wins a round.

Even though some may not agree with judge Trowbridge’s scorecard, I believe that all three judges were very consistent in this fight and deserve praise for the adequate job they did in this fight. There was no controversy in this fight and that should be viewed as a win for the sport in the bigger picture.

One fight however, will probably not erase the memory of the questionable judging that took place in the first fight between Pacquiao and Bradley. Although I commend judges Pernick, Metcalfe, and Trowbridge for the solid job they did in this fight, I again must express my opinion that the need for a national organization to oversee the sport of Boxing in the United States is something that is still needed.

For Timothy Bradley and Manny Pacquiao, I feel that both fighters achieved redemption in this fight. Despite suffering the first loss of his career and losing his world title, Timothy Bradley fought like a warrior and it is my hope that the unjust blame he received after the first fight is now quelled and put in the past. Bradley was before the first fight and still is after the rematch one of the best fighters in the world. This loss will do nothing to diminish Bradley’s standing among the best pound for pound fighters in the world.

For Manny Pacquiao, he has now avenged one of two losses that most Boxing fans and experts alike feel caused him to lose his standing at or near the top of most pound for pound lists. Whether this victory leads to a fifth encounter with Juan Manuel Marquez remains to be seen. Of course talk will surface again of a potential fight with Floyd Mayweather, but with the current landscape of the sport with rival networks and promoters at odds and in competition with each other, it appears unlikely that a fight with Mayweather would be in the immediate future.

There are other possibilities. Although most are probably of the opinion that if a fight between Pacquiao and Mayweather is not made that the next best option would be a fifth fight with Marquez, it is important to remember that Marquez is scheduled to face former Jr. Welterweight champion Mike Alvarado on May 17th at the historic Forum in Inglewood, California. Although most would likely consider Marquez a heavy favorite in that fight, Alvarado is not someone to dismiss and should he beat Marquez, that would obviously elevate him as a potential opponent for Pacquiao.

There is one other thing to consider. Now that chapter 2 of the story between Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley has concluded, will there be a chapter 3? Based on the competitive nature of the rematch and what is likely still a source of contention as to the scoring in the first fight, a third encounter does seem logical.

Timothy Bradley has always given his best every time he enters the ring and he did give Pacquiao a rematch. Both Bradley and Pacquiao are class acts that are shining examples of the greatest Boxing has to offer. If it is an available option, I have no reason to believe that Pacquiao would not return the favor.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison

Bradley-Pacquiao: Chapter 2 Will There Be Closure?

In the sport of Boxing there are several reasons why a rematch would be considered by the parties involved in a fight.  A reason such as a highly competitive fight between two world-class fighters with a healthy difference of opinion as to who won the fight would obviously fuel interest in a rematch. There are also other reasons why a rematch might take place.  Of course, one of the most obvious reasons might be from a business standpoint.

From a financial perspective sometimes no matter how competitive a fight may or may not have been in the ring, a possible rematch may simply boil down to how successful a fight might have been in terms of both live gate and pay-per-view numbers. There is perhaps another factor, which may play as big a role as any in determining if a rematch is warranted.  If a rematch is mandated, not necessarily by the sanctioning organizations who govern the sport, but mandated by the ultimate authority the Boxing fans.

Such a circumstance presents itself as undefeated two-division world champion and current WBO Welterweight world champion Timothy Bradley and former champion Manny Pacquiao prepare for their highly anticipated rematch Saturday night at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Although it has been nearly two years since their highly controversial first encounter, there is little dispute that the rematch between the two is something that Boxing fans worldwide have demanded loud and clear.  

By now the story of what happened in the first fight between the two has become common knowledge to most Boxing fans, both casual and enthusiast alike.  Bradley, the always “Game” warrior who endured excruciating pain as he suffered ligament damage to both of his feet during the first fight with Pacquaio, but bravely fought on, despite the pain.  Bradley’s valiant performance however, will forever be overshadowed by what happened at the end of the twelve round championship bout.  

Even though there was no doubt as to Bradley’s courage in the fight, the consensus of many, this observer included was that Bradley was bested on that night in June 2012 by Manny Pacquiao. Despite the consensus of the fight being a decisive victory for Pacquiao, the decision rendered in the fight will be remembered by many as one of the most controversial and bizarre  decisions in the history of the sport.   

The opinion of many at the end of the fight was that Pacquiao had won the fight by margins of at least nine rounds to three or ten rounds to two. Although some, myself included saw this fight even wider in favor of Pacquiao in scoring the fight a shutout, there were a few rounds during the course of the fight where Bradley could have won some rounds. Rounds that are commonly referred to as “Swing Rounds” where there may not be much action taking place, where it can boil down to which fighter does a little more that might determine who wins a round.  

Despite the consensus of a clear win for Pacquiao, the three official judges saw this fight differently turning in a split decision with two judges scoring the fight 115-113 in points or seven rounds to five in favor of Bradley.  The decision was quickly met with great passion and anger by both fans and experts alike.  This observer said quite candidly both after the fight and in the days that followed that the decision rendered in this fight disgusted me. 

Unfortunately, when there is a controversial decision like what happened the first time Bradley and Pacquiao met in the ring, anger can at times be pointed in the wrong direction.  Instead of pointing anger squarely in the direction of the source of such a decision, some will choose instead to direct their anger at the fighters involved.  Such was the case with Timothy Bradley.  

Regardless of what one’s opinion might be as to who won the first fight between Bradley and Pacquiao, how Bradley was treated by some in the aftermath of that fight was unjust and one might say downright cruel. When it comes to fights that end under circumstances as that fight did, it not only does damage to the integrity of the sport as a whole, but also and perhaps more importantly can do damage to the fighters involved, specifically the fighter who would appear to be the benefactor of the controversy. Unfortunately, in this case that fighter was Timothy Bradley.

An argument should be made that the win for Bradley probably did more damage than a loss to Pacquiao would have. Despite his accomplishments prior to the first encounter with Pacquiao, those accomplishments were all, but forgotten by some. Bradley responded by defending his title in a grueling give and take battle against Ruslan Provodnikov in March of last year earning a hard fought unanimous decision victory to retain his title.   

In his last fight, Bradley engaged in a tactical dual with future Hall of Famer Juan Manuel Marquez. In an extremely close fight that this observer scored a draw, Bradley was able to outwork Marquez and earned a split decision. Despite the two hard fought victories for Bradley since the first fight with Pacquiao, there may be some who might still question his standing in the sport as the rematch approaches.  

Although much of the negativity about the decision of the first fight has been pointed in the direction of Bradley, Manny Pacquiao has also gone through trials and tribulations in the two years since the first fight took place.  Following the loss to Bradley, Pacquiao chose to face his arch-rival Juan Manuel Marquez in their fourth fight in December 2012.

As has been the custom throughout the series of fights between Pacquiao and Marquez, the fourth fight delivered plenty of back and forth action. Unlike the first three fights however, the fourth encounter would not go the distance and debates as to who won the fight would not be needed. In a fight where both fighters tasted the canvas, Marquez brought the fight to a sudden end knocking Pacquiao out cold in the closing seconds of round six. 

Despite his loss to Bradley earlier that year, many still considered Pacquaio if not the number one fighter in the world, then most certainly 1-A on most pound for pound lists.  The definitive knockout at the hands of Marquez however, would change Pacquiao’s standing in the sport’s mythical pound for pound debates.  After suffering such a devastating knockout, it was also fair for some to question whether or not Pacquiao could recover.  In Pacquiao’s last fight he showed no ill effects as he dominated former WBA interim Lightweight champion Brandon Rios over twelve rounds in November of last year.

This now sets the stage for the rematch between Bradley and Pacquiao.  A few questions that some might have as this fight approaches are what effect has each fighter’s most recent fights had on them?  As well, due to the element of controversy that emerged from the first fight will it result in a much more action packed fight with both fighters not looking to leave it in the hands of the judges?  

In my eyes this fight could go several different ways. Both fighters have hand speed and both can be solid defensively. In terms of the type of fight that will be fought, I believe the fighter who can establish the pace early could be the one to dictate how the fight will be fought.  The most intriguing storyline of this fight however, does not center around the fighters and any potential tactical adjustments from the first fight.  

The main storyline of this fight in my mind centers around the three judges who will be charged with the responsibility of rendering a decision should the fight go the distance.  A valid point that the judges being a focal point of this fight can be demonstrated not only in relation to the first fight, but also the Floyd Mayweather-Saul Alvarez fight from September of last year. The decisions in both fights received much criticism thanks in part to judge C.J. Ross who served as one of three judges in both fights.

A sign of the times thanks in large part to the advent of social media has been that Boxing fans have the ability to let their voices be heard.  It is a given that much attention will be focused on the three judges for the Bradley-Pacquiao rematch.  Judges Michael Pernick, John Keane, and Glenn Trowbridge arguably have one of the most important assignments in the recent history of the sport.  

What this rematch basically amounts to is a rare scenario of two fighters who are each looking for vindication.  For Timothy Bradley he is looking to validate his first victory as he seeks a second victory over Manny Pacquiao one of Boxing’s biggest stars.  The need for validation and recognition for Bradley could be demonstrated in that although he is the champion coming into this fight, he has not gotten top billing in the promotion of this fight.  Pacquiao’s name being put before his could be looked at as a champion being disregarded.  One could say however, that the reason Pacquiao has received top billing in the build up to this fight, despite being the challenger going in and having lost the first encounter could simply have to do with his star status in the sport.  Whether it be a marketing issue or possibly a strategy to play off public opinion as to who won the first fight, for a champion it has to be a source of frustration.  

For Manny Pacquiao he is seeking to avenge his loss to Bradley nearly two years ago. In the bigger picture for Pacquiao, he also seeks to prove that the winless year he had in 2012 was not a sign of decline and that he is still among the best pound for pound fighters in the world.  Another question some might have with regard to Pacquiao is whether or not he still has a knockout mentality having not scored a knockout win since stopping Miguel Cotto in 2009.

For two fighters, each with something to prove the rematch could end up being a memorable night for Boxing fans. Not only is there a possibility of an action-packed fight between two great fighters, but also for the sport, this fight offers an opportunity to heal itself from a controversy that many consider a black eye for Boxing and could bring redemption to both fighters win or lose.  

Will Controversy emerge once again?  For the fighters sake, for the judges sake, but most importantly for Boxing fans worldwide, I certainly hope not…  

  “And That’s The Boxing Truth.” 

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter:www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison 

Cunningham Vs. Mansour: Let’s See It Again!

A common storyline that will surface from time to time in the sport of Boxing is a scenario of a veteran fighter or a former world champion, who might appear to be on the downside of their career being pitted against a contender who is on the way up the ranks. Such a scenario was presented as former two-time IBF Cruiserweight world champion Steve Cunningham entered the ring to face undefeated Heavyweight contender Amir Mansour on April 4th in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

For the thirty-seven year old Cunningham, this fight may have been viewed by some as a make it or break it situation for him. Although Cunningham is a former world champion an argument some might make is that he is more known for getting tough breaks in losing a couple of very close decisions throughout his career. Most notably, versus Tomasz Adamek who defeated Cunningham for the IBF World Cruiserweight Championship in 2008 and again in their rematch four years later in 2012 as Heavyweights.

Despite suffering some setbacks during his career, Cunningham has also earned a reputation as a well-traveled road warrior who has been willing to fight all over the world. In April of last year, Cunningham met undefeated Heavyweight contender Tyson Fury in what was one of the most exciting and competitive fights in the division in recent years. Cunningham knocked the 6’9 Fury down for the first time in his career in the second round and gave an extremely “Game” effort before being knocked out in the seventh round. It was the first knockout loss for Cunningham in his career.

Although Cunningham has always given his best every time he enters the ring, some might have questioned what was left for Cunningham after losing four of his last five fights. Cunningham however, would rebound by scoring an eight round unanimous decision over journeyman contender Manuel Quezada in December of last year. This would set the stage for Cunningham to face rising undefeated forty-one-year-old contender Amir Mansour.

Mansour, whose career began in 1997, had his career derailed by legal troubles serving nine years in prison for drug possession. It is highly unusual when discussing a forty-one-year-old fighter that you can say that the fighter is a rising contender. Mansour however, is indeed a rising contender who since returning to the ring in 2010 has garnered significant attention.

In his career, Mansour has scored victories over notable opponents including Dominick Guinn, Jason Gavern, and Maurice Harris to win the United States Boxing Association (USBA) title in August of last year. Mansour, who last fought in December of last year scoring a seventh round stoppage of Kelvin Price has registered a career knockout percentage of over 70%.

When the Mansour-Cunningham fight was announced this observer thought it had an element of intrigue. Could Mansour, who entered into the fight with a record of 20-0, with 15 knockouts continue his march up the Heavyweight ranks by defeating a former world champion? Could Cunningham reestablish himself in the Heavyweight division by defeating an undefeated fighter who appeared to be perhaps on the verge of facing a top ten contender in a division that is wide-open?

These questions would be answered as the two entered the ring to do battle at the Liacouras Center. The action began at a tactical pace where both fighters seemed to have periods of effectiveness. Mansour the aggressor, Cunningham seemingly content in the role of counter puncher.

Although the fight was fought early on at a tactical pace, both fighters established a quick pace and were not reluctant to engage. The primary difference in this fight was Cunningham’s ability to make Mansour miss due to his solid lateral movement, despite fighting in close.

Even though Mansour clearly was the harder puncher, I did wonder as this fight progressed whether or not fatigue would become a factor. Mansour was putting a lot behind his punches and over a period of time when a fighter misses with heavily thrown punches, it can have an effect as a fight progresses. Mansour however, does have the power to turn a fight in his favor with one punch. Cunningham was able to win most of the early rounds in large part due to his defense and making when he did land count. Sometimes it is not necessarily who is the more active fighter in terms of punches landed or thrown that determines who wins a fight. The ability to be solid defensively can be and often is crucial when it comes to winning rounds.

I did wonder however, whether or not Cunningham would be able to continue to nullify Mansour’s offense for the full ten round bout. This question that I had in my mind was valid as Mansour would turn the momentum in his favor in round five, knocking down Cunningham with a right hand and dropping him again seconds later. Cunningham was able to survive the round, but suffering two knockdowns in the round likely helped Mansour gain ground on most unofficial scorecards up to that point.

Although the momentum clearly shifted to Mansour in the fifth round, Cunningham as has been the case throughout his career showed his mettle. Cunningham’s ability to be elusive allowed him to clear his head and get back into the fight as he continued to make Mansour miss frequently and looked to counter Mansour’s offense. One thing that stood out to me as I watched this fight was although Mansour clearly brought the fight to Cunningham throughout, an argument could be made that by Mansour putting a lot behind the punches he threw in actuality worked against him due to Cunningham’s ability to make him miss and thus possibly cost him some rounds that most would consider close.

The fight however, was grueling and both fighters gradually wore the effects of a hard-fought battle. Both men would suffer cuts during the course of this fight and I wondered if the fight would go the distance. As the rounds went on Cunningham not only dictated the fight in my mind based on his ability to be elusive, but he was also very effective in mixing his offense to the body and head of Mansour. Even though Mansour clearly had Cunningham in trouble in the fifth round, I wondered whether Mansour’s punching power would be enough for him to win him this fight down the stretch.

Because of the two knockdowns against Cunningham in the fifth round, there may have been some difference of opinion as to who was ahead on the scorecards as the fight went into the late rounds. One of the primary things that I believe worked against Mansour in this fight was not only that he was seemingly putting everything he had into every punch he threw, but he also frequently lunged in with his punches and neglected his jab as a way to set up his offense. This allowed Cunningham to time Mansour as he came forward and allowed him to evade the majority of his offense.

Cunningham regained control the fight down the stretch has Mansour appeared to be exhausted and the more fatigued of the two fighters. Cunningham scored a knockdown of Mansour in the final minute of the tenth and final round and would go on to win a ten round unanimous decision, winning the USBA title and reestablishing himself in the division.

For a fighter like Steve Cunningham who has had some tough breaks and has had to deal with adversity throughout his career, this win was in some ways career defining. Both Cunningham and Mansour proved that they belong in the discussion of Heavyweight contenders and potential future world title challengers.

Some might argue that Cunningham at thirty-seven years old and Mansour at forty-one years old might not have time on their side in terms of positioning themselves for a potential challenge of a world title. Current unified IBF/WBA/WBO/IBO champion Wladimir Klitschko is scheduled to face Alex Leapai in a title defense later this month.  Chris Arreola and Bermane Stiverne will face-off in a rematch to determine a new WBC world champion in May. The fact that both Cunningham and Mansour fought like warriors in this fight and are consistently involved in entertaining fights could benefit both in the long-term.

As the Heavyweight division appears to be reemerging as a major focal point in the sport, each fight between prospects, contenders, and former world champions will continue to garner attention. In terms of the near future with several fights already scheduled to take place between top contenders and fights involving portions of the World Heavyweight Championship, the best option for both Cunningham and Mansour in my eyes would be a rematch.

Both fighters gave it everything they had and produced what has to be considered one of the best Heavyweight fights of the year thus far. Why not an encore?

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Rerserved.

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison