Although multi-division world champion Manny Pacquao and undefeated WBO welterweight champion Timothy Bradley have both agreed to face each other on April 12, the fight could be in jeopardy before the contracts are even drawn up. Sources close to the information have informed us that the only way Top Rank will move forward with the fight is if Bradley signs a multi-fight contract extension with the promotional company. Evidently, Bradley has verbally agreed to all terms, including the purse split, for the fight, however, he's not keen on signing a contract extension that the promotional company claims is necessary in order to move forward with the bout.
"Timmy definitely wants the fight. He agreed to everything that Manny wanted. The fight, for all intents and purposes, is done and he's ready to go, but now they're saying he can't get the fight unless he extends his contract with them," one source commented, suggesting that Top Rank is using the Pacquiao fight as leverage to get Bradley to re-sign with them. Another source confirmed that, although there's still a few months left, Bradley is indeed nearing the end of his promotional contract with Top Rank. While it's unclear as to whether or not the rematch with Pacquiao would be the final fight that Bradley needs to fulfill his contractual obligations, it's clear that Top Rank has every intention of locking him in long-term before he gets another opportunity to beat their cash cow again and potentially move on to a future fight with undefeated pound-for-pound king Floyd "Money" Mayweather.
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