According to multiple reports, 8-division former world champion Manny Pacquiao will face welterweight champion Timothy Bradley on April 9 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pacquiao hasn't fought since losing a unanimous decision to long-time ring rival Floyd Mayweather back in May. It will be his first fight back since undergoing surgery to repair damage to his shoulder that he reportedly sustained in the fight. Bradley, on the other hand, is coming off of an impressive 9th round stoppage of former world champion Brandon Rios.
This will be the third time that the two fighters have faced each other. Although Bradley was awarded a split decision victory after their first encounter back in 2012, most observers agreed that Pacquiao was blatantly robbed of a victory that he clearly won. When they squared off for the rematch two years later, Pacquiao soundly defeated Bradley via unanimous decision. Since that time, however, Bradley has changed trainers and is now working with Teddy Atlas. Though Pacquiao will no doubt be favored to win again, it will be interesting to see if Atlas can make a difference in the rubber match.
"It's a done deal and it's going to be a third fight against Timothy Bradley. We took a lot of consideration knowing Bradley has improved a lot as a fighter since the last time they've met in 2014," Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum informed The Manila Times via phone call.
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