April 2, 2015 –Fight fans captivated by the fast-approaching welterweight unification title fight between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao can enjoy a revealing look at Pacquiao’s brilliant ring career when HBO Sports presents three of his all-time classic bouts back-to-back.

On Friday, April 17 at 11:00 p.m. (ET/PT) and Saturday, April 18 at 8:15 a.m. (ET/PT), HBO2 will replay Pacquiao vs. Bradley II 2014, Pacquiao vs. Cotto 2009 and Pacquiao vs. De La Hoya 2008 back-to-back.

In the bright spotlight of Las Vegas on April 12, 2014, Manny Pacquiao avenged a controversial loss with a dominating performance over then undefeated Timothy Bradley Jr. in their championship title rematch.

Pacquiao’s reputation as slugger was solidified on November 14, 2009 with a resounding 12th round TKO triumph over Miguel Cotto at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Rounding out the three-hour Manny fight marathon will be Pacquiao’s signature triumph over Oscar de la Hoya on Dec. 5, 2008 that catapulted the young prizefighter from the Philippines into a superstar personality. The fight was halted in the 8th round as Pacquiao’s unrelenting attack dominated the action.

All three fights will also be available 24 hours a day to HBO On Demand® and HBO GO® subscribers beginning Monday, April 20.

The Mayweather vs. Pacquiao mega-fight takes place Saturday, May 2 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas live on pay-per-view beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT.

By Bart Barry-

LAS VEGAS – Having scored the first match between American Timothy Bradley and Filipino Manny Pacquiao the wrong way from ringside, I found myself situated in a spot from which scoring was impossible at the rematch. With the back wall as my headrest, peering at the ring from a seat meters above the ceiling camera and a full level above a concourse kiosk advertising binocular rentals, I saw Pacquiao and Bradley approximate the choreography of modern dance, which approximates the behavior of molecules in an excited state: colliding, racing apart, reversing course, colliding again, racing apart.

Pacquiao won a fair and unanimous decision at MGM Grand Garden Arena, Saturday, in a match more competitive than great, a balletic sort of confrontation that required a 12th round headbutt to make either guy’s face look as a prizefighter’s should. Neither guy landed cleanly a fraction his power punches, and the match was marked more by hollowed-out suspense than building drama.

Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley fought like grade-A natural athletes, tested and stamped Certified. For the first time in years, a spectator could watch a championship prizefight and assume from the data his eyes sent him, instead of what haranguing an agency or promoter or reporter did him, the two men making combat were not using performance-enhancing drugs. They appeared slow, inaccurate and generally winded much of the night. Gone was the Filipino wildcat who haunted trainer Nacho Beristain’s preparatory ruminations, and likely still haunts Erik Morales’ conscious thoughts. In his stead was a comparatively docile veteran who didn’t miss openings presented him when he went for them, and generally did not go for them.

Round 2 was the best Pacquiao and Bradley had made in their first 42 minutes of trying and better than anything they made in their next half hour. It was final evidence Pacquiao no longer has a three-minute round in him and evidence, too, that for whatever reason – and overtraining cannot be ruled out – Timothy Bradley cannot go a hard 36 minutes either; Bradley’s strategy was about conditioning, all about making Pacquiao fight more frantically than he wanted to, tossing punches at a pace unfamiliar to any version of Pacquiao over 130 pounds. It was the very thing, too, and Bradley sensed it and went for it, bringing what he once called “the dog” out, snarling and nipping, never imperiling exactly, but leveraging punches with his all body to make the other guy wilt.

If Pacquiao did not wilt, in rounds 3 and 4 he did wonder why the hell he had to keep doing this violent thing, and why he’ll have to do it for the foreseeable future, and where his fortune went. That happened after Pacquiao finally found Bradley in round 2 with his signature jab-feint-jab-cross combination, the one with which he felled everyone from Marco Antonio Barrera to Juan Manuel Marquez, and multiple times each, too, and Bradley did what everyone will now do in retaliation: Set his weight on his back foot and wing his right hand in a baseball pitcher’s homage to Marquez. The punch didn’t land, not till the fourth, but it made Pacquiao stop and ponder things in a way he never did in his prime.

The gambit worked too well for Bradley, and for the next seven or so minutes he threw his right hand with an enthusiasm so reckless it surely was a missed right in round 4, or early in round 5, that caused his calf muscle to sever and lump beneath him. Afterwards Bradley insisted his plunged activity level was not a matter of conditioning, and that is at least partially believable – although one must imagine how it saps a man’s stamina and fighting spirit to have to stop punches that hit only air. Stopping one’s own punches, after all, is a contingency for which no man trains; to replicate its effect, a trainer would have to yank a heavy bag entirely out his charge’s way on the final punch of each combination.

It took Pacquiao about six minutes – or 5:30 longer than it once might have – to realize Bradley was diminished. Pacquiao may not have thrown a punch in the opening minute of round 6. Round 11 brought justifiable boos from a slightly exasperated MGM Grand crowd, an acknowledgement Bradley no longer had the wherewithal to make a fight with Pacquiao, and Pacquiao was evidently scoring rounds in his head, locking in early leads and protecting them from a guy uninterested in taking them away.

The 12th was a competitive stanza between two good guys who like one another and like competing and really like the paychecks pay-per-view matches bring them but do not see any particular reason to endanger others unnecessarily. Each threw hard punches and hoped for a knockout, but finally it was a relenting sort of Timothy Bradley that Devon Alexander would have appreciated greatly, and a kindhearted sort of Manny Pacquiao that Erik Morales would have treated terribly. That brought a postfight scene long on words like “competitive” and short on words like “great” because, frankly, nobody believed Saturday’s match determined the world’s best welterweight.

As everyone at MGM Grand got reminded constantly all week, the world’s best welterweight is Floyd Mayweather, and he has a shrine window in the front entrance of MGM Grand to prove it. Mayweather’s countenance was ubiquitous during Pacquiao fight week – as promoter Bob Arum reminded everyone, in a show of indefatigability his main-event fighters could not emulate – and that is more than partially attributable to the casino’s sorrowful financial state; walking round and looking for postfight dining, one suspected that for a nominal fee the casino would have hung “Steve Wynn Wants You” posters with the hometown entrepreneur, and MGM competitor, pointing his finger in top-hat and tails.

Mayweather’s group took advantage of MGM’s finances in a move that was tacky, sure. But then, what in Vegas isn’t?

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Editor’s note: The photo above is part of an extraordinary tapestry sewn by the Canadian artist Sola Fiedler and exhibited at Trifecta Gallery in the 18b Las Vegas Arts District.

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Bart Barry can be reached at bart.barrys.email (at) gmail.com

It’s a special edition of WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® when HBO Sports presents TIMOTHY BRADLEY JR. VS. MANNY PACQUIAO 2, the replay of their high stakes world welterweight title fight, SATURDAY, APRIL 19 at 11:00 p.m. (ET/PT) on HBO. The HBO Sports team, which was ringside for the live coverage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, calls all the action. The telecast will be available in HDTV.

The highly anticipated rematch between two of boxing’s most accomplished pros was carried live Saturday, April 12 on HBO Pay-Per-View.®

Immediately following the replay, HBO will present the season premiere of the boxing studio program THE FIGHT GAME WITH JIM LAMPLEY at 12:15 a.m. (ET/PT).

Other HBO playdates: Apr. 20(9:00 a.m.) and 22 (1:00 a.m.)

HBO2 playdates: Apr. 20 (5:45 p.m.) and 21 (11:00 p .m.)

® WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is a registered service mark of Home Box Office, Inc.

LAS VEGAS – It wasn’t everything Manny Pacquiao promised. But it was enough, more than enough to put his Filipino presidential ambitions on hold.

Pacquiao’s boxing career and his place in the pound-for-pound debate stayed very much alive with a unanimous decision Saturday night over Timothy Bradley at the MGM Grand.

A piece of the welterweight title lost in a controversial split decision in 2012 is back in Pacquiao’s possession with the victory over Bradley.

This time, there was no argument. The judges were unanimous. Glenn Trowbridge scored it, 118-110. Michael Pernick and Craig Metcalf had it 116-112 each, all for Pacquiao. There was unanimity on both sides of the ropes.

There was no argument from Bradley, who congratulated Pacquiao in the center of the ring after the scores were announced.

“No excuses, no excuse at all,’’ Bradley said at the post-fight news conference while reporters waited for Pacquiao to appear after getting stitched up for a cut above an eye.

Pacquiao had promised, or perhaps expected, to win by knockout. His trainer, Freddie Roach, predicted one. The compassionate Pacquaio would not answer the opening bell, Roach said. But the KO prophesy was never fulfilled.

“I tried,’’ Pacquiao (56-6-2, 38 KOs) said in the middle of the ring. “I really wanted that knockout.’’

Against the tough Bradley, a knockout was too much to expect. Bradley (31-1, 12 KOs) lost for the first time. Yet, he still has never been stopped.

For Pacquiao, the victory was a step in growing older. Some of his quickness has vanished like grains of sand in an hourglass. But time has turned him into more of a thinking fighter.

“His punches were harder in the first fight than they were this time,’’ Bradley said. “The difference this time was his experience.’’

Pacquiao adjusted in the face of wild, awkward shots from Bradley

“That’s when I knew I had to go down the middle,’’ said Pacquiao, who will collect a $20-million guarantee for his 12 rounds of work in regaining the World Boxing Organization’s title.

After opening the fight with a lot of side-to-side movement, he walked into a head-rocking punch from Bradley in the fourth. It was a sure sign that it was time for an adjustment.

Even without the key adjustment, Bradley’s chances at a victory that would have validated his split decision nearly two years ago might have been eliminated in the first round. After the first three minutes, Bradley told trainer Joel Diaz that he thought he sustained an injury to his right hamstring. For Bradley, it must have felt like déjà vu all over again. On his June 9, 2012 decision over Pacquiao he suffered injuries to both feet. There was no update about the severity of the injury during the post-fight news conference. Bradley didn’t want to talk about it.

“This sort of thing happens in big fights,’’ Diaz said. “But our plan was to dominate Manny. With something like that happening so early in the fight, we just couldn’t do that.’’

No argument about that either.

Photos by Chris Farina / Top Rank

Manny Pacquiao 145 – Timothy Bradley 145.5
Ray Beltran 134.5 – Arash Usmanee 135
Bryan Vasquez 130 – Jose Felix 130
Oscar Valdez 129 – Adrian Perez 130

Photo by Chris Farina / Top Rank

By Norm Frauenheim

LAS VEGAS – It’s a fight without a villain. Timothy Bradley tried to play the role Friday at the weigh-in for his rematch with Manny Pacquiao. He arrived on stage wearing black and to pounding rap. His eyes were hidden by sunglasses. His headphones were an appropriate red. But only the Devil wears Prada. There’s no costume to hide the good guy in Bradley.

He beckoned the crowd to boo with friendly gestures. The Pacquiao partisans among the estimated 4,500 tried comply, but their booing had a hollow ring. There was none of the genuine passion you heard when Floyd Mayweather Jr. fought Oscar De La Hoya or when fought Mike Tyson fought just about anybody. Take off the sunglasses, remove the headphones, and there’s that Bradley smile. It even made Pacquiao grin when both engaged in the ritual face-off for the cameras.

Bradley promised Pacquao that he would knock him knock out. But Pacquiao said nothing. He just smiled back at his business partner. Their sequel Saturday night at MGM Grand is scripted to include violence, perhaps more controversy and maybe even a knockout. But at this moment they were what they have always been and will be: Friends.

If styles make fights, dignity makes this one.

“He’s ready,” Bradley (31-0, 12 KOs) said of the look in Pacquiao’s eyes after he tipped the scales at 145.5 pounds, half-a-pound heavier than the Filipino Congressman. “He’s fierce, he looked ready and determined for the fight.”

In other words, Bradley, who is guaranteed $6 million, liked what he saw. He and his trainer, Joel Diaz, have called themselves Pacquiao fans. In part, that means they hope to encounter the best possible Pacquiao. Friends, after all, don’t disappoint.

Pacquiao (55-5-2, 38 KOs), whose guarantee is $20 million, was reminded of Bradley’s promise to score a stoppage that would eliminate any repeat of the controversy that engulfed Bradley after he won by a split-decision in June 2012.

“Well, he’ll have to prove it in the ring,” said Pacquiao (55-5-2, 38 KOs), who hasn’t scored a knockout in seven straight fights. “That’s where he’s going to have to try to knock me out. But I’m prepared for that. A lot of people tell me that they’re going to knock me out, but it’s another thing to do it.

“‘He said ‘Let’s do this, let’s do this’ and I said, ‘Okay.’ I have to finish business in the ring this time. I’m happy to be back in Las Vegas again. I have peace of mind. No worries. There will just be rest, prayer and belief.”

And after it’s all over, a likely friend.

That sounds like a pretty good decision no matter what the scorecards say.

LUNCH WITH COTTO: Miguel Cotto, who has been training alongside Manny Pacquiao this week in Las Vegas, met the media Friday at the MGM Grand to talk about his June 7 middleweight clash with Sergio Martinez at New York’s Madison Square Garden.

Cotto’s trademark poise and understated confidence was there, as always. Roach, he said, has re-energized him and helped correct some bad habits he picked up over his long career. He also wasn’t worried that Martinez might target some facial scars in an attempt to open up some old wounds.

“I’m a boxer,’’ Cotto said. “I’ve bled before. I’ve found out the way to work with the bleeding on my face in the fight. If that happens on June 7, I’m going to be able to work with it again and beat him.’’

Photo by Chris Farina / Top Rank

It’s another nail-biter with Pacquiao and Bradley waging a fight of the year type bout. I just think Bradley is on the upswing, swelling with confidence after his two recent wins while Pacquiao is on the way down. As a result, I see Bradley controlling the bout with his superior boxing ability and winning a split decision, further nudging Pacquiao off the stage of the world’s top fighters.
– Mitch Abramson, New York Daily News

Pacquiao W 12 Bradley: What’s the saying about awakening a sleeping giant? Bradley has been on the verbal offensive lately, and may be one of the few Pacquiao opponents to have succeeded in crawling under the Filipino Congressman’s skin. If, as Bradley says, the Pacquiao fire has been extinguished lately – “Desert Storm” has rekindled it. Look for a refocused, aggressive “Pac-Man” to force the issue – disregarding Bradley’s average punching power. He’ll hurt Bradley early, put him in a defensive posture for much of the fight, and survive the late-rounds rally to win a split decision.
– Matthew Aguilar, El Paso Times

Pacquiao via decision. I see Bradley trying to prove something after the controversy of their first encounter and being drawn into the trenches by the refocused Filipino. The superior speed and work-rate of Pacquiao earns him the nod. The ‘couch scorecard’ of C.J. Ross does not count.
– Mark Butcher, Boxing Monthly

Although he was clearly handled by Pacquiao in their first meeting — despite the judges’ scores — the ensuing two years have been kinder to Bradley, who has evolved into a versatile and dynamic boxer with the fearlessness of a puncher. Bradley wins close split decision in a true pick ’em fight.
– Brian Campbell, ESPN.com

In picking a fight, we often talk about physical assets and strengths. But I think this fight has a lot to do with each fighter’s mindset. Particularly, Pacquiao’s. Manny Pacquiao has to win this fight, and he knows it. What he also knows, is that he won the first fight. (I also had him winning the fight) That is a huge advantage in a rematch. On the flip side, despite everything he has been saying, I believe that Timothy Bradley is not really sure he won that first fight. This may be Pacquiao’s last great night in the ring. But he will have a great night Saturday, winning a clear unanimous decision over Bradley. ?
-Bobby Cassidy, Newsday

Pacquiao by decision. Manny Pacquiao will prove this time that he is the best between the two, but it won’t be easy because Bradley is also looking for respect among boxing fans. It will be a much closer fight than the first one.
-Eduard Cauich, Hoy!

I expect a closer fight than the first one (scorecards be damned), as Bradley should have two good wheels for this one and is coming off the biggest (legitimate) win of his career. However, the loss to Bradley still stings Pacquiao and I expect to see the killer instinct finally return. Pacquiao should hurt and drop Bradley, but Bradley will have his moments, coming up just short. Pacquiao by Split Decision
– Mike Coppinger, RingTV.com

Tough call. Regardless of how people saw their first meeting, I think Bradley knows how to fight Pacquiao. And he only got better with those fights against Ruslan and Juan Manuel. So unless he gets caught early, I see the fight lasting the distance. Anybody’s game. Pacquiao wins on points and we’re on to a third fight.
– Abac Cordero, The Philippine Star

I like Pacquiao in a split decision close fight. Manny will be aggressive but Bradley will be better than the first time they met. The judges will also be better, and that will give Manny the win.
– Tim Dahlberg, Associated Press

Manny Pacquiao really does lose this time on a split points decision. The styles don’t gel. Pacquiao will want a war, Bradley will pick his shots. This is not the Manny Pacquiao of three years ago, tearing a strip off every opponent. There is a reason why Bradley is unbeaten. He finds a way. If it is God’s will, Pacquiao could earn a decision
victory. I had him winning 117-111 first time around against Bradley.
– Gareth A. Davies, The Daily Telegraph

Hopeless romantics will want Manny Pacquiao to return to his best, as the awesome force that swirled so violently in 2009 and 2010. But since letting Margarito go the distance, his high-five fest with Mosley, the loss to Bradley, the knockout by Marquez and his failure to stop Rios – who took a lot of punishment – then it is hard to see him returning to his best at the age of 35. Bradley, as he has consistently shown, is a hard nut to crack. And while I think Pacquiao won last time, I don’t think he will this time. Bradley on points.
– Tris Dixon, Boxing News

I was one of the few to pick Bradley by split decision the first time they fought – yet feel like I got it wrong, given the controversial nature of the final decision. This time, Tim leaves no doubt, winning an 8-4 type of fight. Bradley by Unanimous Decision.
– Jake Donovan, BoxingScene.com

It will be a great fight. Bradley should not be underrated. Pacquiao will win because he still is fast and he learned from the Marquez knockout
– Bill Dwyre, Los Angeles Times

Pacquiao might not be all that he was, and Bradley clearly is ascending, although I’m not sure that the intersection of those career paths has been reached. It would be no shocker if Bradley would make it 2-for-2 over “Pac-Man,” this one truly legitimate and beyond dispute. The guess here, though, is that Pacquiao still has enough tread on his tires to win on points, but close — majority or split decision.
– Bernard Fernandez, The Ring / TheSweetScience.com

I think Bradley will clearly outmanuever and outhustle Pacquiao in the majority of rounds, but a more intense and focused Pacman than the version Timmy faced in 2012 will have some strong moments in the fight. I think Pacquiao will rock Bradley at least once; he might score a knockdown. This will make the fight close on the official scorecards. I think most of the media will score the fight for Bradley, but the majority of the public will believe that Pacquiao once again deserved the nod. Bradley by Majority or Split Decision.
– Doug Fischer, RingTV.com

While I agree with the masses that Pacquiao deserved to win the first go-round in 2012, I also think the intervening two years have been kinder to Bradley. Particularly in his Marquez fight, he showed the varied skills he’ll need to handle a Manny who’s either still what he was back then, or a trifle diminished. He’s got speed, he’s got guts and he’s got the patience and the smarts to stick to a game plan that might make for a dull fight… but a successful ending. Give me Tim by a close decision, 115-113 let’s say, and get ready for the third match
– Lyle Fitzsimmons, CBSSports.com

Manny Pacquiao by Unanimous Decision. Pacquiao figures to get the scorecard victory he should have got the first time, but it won’t be as easy as nearly everybody but two judges thought it was. Above all, Timothy Bradley is a survivor. He’s not the best of his generation, but he has unrivaled versatility and smarts. To wit: He knows how to win the close ones. He beat Ruslan Provodnikov with blood-and-guts. Then, he beat Juan Manuel Marquez with tactics and patience. Show him a style and he’ll come up with adjustments for just enough points on the cards. That’s the challenge that awaits Pacquiao.
There’s talk Pacquiao has lost his edge. The theory is he’s grown too compassionate for his craft. Who knows? But he is older. That we do know. At 35, his reflexes aren’t as quick as they were. But they’re still quick enough to confuse, elude and score if he understands the differences and has learned how to make his own adjustments. It’s a process that can transform a young lion into a mature one. Different, yet still a lion. The guess here is that Pacquiao has made the transition and will deliver the proof on April 12.
– Norm Frauenheim, The Ring / 15Rounds,com

Bradley has matured as a fighter and will be much better prepared. Pacquiao seems a little too overconfident. Bradley by Decision.
– Leighton Ginn, The Desert Sun

This definitely won’t be an easy fight for Pacquiao or Bradley. It looks like it will go 12 rounds again and if it does, expect Pacquiao to emerge victorious this time. I’m not ruling out a stoppage win by Pacquiao though,. if indeed he is training like hell, Bradley is going to be in trouble. Pacquiao by KO within ten rounds. If he lands a perfect punch early, the fight will be over in four.
– Nick Giongco, Manila Bulletin

Bradley’s “victory” in the first fight, one of the more dumbfounding decisions in recent memory, informs the rematch with a built-in storyline. Problem is, it doesn’t make it a more competitive fight. I love Bradley. I think he’s a Hall of Famer. But Pacquiao is the worst possible matchup for him: just as fast and better defensively. It says here Pacquiao wins — again — in a fight that plays out much like the first. Pacquiao by unanimous decision.
– Bryan Armen Graham, Guardian U.S.

They say Manny Pacquiao has lost a lot in his advanced age. But why? Because he was too aggressive in a loss to Juan Manuel Marquez? Because judges gave Bradley a split decision that belonged to Pacquiao? That’s not proof of any large lost steps. Bradley is the best athlete Pacquiao has faced. If Pacquiao also winds up out-boxed, then we can say he’s lost a step. But that seems less than likely. Pacquiao by 10th Round TKO.
– Nick Groke, Denver Post

I am one of the few boxing writers who didn’t think Bradley’s decision over Pacquiao was that outrageous. Bradley seems to have improved since their last fight and I expect this long-awaited return will be close.
No doubt Manny will have learned much from his first meeting with Tim and that will probably be enough to get him revenge – but once again I expect it to go to the judges.
– Colin Hart, Hall of Fame Journalist

Manny Pacquiao by Unanimous Decision over Timothy Bradley. A motivated, rejuvenated Pacquiao will beat Bradley again, but this time he’ll get the decision he deserves. It won’t be as easy for Pacquiao as their first fight, though. Bradley’s ankle and foot injuries were big factors for much of that 12-round fight. A healthier Bradley will win rounds in this rematch and already has proven he can take Pacquiao’s power. His willingness to trade, especially at close range, still will cost Bradley valuable points on the scorecards. He’ll have his moments. He just won’t win enough rounds to come out ahead in what should be a highly competitive fight.
-Keith Idec, The Record

Bradley W12 — I believe Bradley’s confidence has soared after his wins over Provodnikov and Marquez. Bradley will avoid the ropes and keep the fight in the center of the ring, where his jab, lateral movement and boxing ability will carry the day.
– Kevin Iole, Yahoo! Sports

I thought Pacman won the first fight, of course, and think he’ll not only win the rematch, he’ll get the decision.
– Michael Katz, Hall of Fame Journalist

Manny by TKO in the 11th round.
– Mark Kriegel, Author of The Good Son: The Life of Ray Mancini

I like Pacquiao by hard-fought decision in what is a very good fight. I think this time around Manny doesn’t let up in the late rounds and continues to punch in volume throughout
– Steve Kim, MaxBoxing.com

Bradley by decision. Will be easier the second time around
-Thom Loverro, The Washington Times

Mark it down, Manny by decision. Almost the KO, but settles for a unanimous decision.
-Chris Maathuis, KLAS-TV

PACQUIAO BY UNANIMOUS DECISION. I had Manny up by 2 rounds in their
first fight. Even though he out-landed Bradley, in the middle rounds his activity level slumped after the 6th stanza. Manny is inspired for this one and I believe he will consistently press the attack this time around. In their first fight, Bradley was often able to slip Pacquiao’s 3rd and 4th punches. The Pacman has to change that on Saturday night and score his signature long combinations. Pacquiao has no respect for Bradley’s power – which is both a plus and a minus. The minus is, of course, that Bradley could surprise him with a potent counter-right. The plus is that the power differential will make
Pacquiao more comfortable staying in the pocket and throwing punches in bunches. Either way, I can’t wait for this one – two amazing fighters and ambassadors for boxing.
– Gordon Marino, The Wall Street Journal

Based on his dynamic boxing ability and his will to do whatever it takes to win, and the age difference, Bradley. Based on his amazing career and his ability to reinvent himself, and the old saying that every great fighter has one great fight left in him, Pacquaio.
– Larry Merchant, Hall of Fame Journalist

My feeling at the moment, before seeing the fighters next week, is a late stoppage by Pacquiao. So much to prove, too much to lose, so much to gain…..and will feel he can’t trust leaving it to the judges this time.
– Jeff Powell, Daily Mail

I think it will be a close fight again, but I will be rooting for my friend Manny Pacquaio. He needs to prove to everybody that he won this fight already the first time around, and I think he will!
– Ruslan Provodnikov, WBO junior welterweight champion

Pacquiao won the first fight easily and got robbed of the decision. In the rematch, he will get the decision. Pacquiao W12.
-Dan Rafael, ESPN.com

Tim Bradley by Split Decision : This will happen if Bradley fights the way that he did in his last appearance, which was the split-decision victory over Juan Manuel Marquez.
If Bradley does that, then the only reason for him not to get the decision is if the judges get it wrong, like they did in Bradley-Pacquiao I, which I saw as a close fight and had Pacquiao winning, 115-113. I Bradley is all there, mentally, I see a scenario similar to Michael Spinks’ repeat victories over Larry Holmes.
– Lem Satterfield, RingTV.com

Both fighters have something to prove in this one, but I believe Pacquiao has a greater need to win. His career is on the line. Unless Bradley decides to go toe-to-toe with Manny and slug it out, which I don’t think he will – I see him using Marquez’s counterpunching strategy and try to catch him as JMM did — I have no doubt that Manny will outwork him and prevail by unanimous decision.
– Bob Velin, USA Today

I think Tim Bradley will win another split decision, this one not as controversial, because he can box, move and take a punch — all prerequisites for dealing with Pacquiao.
– Mark Whicker, Orange County Register

Despite being viciously concussed during his fight with Ruslan Provodnikov, Timothy Bradley has gotten better, arguably a lot better, since he and Pacman faced off. Bradley in his last bout against Juan Manuel Marquez, proved to be master of his domain. He owns a newfound and potent brand of confidence which will show up on April 12. I see every round being ultra-close, and another judging snafu is entirely possible. For that reason, two of the three will punt, and we will see a draw. Yep, like kissin’ yer cousin…Which sets us up for a third tangle, which will get done after Manny and Marquez meet yet again!
– Michael Woods, TheSweetScience.com / ESPNNewYork.com

T O T A L
Pacquiao 23 / Bradley 13

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Fighter of the Decade MANNY “Pacman” PACQUIAO (55-5-2, 38 KOs), the lone congressional representative of the Sarangani province in the Philippines, and undefeated two-division world champion TIMOTHY “Desert Storm” BRADLEY (31-0, 12 KOs), of Palm Springs, Calif., are just days away from their eagerly-anticipated WBO welterweight championship rematch This is Pacquiao’s first fight in the U.S. since 2012 as well as the first time Pacquiao has ever challenged to regain a world title he formerly held.

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with MP Promotions and Tecate, Pacquiao vs. Bradley 2 will take place, Tomorrow! Saturday, April 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. It will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

When Pacquiao and Bradley rumbled the first time, on June 9, 2012 at MGM Grand, Bradley’s hand was raised via a controversial split decision, ending Pacquiao’s welterweight title reign as well as his seven-year, 15-bout winning streak. Though both fighters claimed victory neither was satisfied. Destiny may have played a hand in their first battle but it will be survival of the fittest that determines the winner of this exciting rematch.

Remaining tickets for Pacquiao vs. Bradley 2 are priced at $1,000, $800, $600, $400, $250 and $150, not including applicable service charges. There will be a total ticket limit of 12 per person with a limit of 10 per person at the $1,000, $800, $600, $400 and $250 price levels and a limit of two (2) per person at the $150 price level. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets will also be available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

Pacquiao vs. Bradley 2 will also be available via closed circuit in the Marquee Ballroom at MGM Grand. Tickets are priced at $50, not including applicable service charges. All seats will be general admission and will be available at the box office and via all area Ticketmaster outlets or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com, or www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo, or facebook.com/hboboxing, and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, or twitter.com/hboboxing. Use the Hashtag #PacBradley to join the conversation on Twitter.

April 11, 2014 –- Boxing fans can get a ringside seat for one of the sport’s most dramatic pre-fight activities when HBO telecasts “WEIGH-IN LIVE: PACQUIAO/BRADLEY 2,” the world championship fight weigh-in, featuring welterweight rivals Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley Jr. The 30-minute special airs Tonight at 6:00 p.m. (ET/PT) on HBO.

Hosted by Jim Lampley, the fast-moving program will include the moment when both prizefighters tip the scales as well as providing boxing fans with unprecedented access to the festivities in Las Vegas prior to the highly anticipated rematch. Live interviews with special guests will be part of the half-hour presentation. All the action takes place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Immediately following “WEIGH-IN LIVE” will be an encore replay of the HBO special “Face Off With Max Kellerman: Pacquiao/Bradley 2” at 6:30 p.m. (ET/PT). HBO will then replay all three shows of “24/7 Pacquiao-Bradley 2,” starting at 7:00 p.m. (ET/PT). An encore presentation of WEIGH-IN LIVE will air at 8:30 p.m. (ET/PT).

“Pacquiao vs. Bradley 2” will be distributed on HBO Pay-Per-View on Saturday, April 12 at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT, live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

The official fight headquarters for boxing fans all week long is insidehboboxing.com where fans can log on for exclusives features from fight week in Las Vegas.

Follow HBO Boxing news at www.hbo.com/boxing; on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hboboxing; and on Twitter @hboboxing.

LONDON (April 11) – Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao believes his role as challenger in his world title bout with Tim Bradley this weekend will inspire him to victory.

The Filipino superstar has cut a calm and relaxed figure throughout fight week as he looks to avenge his controversial 2012 loss to the Californian Bradley, live and exclusive on BoxNation.

It was the 30-year-old Bradley who wrestled the WBO welterweight championship away from the claws of the eight-weight world champion Pacquiao on that fateful night at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

But now, ‘Pacman’ is ready to thrive in his position as the challenger, as he looks to show that he can reach the heights of his illustrious past on his way to winning an unprecedented eleventh world title.

“There are a lot of people who doubt I can fight the same way I fought when I knocked out Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera,” said Pacquiao.

“I want to prove to them that I am the best. I am inspired. I am the challenger. I know I will need to outbox and outspeed Bradley. And that is what I will do. This is the first time I have challenged for a world title that I lost. Do I want it back? You bet I do; and I want it back from Tim Bradley,” he said.

Accusations have been levelled at Pacquiao questioning if he still has the hunger and desire for prizefighting.

The man himself admitted he was too cordial in the initial meeting with Bradley, stating he won’t play the nice guy this time around, with the American needing to lay him out to win.

“The only way Bradley can beat me this time is to knock me out. He cannot outbox me. I will be the aggressor. I will throw a lot of punches at him – more than I threw against [Brandon] Rios – and I will land them,” Pacquiao said.

“Last time I was too nice. This time, I will finish what I start. I want to get back that belt he won off of me. Boxing has always been fun for me. This time the fun is secondary. This is a mission to prove I am the best.

“In my fight against Rios I proved I can still fight at the high level everyone expects from me. I showed I can still control a fight as well as I ever have,” he said.

Juggling his role as a boxer and Congressman back home in the Philippines hasn’t been an easy one for the 35-year-old.

He has seen the progress that Bradley has made over the past two years, overcoming WBO light-welterweight champion Ruslan Provodnikov and Mexican icon Juan Manuel Marquez, to cement his place amongst the elite in the 147 pound division.

Pacquiao is honest enough to declare he overlooked Bradley the first time, but there will be no chance of that this time around.

“I remember last time believing that I won the first fight against Tim Bradley. I thought I was leading after every round. I thought I won the fight easily. I controlled the fight every round. I had a feeling in training camp that he would run from me once he felt my power and he did after the third or fourth round,” said Pacquiao.

“I was very surprised by the decision. But that’s part of the game. He got the decision and my title. But to be honest, I wasn’t as motivated when I was training for our first fight. I guess I didn’t take him seriously enough,” he said.

“I am impressed with what Bradley has done since our fight. He is a different fighter now since we fought. He has more experience at this level and as a welterweight champion. He fought extremely well against Marquez. I knew Tim would beat him utilizing his speed. But in the end I am still faster than Bradley,” Pacquiao said.

The rematch between the pair kicks-off a mega next couple of months on BoxNation with a host of world title fights including Floyd Mayweather’s ring return against Marcos Maidana on May 3rd, with British star Amir Khan also featuring that night against the skilled Luis Collazo.

The final instalment of 24/7: Pacquiao vs. Bradley airs tonight on BoxNation at 7pm, free-to-air to all Sky TV customers.

Pacquiao vs. Bradley 2 is live on BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD & Virgin 546) this Sunday at 2am. Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.

-Ends-

About BoxNation
BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated subscription boxing channel. For £12* a month and no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

BoxNation is proud to support Fight for Peace, a charity that uses boxing and martial arts combined with education and personal development to realise the potential of young people in communities that suffer from crime and violence. Buy LUTA (www.luta.co.uk) clothing and support Fight for Peace.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Diaz and Mayweather vs Alvarez.

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Virgin (Ch.546), online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android. BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £8 one off registration fee for Sky TV and new Livesport.tv customers.

LAS VEGAS, NEV. (April 10, 2014) – Pound for pound titans, Fighter of the Decade MANNY “Pacman” PACQUIAO (55-5-2, 38 KOs), the lone congressional representative from the Sarangani Province in the Philippines, and undefeated two-division world champion TIMOTHY “Desert Storm” BRADLEY (31-0, 12 KOs), of Palm Springs, Calif., will step on the scale for the Official Weigh-In of their eagerly-anticipated WBO welterweight championship rematch. It takes place Tomorrow! Friday, April 11, inside the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Open to the public, doors will open at 1:00 P.M. PT with the undercard fighters weighing in first, beginning at 2:30 p.m. PT. Pacquiao and Bradley will step on the scale at approximately 3:15 p.m. PT.

This will be Pacquiao’s first fight in the U.S. since 2012 and the first time he has challenged to regain a world title he has previously held.

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with MP Promotions and Tecate, Pacquiao vs. Bradley 2 will take place Saturday, April 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. It will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

When Pacquiao and Bradley rumbled the first time, on June 9, 2012 at MGM Grand, Bradley’s hand was raised via a controversial split decision, ending Pacquiao’s welterweight title reign as well as his seven-year, 15-bout winning streak. Though both fighters claimed victory neither was satisfied. Destiny may have played a hand in their first battle but it will be survival of the fittest that determines the winner of this exciting rematch.

Remaining tickets for Pacquiao vs. Bradley 2 are priced at $1,000, $800, $600, $400, $250 and $150, not including applicable service charges. There will be a total ticket limit of 12 per person with a limit of 10 per person at the $1,000, $800, $600, $400 and $250 price levels and a limit of two (2) per person at the $150 price level. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets will also be available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

Pacquiao vs. Bradley 2 will also be available via closed circuit in the Marquee Ballroom at MGM Grand. Tickets are priced at $50, not including applicable service charges. All seats will be general admission and will be available at the box office and via all area Ticketmaster outlets or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Episode No. 3 of 24/7 Pacquiao/Bradley 2 premieres Tonight! Thursday, April 10 at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT, two nights before the high stakes welterweight title bout.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com, or www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo, or facebook.com/hboboxing, and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, or twitter.com/hboboxing. Use the Hashtag #PacBradley to join the conversation on Twitter

By Norm Frauenheim–

LAS VEGAS – A compassionate Manny Pacquiao can’t win. That’s the popular theory, anyway. Pacquiao Freddie Roach introduced it. Media and fans have been repeating it ever since. But compassion is also the reason Pacquiao is still fighting. That’s Timothy Bradley trainer Joel Diaz’s theory.

“A lot of people need him,’’ Diaz said.

Diaz said Thursday that Pacquiao would already be retired if it weren’t for the people who work for him.

“A lot of people would be out of jobs if he left the ring,’’ Diaz said during a roundtable session with reporters before the Bradley-Pacquiao rematch Saturday night at the MGM Grand. “Pacquiao has a corporation behind him. He’s done a lot for boxing. I’m a big Pacquiao fan. He’s a great guy.’’

But he also happens to be a guy Diaz is plotting to eliminate, along with a lot of paychecks.

“Everything has a beginning,’’ Diaz said. “Everything has an ending. Manny is getting old, that’s all.’’

Diaz’ theory is an intriguing one, mostly because of Pacquiao’s political instinct and reputation for generosity. As a politician, the Filipino Congressman is in the business of pleasing all of the people all of the time. It’s no coincidence .perhaps, that as a fighter he often says the same thing. He wants to please the people, he says, with an exciting fight. From Roach’s perspective, that means only one thing: A knockout. Fans want knockouts and that’s the result Roach has been predicting.

“In training, Manny threw a combination and said: ‘That’s what I’m going to finish him with,’ ‘’ said Roach, who hasn’t seen Pacquiao win by stoppage since a 12th-round TKO of Miguel Cotto on November 14, 2009. “I was so happy to finally hear it from his mouth and not mine.’’

But a knockout of Bradley is not a simple task. In fact, it would unprecedented. It hasn’t happened in Bradley’s unbeaten career. Sure, maybe the scorecards were wrong in Bradley’s split decision over Pacquiao in 2012. Sure, maybe the decision should have gone to Pacquiao. Even if it had, Pacquiao would not have shown he could knock out Bradley, who was hobbled by injuries to both feet. At closing bell, Bradley was still standing. He was only in a wheelchair at the post-fight news conference.

If Roach is to be believed, the challenge confronting Pacquiao in the sequel is to do what couldn’t be done the first time. Eliminate the compassion. Leave it in the spit bucket. But can he?

If Diaz is to be believed, the Filipino can’t. If he could have, Pacquiao would have eliminated the payroll and quit the game altogether. But he didn’t, or perhaps couldn’t, because compassion is a very stubborn dilemma.

MGM Controversy, Part II: According to ESPN, Richard Sturm, president of entertainment and sports for MGM Resorts International, issued a statement Wednesday night, responding to promoter Bob Arum’s condemnation of the MGM’s signage for the May 3 Marcos Maidana-Floyd Mayweather Jr. fight.

“I was truly shocked by Bob’s comments at (Wednesday’s) press conference and honestly disappointed,” Sturm said in the statement reported by ESPN. “MGM Grand hosted a fight March 8 and has three additional fight events scheduled now through Memorial Day weekend. We always do everything possible to properly promote the events throughout our resorts and over the decades have promoted many, many sporting events with enormous success.”

MGM Resorts International Resorts President Bill Hornbuckle said: “Apparently Bob’s definitions of respect and class are different than ours.”

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Manny Pacquiao is set to earn a guarantee of at least $20 million with a chance for an upside in his Pay Per View fight this Saturday night against Timothy Bradley.

Their official purses for their rematch on Saturday night (HBO PPV) at the MGM Grand are $6 million apiece, according the contracts filed with the Nevada State Athletic Commission. However, Top Rank promoter Bob Arum told ESPN.com on Wednesday that Pacquiao is guaranteed a minimum of $20 million, much of which will be paid out in the weeks after he collects the $6 million check on fight night.

Both boxers, according to Arum, also will earn upside depending on how well the pay-per-view performs, and Arum said he believes it will exceed 1 million buys. He said he is basing that figure on anecdotal information he has received from HBO PPV executives. The first Pacquiao-Bradley fight in June 2012, which Bradley won by extremely controversial decision to claim a welterweight world title, generated 890,000 pay-per-view buys and more than $50 million in revenue.

The other purses for the bouts that will be televised on the pay-per-view broadcast:

• Lightweight Raymundo Beltran will earn $85,000 and last-minute replacement opponent Arash Usmanee will receive $80,000 in the co-feature.

• Junior welterweight titlist Khabib Allakhverdiev will make $250,000 and challenger Jessie Vargas is getting $90,000.

• Interim junior lightweight titleholder Bryan Vasquez will get $55,000 and challenger Jose Felix Jr. will make $40,000.

By Norm Frauenheim–

LAS VEGAS – A rematch Saturday marked mostly by polite exchanges between Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley suddenly got a shot of some old-school trash talk from promoter Bob Arum, who is angry at the MGM Grand for selling Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Marcos Maidana on May 3 with advertising throughout the casino.

A Mayweather mural, estimated to be 20 stories tall, soars up the side of the MGM Grand and overlooks the busy intersection at Tropicana and Las Vegas Boulevard, The Strip. For nearly every Pacquiao-Bradley poster on the sides of slot machines, there’s one of Mayweather-Maidana staring back at it. Outside the door to the media’s workroom, a Mayweather-Maidana ad hangs from the ceiling, above a Pacquiao-Bradley poster.

By the time the 82-year-old Arum arrived at the formal news conference Wednesday, he had seen enough, especially of Mayweather looking down at him.

Arum began the news conference by introducing Richard Sturm, MGM President of Entertainment & Sports as “the president of hanging posters for the wrong fight.’’

The media asked for a response from Sturm following the news conference. Several hours later, none was forthcoming.

Meanwhile, Arum was just getting warmed up during a one-man stand-up that included a vague reference to Frankie Carbo, a 1950’s gangster who owned a piece of Sonny Liston.

“I know that at the Venetian, they wouldn’t make a mistake like this,’’ said Arum, who is friends with Sheldon Adelson, who owns the Venetian in Vegas and Macao, China’s gambling mecca and fledgling boxing market. “They would know what fight they have scheduled over the next three or four days.

“They wouldn’t have a 12-to-1 fight being advertised all over the building that’s going to take place three weeks from next Saturday. But that’s why one company makes a billion dollars a quarter and the other hustles to pay its debt. So there it is.”

Arum’s bitter feud with Mayweather is hardly a secret. It too was evident in a discussion that Arum had with Bradley while still on stage and not far from the microphone.

“Why don’t you ask the guy whose picture is all over the building? When is he going to fight somebody real?’’ Arum said in a booming voice that really didn’t need any electronic amplification.

Bradley replied: “I’ll let you ask him that.’’

As it turned out, Bradley might have been the only one who had anything nice to say about the MGM.

“I’ve never been in a hotel room with stairs,’’ Bradley said of his suite. “You need an elevator in there.’’

An elevator decorated with a Mayweather-Maidana poster, of course.

Photos by Chris Farina / Top Rank

he April 12 edition ESPN Friday Night Fights presented by Corona Extra and ESPN Deportes’ Noche de Combates presentado por Corona Extra – which will take place on the eve of the WBO Welterweight title rematch between Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley Jr.– will feature two-time Middleweight world title challenger Giovanni “Chico Malo” Lorenzo (33-6, 25 KOs) and undefeated Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramírez (27-0, 21 KOs) in the 10-round Super Middleweight main event.

Friday’s show, from the Mandalay Bay Casino in Las Vegas, will air live at 10 p.m. on ESPN2 and 10:30 p.m. on ESPN Deportes. Both shows will also be available on computers, smartphones, tablets, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Roku via WatchESPN. The card is promoted by Top Rank.

Commentators:
Todd Grisham (@GrishamESPN), filling in for Joe Tessitore, will be ringside with Teddy Atlas describing the action for ESPN2. Delvin Rodríguez and Pablo Viruega will call the fights ringside for Noche de Combates (Fight Night) on ESPN Deportes, while Leopoldo González and Claudia Trejos will anchor the studio from Las Vegas. Bilingual reporter Bernardo Osuna (@osunaespn) will present live interviews and reports for both shows.

Pacquiao vs. Bradley 2 coverage:
Friday Night Fights and Noche de Combates will preview Pacquiao vs. Bradley 2 and will include interviews with both fighters. Read more about ESPN’s multi-platform coverage of Pacquiao vs. Bradley 2.

Main Event:
The Dominican Republic’s Lorenzo is coming off a fourth-round TKO win over Robinson Pena, while Mexico’s Ramírez scored a first-round TKO win over Don Mouton in his last outing.

After Ramírez’s fight with Mouton, ESPN.com’s Dan Rafael wrote, “Ramírez might just be the next big fighter out of Mexico. The 22-year-old southpaw has movie star looks and an aggressive fighting style that should make him a fan favorite. The fact that he defeated Mouton was no big surprise as Mouton has now lost four bouts in a row. But it was rather shocking how easily and violently Ramírez dusted him…. This fight was short but a very impressive victory for Ramírez.”

Lorenzo’s co-manager Rich Ryan said of Friday’s fight, “Giovanni (Lorenzo) is different from the guys Ramírez has fought — he goes to the body, he mixes it up, he’s got a lot of experience….I think this fight’s going the distance, or Giovanni knocks him out. If Giovanni hurts him, it’s over. I don’t see it going the other way.”

Co-Feature:
Friday’s eight-round co-feature will pit undefeated Super Middleweight Jesse “Hard Work” Hart (12-0, 10 KOs), against Samuel “The Main Event” Clarkson (10-2, 6 KOs). Philadelphia’s Hart is coming off a six-round unanimous decision win over Derrick Findley, while Clarkson of Texas is looking to continue his winning ways following a six- round unanimous decision win over previously undefeated Chad Trahan.

Upcoming ESPN Boxing Schedule:

Date

Time (ET)

Main Event

Location

Networks

Fri, Apr 18

9 p.m.

Boxcino Middleweight
Semifinals: eight rounds each

Brandon Adams (13-0, 9 KOs) vs. Raymond Gatica (14-2, 9 KOs)

Willie Monroe Jr. (16-1, 6 KOs) vs. Vitalii Kopylenko (22-0, 12 KOs)

Turning Stone Casino, Verona, N.Y.

ESPN2, ESPN Deportes+, WatchESPN

Thu, Apr 24

9 p.m.

Josesito López (31-6, 18 KOs) vs. Aron Martínez (19-2-1, 4 KOs)—10 rounds, Jr. Welterweights

Agua Caliente Casino, Palm Springs, Calif.

ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, WatchESPN

Thu, May 1

9 p.m.

Roberto García (34-3, 22 KOs) vs. Victor Manuel Cayo (32-4, 23 KOs)—10 rounds, Welterweights

Hialeah Park Race Track, Hialeah, Fla.

ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, WatchESPN

Sat, May 10

8 p.m.

WBC World Heavyweight Championship: Bermane Stiverne (23-1-1, 20 KOs) vs. Chris Arreola (36-3, 31 KOs)—12 rounds

USC Galen Center,
Los Angeles

ESPN, ESPN Deportes, WatchESPN

*Schedule subject to change

Friday Night Fights and Noche de Combates Social Media:

· Follow ESPN Friday Night Fights on Twitter @ESPNFNF or like it on Facebook.

· Score the fights round-by-round with the “Live Friday Night Fights Facebook Voting App,” an application on the ESPN FNF Facebook page that allows viewers to score the fight round-by-round.

· Follow ESPN Deportes’ Noche de Combates on Twitter @ESPNBoxeo.

· For the latest ESPN.com boxing news and analysis follow @ESPNBoxing.

LONDON (April 9) – World champion Tim Bradley has spoke of overcoming death threats following his controversial victory over Manny Pacquiao.

The two pound-for-pound stars will meet again this weekend, live and exclusive on BoxNation, as they look to confine their contentious 2012 battle to the past and prove categorically who the superior fighter is.

Following Bradley’s split decision win, he has spoke on overcoming a very difficult period in his career that eventually saw him bounce back in emphatic style with wins over WBO light-welterweight world champion Ruslan Provodnikov and the great Juan Manuel Marquez.

“Beating Pacquiao was supposed to be the turning point in who Timothy Bradley really is but instead it became a very dark point and time in my life,” said Bradley. “The boos turned into hatred and then hatred turned into death threats. I felt I had done enough to beat Pacquiao but everyone was out to prove that I hadn’t.

“This was supposed to be my night but instead it turned into a night where an icon not only lost but was also “robbed” by me. Everyone sat there shocked without realising that I had just done what I set myself to do. No one stopped for a second and acknowledged my accomplishment,” he said.

The unbeaten Bradley, who has 31 wins on his record, is using Saturday night’s clash as a chance to finally silence his critics.

“Although I am certain I won the fight it is now time to once again show the world who Timothy Bradley really is. On April 12 we will settle once and for all the uncertainty of boxing followers and those of the fans,” he said.

“This is my chance at redemption and I promise I will make the most of it,” Bradley stated.

The Californian goes into this weekend’s fight knowing that question marks have arisen over Pacquiao’s desire to keep boxing, particularly given recent performances, one of which saw him sensationally knocked out against Mexican ace Marquez.

The 30-year-old Bradley doesn’t believe he needs the knockout, but should it be there, he will happily oblige.

“I am in a slight different position than Marquez was. I have already beat Pacquiao once and that was on my first try. I don’t think I have to knock him out to get a definite result but if the knockout presents itself I will take advantage of it,” said Bradley.

“The first fight I injured my foot in the second round and by the fourth round my ankle on my other foot was also messed up. The second half of the fight I was coming on strong with two bad feet. I didn’t have the movement that I normally have and I was out-working him,” Bradley explained.

“I was fighting all three minutes of every round and not just the last thirty seconds of every round. This second fight against Manny Pacquiao I will pick up right where I left off the first fight. This will just be rounds thirteen through twenty four,” he said.

The reigning WBO welterweight champion will also take confidence in the fact he managed to beat Pacquiao conqueror Marquez so convincingly, a wider victory than what the scorecards suggested.

“I was able to show my boxing ability against Marquez with two good feet so this will be no different. I will be faster than Pacquiao, I will have better defence than Pacquiao, I will be hungrier than Pacquiao.

“I have been in the ring with Pacquiao so I know exactly what to expect. There are a few adjustments that I will make, and with two good feet under me, and at the end of the night I will be victorious again,” said a confident Bradley.

Earlier in the evening BoxNation viewers will also get the chance to see rising super-middleweight star Frank Buglioni in action as he defends his WBO European title against Sergey Khomitsky, live from the Copper Box Arena.

Also featuring on the bill will be Tony Conquest who puts his Commonwealth cruiserweight title on the line against Ovill McKenzie, with undefeated Bradley Skeete taking on Italian Tobia Giuseppe Loriga.

Further good news for viewers is that BoxNation will be the only place to see heavyweight David Price’s matchup against Ondrej Pala from Denmark this Saturday.

Pacquiao vs. Bradley 2 is live on BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD & Virgin 546) this Sunday at 2am. Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.

-Ends-

About BoxNation
BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated subscription boxing channel. For £12* a month and no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

BoxNation is proud to support Fight for Peace, a charity that uses boxing and martial arts combined with education and personal development to realise the potential of young people in communities that suffer from crime and violence. Buy LUTA (www.luta.co.uk) clothing and support Fight for Peace.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Diaz and Mayweather vs Alvarez.

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Virgin (Ch.546), online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android. BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.

Debut: THURSDAY, APRIL 10 (8:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m. ET/PT)

Other HBO playdates: April 11 (10:30 a.m., 8:00 p.m.), 12 (9:30 a.m.), 16 (5:00 p.m.), 18 (12:45 a.m., 2:00 a.m.) and 19 (10:00 a.m.)

HBO2 playdates: April 10 (midnight), 11 (1:45 a.m.), 12 (3:30 p.m.), 13 (midnight) and 16 (8:45 p.m.)

It’s fight week and the “24/7” cameras, along with prizefighters Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley Jr., arrive in Las Vegas.

All three parts of 24/7 PACQUIAO/BRADLEY 2 run back-to-back Saturday, April 12 on HBO, starting at 8:30 a.m.

“Pacquiao vs. Bradley 2” takes place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, April 12 at 9:00 p.m. (ET)/6:00 p.m. (PT), and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View®.

Afghani-Canadian super featherweight contender Arash Usmanee (20-1-1, 10 KOs) will step into the highest-profile fight of his life on short notice and face WBO #1 ranked Raymundo Beltran (28-6-1, 17 KOs) for the WBO NABO Lightweight title this Saturday, April 12, in the co-main event of the HBO Pay-Per-View card featuring the Timothy Bradley vs. Manny Pacquiao rematch at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

An extended illness suffered by former two-time world champion Roman “Rocky” Martínez forced him to cancel, creating the huge opportunity for Usmanee, who was already in the gym preparing for another fight.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with MP Promotions and Tecate, Pacquiao vs. Bradley 2 will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. Pacquiao vs. Bradley 2 tickets, priced starting $435, are now available for purchase at Ticketnetwork. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Buy Tickets Center at (855) 859-4045.

Usmanee is ranked #9 at super featherweight by the IBF. Born in Kabul, Afghanistan, he and his family moved to Alberta, Canada, when he was three years old. He now resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. The aggressive 32-year-old’s career has been marred by controversy thus far, as his two biggest career fights have both ended with questionable outcomes. In his only defeat, Usmanee dropped a highly controversial 12-round decision to Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy on January 4 of last year. Fighting for the IBF #2 ranking and live on ESPN Friday Night Fights, Usmanee appeared to take the fight over at the midway point and grew more dominant as the rounds wore on. However, the judges saw it another way.

And then, in August of last year, Usmanee missed winning a world championship by a single point when he fought to a draw with Dominican champion Argenis Mendez at the Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, New York.

Beltran has also seen his share of hard luck in the ring. He was last seen fighting to a very debatable draw with then-world champion Ricky Burns in September of last year. Burns was down in the eighth and suffered a broken jaw in the second round that subsequently required the insertion of a titanium plate to repair. And yet it was not enough to sway the judges, as the fight was held in Burns’ homeland of Scotland.

As tough as they come, 32-year-old Beltran was born in Los Mochis, Mexico, but now lives in Phoenix, Arizona.

The pair will not only be vying for the WBO NABO Lightweight title, but also a place in the front of the line to face new champion Terence Crawford, who defeated Burns by decision in March of this year.

Usamanee’s promoter, Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions, says the match-up has explosive written all over it.

“Neither of these guys take many backwards steps in the ring. It’s going to be a war of attrition from the first round. You could easily say this is a battle between the uncrowned IBF Champion and the uncrowned WBO Champion. It’s a very high-level match-up between two of the toughest guys in the sport. It’s going to be a sensational slugfest!”

Toronto – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, is getting geared up for the highly anticipated HBO PPV rematch between Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley with extensive fight week coverage, including the live pre-fight press conference, weigh-ins and undercard.

The coverage gets underway on Wednesday, April 9, at 4 p.m. ET with the final press conference.

Then, on Friday, April 11, at 6 p.m. ET, Fight Network presents live coverage of the official weigh-ins from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, the site of Saturday’s rematch, with Pacquiao and Bradley expected to tip the scales at 6:15 p.m. ET.

Finally, on Saturday, April 12, at 7 p.m. ET, Fight Network presents the live undercard pre-show with final previews, analysis and preliminary fights ahead of the championship rematch.

Saturday’s live Fight Network quadrupleheader will begin with a live broadcast of GLORY 15 Istanbul at 2:30 p.m. ET. Immediately following the conclusion of the HBO PPV undercard pre-show, Fight Network presents tape-delay broadcasts of Cage Warriors 67 at 9 p.m. ET, followed by K-1: Battle for Spain at 11 p.m. ET.

Additionally, Fight News Now Extra will feature exclusive one-on-one satellite interviews with Saturday’s marquee competitors.

Fight Network’s live Pacquiao vs. Bradley 2 fight week coverage will air nationwide in Canada, as well as internationally as part of Fight Network’s expansion on ZON in Portugal, Telenet in Belgium, D-Smart in Turkey, ZAP in Angola and Mozambique, and OSN across the Middle East and North Africa.

For a full listing of Fight Network’s broadcast schedule, please visit tv.fightnetwork.com and follow on Twitter @fightnet, become a fan on Facebook and visit us on Instagram @fightnet.

LONDON (April 8) – Manny Pacquiao has insisted his killer instinct is still alive and well despite Tim Bradley questioning the motivation of the Filipino superstar.

The pair clash this weekend, live and exclusive on BoxNation, in a world title showdown at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, looking to settle an old score following Bradley’s controversial points victory back in 2012.

Much was made of the judges’ scorecards during that first encounter, with the undefeated Bradley winning a split decision, to the bewilderment of many onlookers.

Since then, however, both men went their separate paths with Pacquiao’s desire for the fight game in recent times being called into question by some, including Bradley, something which the Philippines Congressman has hit back at.

“My motivation is the same now as it was when I started my boxing career,” said Pacquiao. “I love the competition and I love to win. When that stops, so does my professional boxing career. But I don’t see that happening for a long time.

“Because I am facing Tim Bradley again I am extra motivated for this fight. I may not have won the decision the first time we fought but I know I did not lose that fight. I want the world title he won from me back around my waist. I want to prove I am the better fighter,” he said.

Pacquiao is aware of the significance of this fight, having bounced back in style from his sensational knockout loss to Mexican great Juan Manuel Marquez by overcoming Brandon Rios late last year.

“Freddie Roach [trainer] and Justin Fortune [conditioner] are asking more from me in this training camp than I have ever given before and as hard as that is to do, I am giving them everything they have asked of me,” he said.

“Too much is at stake for me and for my country. I want to end my career on a winning streak and against the best fighters. No one has ever defeated Tim Bradley during his professional career. I want to be the first name in his loss column. It will not be easy. Nothing at the world championship level is easy,” Pacquiao insisted.

“I still have the hunger and the desire to win and I appreciate Tim Bradley giving me this rematch to prove it. Unfortunately for him, on April 12, I will not be able to repay him that favour with kindness,” he added.

The eight-division world champion, who for the past decade has been regarded as one of the very best pound-for-pound in the world, also says he has learnt from his shock loss to Marquez.

Having not knocked anyone out since Miguel Cotto in 2009, question marks have been raised in regards to his punching prowess of late, something which he was too eager to show against the skilled Mexican.

“The one thing I learned from my fight against Marquez was patience. When I had him teetering I became reckless and went in to finish him. I was careless and he landed the perfect punch. That was learning a lesson the hard way. But I learned it,” Pacquiao said.

“I still have the killer instinct. I am not afraid to use my power and go for the knockout. But I will remember the lesson I learned from my last fight with Marquez. Knockouts need to come naturally, you should not force them. But Freddie [Roach] likes knockouts and I like to make Freddie happy,” he said.

‘Pacman’ also shot a note of warning to Bradley, believing that it will be the Pacquiao who blitzed his way past all-comers that he will share the ring with this Saturday night.

“I have all the respect for Bradley and what he has accomplished but I have no fear of him. He has inspired me to exceed my previous performances inside the ring. If Bradley wants to meet the fighter who stopped Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera, he’s going to get his wish on Saturday,” said Pacquiao.

Tonight from 7pm BoxNation will air episode two of 24/7: Pacquiao vs. Bradley free-to-air for all Sky TV viewers, with episode three to be shown this Friday at 7pm.

Pacquiao vs. Bradley 2 is live on BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD & Virgin 546) this Sunday at 2am. Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.
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-Ends-

About BoxNation
BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated subscription boxing channel. For £12* a month and no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

BoxNation is proud to support Fight for Peace, a charity that uses boxing and martial arts combined with education and personal development to realise the potential of young people in communities that suffer from crime and violence. Buy LUTA (www.luta.co.uk) clothing and support Fight for Peace.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Diaz and Mayweather vs Alvarez.

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Virgin (Ch.546), online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android. BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £8 one off registration fee for Sky TV and new Livesport.tv customers.

April 8, 2014 – Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC (SCEA) today announced a partnership with Top Rank Boxing, the world’s leading boxing promotions company. As the Official Gaming Partner of Top Rank Boxing, the PlayStation® brand and the PlayStation®4 system (PS4™) will be highlighted at several of Top Rank’s premier events, including the highly anticipated World Welterweight Championship rematch between Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley on April 12.

“We are thrilled to be the Official Gaming Partner of Top Rank, a brand that celebrates greatness by promoting some of the best boxers in the sport today matched up in the most exciting, epic bouts,” said Guy Longworth, SVP, PlayStation Brand Marketing at SCEA. “This new partnership will generate exposure for the PlayStation brand among boxing fans that Top Rank reaches around the world.”

The PlayStation brand will be featured through in-arena branding, trailer spots during event broadcasts in the United States, integration across Top Rank’s social and digital channels and more.

“With the successful launch of PS4, PlayStation is a very compelling brand among gamers around the world,” said Lucia McKelvey, EVP of Global Marketing, Top Rank. “This partnership is a perfect opportunity for two leading brands to join forces and capitalize on the excitement and global attention surrounding the sport of boxing and Top Rank’s premier events.”

Top Rank’s events are available live on Pay-Per-View, HBO, and UniMas, a part of the Univision Network. The company works with networks in more than 130 countries to broadcast its fights. In addition to Pacquiao vs. Bradley 2, one of the year’s biggest fights, the PlayStation brand will be integrated into the June 7 pay-per-view match-up at Madison Square Garden between three-division champ Miguel Cotto and reigning middleweight champ Sergio Martinez. Additional events to feature PlayStation integration include the May 17 bout between Juan Manuel Marquez and Mike Alvarado at the Forum in Los Angeles and several UniMas events.

Craig Metcalfe will replace an ill John Keane as a judge for this Saturday’s much anticipated rematch between Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley.

“Metcalfe is a good judge. We have no issue whatsoever,” said Top Rank’s Carl Moretti said.

The other two judges on the panel are Glenn Trowbridge of Nevada and Michael Pernick of Florida. The referee will be Kenny Bayless of Nevada.

April 8, 2014 –- Boxing fans can get a ringside seat for one of the sport’s most dramatic pre-fight activities when HBO telecasts “WEIGH-IN LIVE: PACQUIAO/BRADLEY 2,” the world championship fight weigh-in, featuring welterweight rivals Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley Jr. The 30-minute special airs Friday, April 11 at 6:00 p.m. (ET/PT) on HBO.

Hosted by Jim Lampley, the fast-moving program will include the moment when both prizefighters tip the scales as well as providing boxing fans with unprecedented access to the festivities in Las Vegas prior to the highly anticipated rematch. Live interviews with special guests will be part of the half-hour presentation. All the action takes place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Immediately following “WEIGH-IN LIVE” will be an encore replay of the HBO special “Face Off With Max Kellerman: Pacquiao/Bradley 2” at 6:30 p.m. (ET/PT). HBO will then replay all three shows of “24/7 Pacquiao-Bradley 2,” starting at 7:00 p.m. (ET/PT). An encore presentation of WEIGH-IN LIVE will air at 8:30 p.m. (ET/PT).

“Pacquiao vs. Bradley 2” will be distributed on HBO Pay-Per-View on Saturday, April 12 at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT, live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

The official fight headquarters for boxing fans all week long is insidehboboxing.com where fans can log on for exclusives features from fight week in Las Vegas.

Follow HBO Boxing news at www.hbo.com/boxing; on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hboboxing; and on Twitter @hboboxing.

Photo by Chris Farina . Top Rank

LAS VEGAS, NEV. (April 7, 2014) — Fighter of the Decade MANNY “Pacman” PACQUIAO, who returns to a U.S. ring for the first time since 2012, will kick off Fight Week with his Grand Arrival Tomorrow! Tuesday, April 8, inside the main lobby of the MGM Grand. Pacquiao, his Hall of Fame Trainer Freddie Roach and the rest of his team, will arrive at 1:30 P.M. PT in a bus custom-designed with Pacquiao’s image. Fans are invited to attend and give boxing’s only eight-division world champion a boisterous welcome as he attempts to regain the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title from the undefeated defending champion TIMOTHY “Desert Storm” BRADLEY.

Pacquiao, Roach and Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum will be available for interviews.

Pacquiao (55-5-2, 38 KOs), the lone congressional representative of the Sarangani province in the Philippines, breaks camp in Hollywood today where he has been in deep training for the eagerly-anticipated WBO welterweight championship rematch against the two-division world champion Bradley (31-0, 12 KOs), of Palm Springs, Calif. This will also be the first time Pacquiao has ever challenged to regain a world title he formerly held.

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with MP Promotions and Tecate, Pacquiao vs. Bradley 2 will take place, Saturday, April 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. It will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

When Pacquiao and Bradley rumbled the first time, on June 9, 2012 at MGM Grand, Bradley’s hand was raised via a controversial split decision, ending Pacquiao’s welterweight title reign as well as his seven-year, 15-bout winning streak. Though both fighters claimed victory neither was satisfied. Destiny may have played a hand in their first battle but it will be survival of the fittest that determines the winner of this exciting rematch.

Remaining tickets for Pacquiao vs. Bradley 2 are priced at $1,000, $800, $600, $400, $250 and $150, not including applicable service charges. There will be a total ticket limit of 12 per person with a limit of 10 per person at the $1,000, $800, $600, $400 and $250 price levels and a limit of two (2) per person at the $150 price level. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets will also be available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

Pacquiao vs. Bradley 2 will also be available via closed circuit in the Marquee Ballroom at MGM Grand. Tickets are priced at $50, not including applicable service charges. All seats will be general admission and will be available at the box office and via all area Ticketmaster outlets or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Episode No. 3 of 24/7 Pacquiao/Bradley 2 premieres This Thursday! April 10 at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT two nights before the high stakes welterweight title bout.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com, or www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo, or facebook.com/hboboxing, and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, or twitter.com/hboboxing. Use the Hashtag #PacBradley to join the conversation on Twitter.