At the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley resumed their firery rivalry, trading blows for another 12 rounds. Up to this point the general story has been that Pacquiao is just that bit better than Bradley, who is a fine boxer is in his own right. Pacquiao vs Bradley III was competitive, but this was another night which showcased Pacquiao’s superior smarts and prolific ring generalship abilities.
Pacquiao won on official scores of 116-110 which can’t really argued with. Here at Boxing Base we had no qualms tallying up a 115-111 card in favor of Pacquiao, who scored two knockdowns along the way.
If this was really to be Pacquiao’s final outing in the ring, then the future politician went out with a bang. Bradley had his moments in the rubber match, landing some tasty right hands to the jaw on Pacquiao, but seemed to come up second best during heated exchanges thanks to Pacquiao’s greater speed and higher IQ. During these close-quarter tearups, Pacquiao was simply the sharper operator, and was able to drop Bradley in the 7th and 9th stanzas, first off a right straight, then a left hook.
Pacquiao vs Bradley III was a lively encounter and, though it wasn’t on every fight fan’s christmas list, it has at least cleared the fog. Bradley is a fine fighter, but Pacquiao, even at 37-years-old, is still a force to be reckoned with. Manny Pacquiao ends his career (?) with 58 wins, 6 defeats, 2 defeats, 38 knockouts, while Timothy Bradley falls to 33 wins, 2 defeats, 1 draw, 13 knockouts.
Pacquiao vs Bradley Undercard
Arthur Abraham vs Gilberto Ramirez
Gilberto Ramirez turned in a career-breakout performance tonight, shutting out WBO Super Middleweight ruler Arthur Abraham in the Pacquiao vs Bradley III co-main event. When the official scorecards turn in the exact same numbers, you know this bout was conclusively won. Final tallies came in at 120-108, all for Ramirez, which also mirrored Boxing Base’s own fight card.
This looked like a ‘passing of the torch’ type affair going in, and it was certainly that. Abraham, who has enjoyed much success over the years at Middle and Super Middleweight, looked all of his 36 years, and was soundly beaten by an upcoming fighter in Ramirez. As usual, Abraham was strong and experienced enough to hang in there for the full stretch, but the action was mostly one-sided, with Ramirez outworking his foe, firing quality shots, particularly to the body.
Abraham now falls south to 44 wins, 5 defeats, 29 knockouts, while Gilberto Ramirez rises to 34 wins, no defeats, 24 knockouts. He of course takes the WBO Super Middleweight strap home tonight, making him a top threat to the likes of James DeGale and Badou Jack.
Oscar Valdez vs Evgeny Gradovich
If there was ever any doubts about Evgeny Gradovich’s legitimacy as a top Featherweight contender, Oscar Valdez swiftly answered those questions tonight. Gradovich was plenty tough as usual, implementing his bull-dozing style, but was clearly exposed by a younger, highly-tuned prospect by the name of Oscar Valdez. In short, Gradovich took a beating en route to being dumped on the canvas in the 4th round.
Valdez couldn’t miss with his precise, telling shots, and had Gradovich in all kinds of trouble from the get-go. Valdez mixed up his attacks incredibly well, hammering the body and head of Gradovich without mercy, soon swelling up the right side of Gradovich’s face and possibly breaking his jaw at one point during the 2nd round. Gradovich, who fought on with his mouth hanging open for the remainder of the fight, was then dropped hard courtesy of a crunching left hook in the 4th.
Gradovich, being the proud warrior he is, rose to his feet, but the referee decided enough was enough. It was a good call, I have to say; Gradovich was in all kinds of danger in this fight, and was clearly out of his depth. Oscar Valdez now rises to 19 wins, no defeats, 17 knockouts, while ex-champ Evgeny Gradovich reduces to 21 wins, 2 defeats, 1 draw, 9 knockouts.
Jose Ramirez vs Manuel Perez
Unbeaten Lightweight Jose Ramirez kicked off the Pacquiao vs Bradley III card with a hard-fought win over a very determined, durable veteran in Manuel Perez. Officials ringside scored the 10-rounder 97-93, 98-92 and 99-91. Boxing Base had it a little wider at 99-91, but can’t complain with these scores given Perez’s fortitude and gritty performance.
This was one of those pugilistic meetings where one guy takes sustained damage, is rocked a few times, but somehow manages to keep pressing the action. The seasoned Perez was that man tonight, but he produced an entertaining appetizer and kept throwing until the final bell. When an underdog gives his all like that – while receiving plenty of punishment – no reasonable observer can complain.
Perez was firmly in the contest during the early sessions, but his limitations were exposed by Ramirez who began to take over from the 4th round on. Ramirez landed the sharper, crisper blows, and Perez’s swollen, bloodied face was a clear indication of the kind of operator he was in with. Still, Perez’s fortitude was admirable, and he was a good test for the developing Ramirez, who still needs to iron out a few defensive flaws. All in all, a good fight.
Jose Ramirez now improves to 17 wins, no defeats, 12 knockouts, while Manuel Perez falls to 25 wins, 12 defeats, 1 defeat, 6 knockouts.
Give us your take on Pacquiao vs Bradley III in the comments below, plus Abraham vs Ramirez and the rest of the HBO card.
