By Jake Donovan
Recognizing the importance of further enhancing his career legacy (and the payday that comes with such a decision), Timothy Bradley has agreed to vacate his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title in favor of a third showdown with longtime friendly rival Manny Pacquiao.
Their rubber match takes place on April 9 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. By that point, a new WBO welterweight titlist will be crowned, providing there is a winner in the March 5 showdown between Sadam Ali and Jessie Vargas, which takes place at the D.C. Armory in Washington D.C.
Ali surfaced as the mandatory challenger to the vacant interim title Bradley acquired in a 12-round unanimous decision win over Vargas last June. The title was upgraded to full championship status once the WBO stripped Floyd Mayweather – a mere formality as the former unbeaten pound-for-pound king ultimately retired last September – but also came with the condition that the mandatory defense would have to be honored at some point.
Bradley proceeded first with a defense versus Brandon Rios, scoring a 9th round knockout in their HBO-televised title fight last November in Las Vegas. He was well aware of Ali being due a shot when his name was called to face Pacquiao for a third time, explaining the situation upon eventually forfeiting his title.
“As you know, I will be fighting Manny Pacquiao on April 9, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada,” Bradley formally explained in a notarized letter to WBO President Francisco ‘Paco’ Valcarcel. “To accept this fight invariably means I cannot comply my mandatory obligation and must forgo the mandatory (challenge) against Sadam Ali, as ordered by the WBO.
“This is a difficult decision, but one I have to make to give fans the best fights as well as allow myself the toughest and biggest fights possible from both a competitive and financial perspective.”
Each of his previous two fights with Pacquiao came with the WBO welterweight title at stake, in addition to Bradley owning the WBO 140 lb. strap from 2009 through his move up in weight in 2012.
Bradley captured the welterweight belt in a highly questionable split decision win over Pacquiao in June ’12, making two successful defenses before surrendering the crown in their April ’14 rematch.
Pacquaio’s first reign began with a 12th round stoppage of Miguel Cotto in Nov. ’09, lasting just over 2½ years before the controversial defeat to Bradley. His second tour as WBO welterweight champ lasted only 13 months, losing the belt to Mayweather last May in what remains the most lucrative event in boxing history.
As Mayweather opted to retire just one fight later, there has been serious talk of Pacquiao following suit, although for entirely different reasons. The former eight-division champ – who currently serves as a Congressman in the Philippine province of Sarangani – is making a run towards an open Senate seat in the Philippines, with the general election due to take place in May. Such a position comes as a full-time responsibility, meaning he would have to leave boxing behind for as long as he serves office.
While Bradley’s decision means there will not be a belt at stake, the WBO – thinking highly enough of both fighters – plans to make available a fitting trophy for the winner. His response also puts an end to the mystery of whether the WBO would attempt to claim two welterweight champions.
“Do know that we wholly understand your decision and commend you for always giving fans the best fights possible and doing what is best for your career at this important juncture.” Valcarcel cordially stated in reply to Bradley’s letter. “You have been an outstanding, honorable and loyal WBO Junior Welterweight and Welterweight Champion of the World and the doors of the WBO will always be open for you.
“Finally, I am pleased to inform you that we are preparing a special recognition for the Pacquiao vs Bradley III winner— two remarkable fighters and worthy ambassadors to the WBO.”
Jake Donovan is the managing editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
