The 37-year-old floored Bradley twice in their epic welterweight fight, eventually coning out a comfortable victor by unanimous decision.
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His win underlined his superiority over Bradley following their bout two years ago, when he avenged his shock loss to the American during their first meeting in 2012.
“I may enjoy retired life”, Pacquiao said, sounding very much the politician.
In the weeks leading up to the fight, Pacquiao reiterated that he is going to retire and focus on his political career in the Philippines, where he is running for office. I promised not to be a boxer one day because boxing is a really hard sport and very difficult.
Roach said “I would like to see him fight again, yes”, while stressing he would back Pacquiao whatever he decided.
Pacquiao went out on a high note in defeating Tim Bradley (33-2-1, 13 KOs) by a 12 round unanimous decision at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. “It just seemed like Manny was always in the right spot, always a step ahead of me”. “I wasn’t professional enough to be patient myself and I walked into some shots”, said Bradley. Pacquiao also showcased a new commitment to defense, letting Bradley overextend himself before he would pounce on counters. “I was not careless in the ring”, he said.
“Manny was very strong in there”, Bradley said. Reports say the Filipino sports icon will retire from boxing after this fight.
Mayweather said he thought Bradley was winning the what turned out to be a pivotal seventh round until he was ruled the victim of a knockdown when his gloves touched the canvas after a half-punch, half-push by Pacquiao’s left. “But I love my family, I honor my family, my kids … right now, my decision is to retire”.
Ariel Toledo, 34, who watched the fight on a widescreen TV under the burning sun in a suburban Manila plaza, was among the many who yearned for Pacquiao to postpone his retirement. Senior network sources told the paper that HBO executives are hoping to avoid a bigger situation because Pacquiao announced he planned to retire after the Bradley fight. “I am going to go home and think about it, but I want to be with my family”.
“Hindi draw yun”, said Pacquiao about Mayweather’s take on the fight held at the MGM Grand.
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But with his shoulder injury obviously not bothering him after surgery last May 7, Roach noted “I know he’s in physical shape to keep fighting – his speed is good, his legs are good, his work ethic is great”.
