Timothy Bradley likely to be Manny Pacquiao’s last opponent

Manny Pacquiao’s final opponent is going to be announced during truTV’s boxing card on Friday night. It sounds like he will be facing Timothy Bradley for a third time.

First off, Bradley will be on the announcing team for truTV, so having the announcement on the telecast with him involved makes sense.

Secondly, Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum has mentioned Bradley as a potential opponent for Pacquiao, and the fit is natural considering he represents both fighters.

Third, Bradley’s wife, who is also his manager, hinted to the LA Times’ Lance Pugmire that a deal is happening.

“A lot can change in the next three days, but Todd (duBoef) and I have developed a good relationship. I like the way we do business,” Monica Bradley told Pugmire, referencing Top Rank president Todd duBoef.

Monica Bradley pretty much spilled the beans with this comment when she said her husband will be at his best for the third fight between him and Pacquiao.

“Tim’s very excited – more about this one than either of the others before,” Monica Bradley told The Times. “With a new trainer, it’ll be a whole different Tim Bradley.”

Well that seems to pretty much seal it.

Pacquiao (57-6-2, 38 KOs) lost to Bradley in a highly contested split decision in 2012 but got revenge with a unanimous decision win in April 2014. Judges screwed up the first fight, while Bradley claimed injury in the second. Their trilogy would be settled once and for all in a fight in April.

If this is indeed Pacquiao’s final fight, it would be a disappointment. Who really wants to see a third fight between these two? Top Rank should give us someone new — a challenge like Amir Khan. Instead, fight fans will be stuck watching this for a third time.