Ex-contender Flores sees another easy win for Pacquiao vs Bradley

Nissi Icasiano

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Ex-contender Flores sees another easy win for Pacquiao vs Bradley
BJ Flores, a former cruiserweight title challenger, would rather see Manny Pacquiao facing another high-caliber opponent than battling Timothy Bradley for the third time

MANILA, Philippines – BJ Flores, a former cruiserweight title challenger, believes that the third in-ring encounter between Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley Jr. on April 10 (April 9 in US) will be more of the same with their first two meetings. 

Flores, who says he wants to make one final run for a world title after yielding to Beibut Shumenov via unanimous decision in July 2015, feels that it will be a one-sided affair for Pacquiao. 

The 37-year-old cruiserweight from Chandler, Arizona defended his observation by citing Pacquiao’s performances in the first two bouts against Bradley. 

“I just think that it’s a bit of a lukewarm feeling with Bradley and Pacquiao because we’ve already seen it twice and it wasn’t that compelling the first two times. It seemed like Pacquiao clearly won both fights, so it makes it a little difficult to swallow the third time,” Flores said in an interview with On The Ropes Boxing Radio.

Bradley picked up a controversial victory over Pacquiao by way of split decision in June 2010, with two judges scoring 115–113 in favor of the American boxer and the other 115–113 to his Filipino rival. 

According to CompuBox statistics, Pacquiao was ahead in all categories, prompting WBO president Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel to create a 5-judge panel to review the bout that all saw the title tilt in support of the renowned southpaw from General Santos City. 

Despite the panel’s findings, WBO rules do not allow the decision to be overturned, but the governing body recommended a rematch between the two fighters.

In the April 2014 second showdown, Pacquiao defeated Bradley via unanimous decision to regain the WBO welterweight championship. 

According to Flores, he would rather see Pacquiao facing another high-caliber opponent than battling Bradley for the third time as his last match in his illustrious 21-year boxing career. 

“I wish he would give Manny Pacquiao a chance to fight somebody else besides Brandon Rios and Timothy Bradley,” he stated. “Timothy Bradley is a great fighter and a great champion, but we’ve already seen it twice and neither time it was that close in my opinion. I think that Manny Pacquiao is the better fighter and I think they’re just shoving this fight down people’s throats.”

New trainer won’t be a factor, says Flores

Flores shot down the notion that veteran trainer Teddy Atlas will make a difference in the corner of Timothy Bradley Jr. 

Bradley acquired the services of Atlas to prepare him in his WBO welterweight title defense this past November against Brandon Rios, whom he defeated Brandon Rios by ninth-round technical knockout. 

“No, I don’t see him making much of a difference at all. You can’t make too big of a deal out of the Brandon Rios fight. Rios is a good fighter at 140 pounds, but he’s been very undisciplined over the last couple of years and his last couple of fights, losing to Mike Alvarado and looking very ordinary against some other guys,” said Flores. – Rappler.com

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