This Saturday, April 9th, HBO pay-per-view presents the return of Manny Pacquiao as he faces rival Timothy Bradley for the third time. The bout takes place in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and sees the Filipino superstar enter as a -230 favorite over Bradley, who is coming back at +190. The over/under is set for 10 1/2 with the over paying at -360 and the under paying +300. It bears noting that both of their first two matches went the full 12 round distance, The two first met in June of 2012, and Bradley was handed a controversial split decision victory which Pacuaio avenged in April of 2014 with a unanimous decision of his own. There are many observers who feel that Pacquiao won both of those fights, and that there is no need for a third fight. But this bout is not about the past, it is more about where both fighters are at the present time. Pacquiao’s life outside of boxing continues to mushroom with his politics and karoake and basketball, and he has been at the center of a media storm over his comments on homosexuals. He is also returning for the first time since the Floyd Mayweather Jr loss and he has had surgery to repair his bum shoulder. Pacquiao is now 37 years old and there has been a lot of talk that this will be his last fight. This is in sharp contrast to Bradley, who at 32 years old is still seeking respect despite a decorated career. He has been more focused than ever since changing trainers. His record now stands at a fine 31-1-1 with the only loss being to Pacquiao, and a second win over Pac-man would certainly be a huge feather in “Desert Storm’s” cap. He has fought impressively in his 2015 outings against Jessie Vargas and Brandon Rios, and many feel he has improved as a fighter and certainly tightened up his game. Long considered one of boxing’s most disciplined fighters, Bradley is always in peak condition and whether you like or hate new trainer Teddy Atlas, there is no denying that he has had a positive effect on Bradley’s preparation. Whether the relationship lasts is another story, but they are clicking on all cylinders in terms of teamwork. It’s a far cry from Pacquiao, as he and trainer Teddy Roach appear a bit more stale and less vibrant. Odds for the featured undercard bouts are posted as follows: Super Middleweight: 12 rounds Arthur Abraham +195 Gilberto Ramirez -235 Featherweight: 10 rounds Evgeny Gradovich +800 Oscar Valdez -1250
