Expert Sports Picks: Saturday April 9th welterweight rivals Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley will meet for a third time for the vacant W.B.O. title. Manny Pacquiao vs Timothy Bradley 3 Odds opened with Pacquiao -300 but 70% of boxing predictions on Bradley have dropped the price to -250. Pacquiao, 57-6-2, 38 KO’s, will be coming off an 11-month layoff after having shoulder surgery following his loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr. Can “Desert Storm” Bradley get a satisfying upset win after winning the first fight controversially and losing the rematch in one-sided fashion? ESPN2 News gives away their boxing predictions for this showdown in Las Vegas. Manny Pacquiao vs Timothy Bradley 3 Odds have Bradley +195 Moneyline (Bet $100 to win $195)
Manny Pacquiao – Boxer: The short-armed 5’5″ 1/2″ Pacquiao is a whirling dervish that is constantly moving, darting and attacking. The “Pac-Man” still boasts big-time power in his straight-left hand that he sets up brilliantly behind two quick jabs. Manny has evolved from a high-volume puncher to a bomber that can box and counter. The southpaw is slicker than meets the eye with fast feet, eagle ring vision and active head movement. Despite getting knocked out by a possibly “juiced” Juan Manuel Marquez, Pacquiao has always displayed a decent chin. The 37-year old Pacquiao’s once legendary stamina has faded but he still fights with a good motor. Pacquiao’s biggest weaknesses are his balance and hot temper. Pacquiao loads up on his left hand and gets caught out of position frequently. In the heat of battle Manny can lose his focus trying to impale his opponent. Manny Pacquiao vs Timothy Bradley 3 Odds have Pacquiao -250 moneyline
Timothy Bradley – Boxer: 5’6″ “Desert Storm” Bradley is a powerhouse of layered muscle. Despite his limited height Bradley, 32, can effectively box on his toes, slug in the trenches or counterpunch at midrange. Bradley is not a heavy hitter but he packs enough sting to garner respect. Bradley’s tight guard, mobility and busy jab him an elusive target. Bradley’s stiff jab to the head or body is his main tool to establish ring generalship. Bradley is a rugged inside fighter that aggressively targets the body. Bradley has an excellent chin but has been on the deck several times. Bradley’s head is stationary too often, making him an easy target for Pacquiao’s left. For a modest puncher, Bradley tends to slug more than he should and can be caught with big punches in exchanges. Manny Pacquiao vs Timothy Bradley 3 Odds have the Over/Under at 10.5 Rounds with the Over at -350
ESPN2 News Bottom Line: Bradley broke his foot early in the first fight with Pacquiao and took a poor strategy in the rematch trying to knock Pacquiao out. The rubber math should be the gritty Californian’s best performance against a rusty Pacquiao coming off shoulder surgery. Our fight picks experts expect Bradley to make use of his superior length, balance and in-fighting ability to squeak out a tight decision. Bradley’s new trainer Teddy Atlas should have his charge in peak physical condition to execute a fight plan that will involve roughing up the smaller man inside and outboxing the puncher outside. Pacquiao must be set to punch and we expect Bradley to keep the bomber off-balance with quick flurries. Bradley’s jab should be a major factor in this one with Atlas reminding him to pump it out with piston-like regularity. Pacquiao’s still has nightmares of that Juan Manuel Marquez right crashing into his mug and his more cautious approach reflects that lack of confidence. Bet the younger Bradley at +195 fight odds to spoil “Pac-Man’s” farewell party, legitimize Teddy Atlas as a great trainer and get Floyd “Money” Mayweather out of retirement to face “Desert Storm”.
Boxing Predictions: Timothy Bradley by decision +550
Complete Pacquiao vs Bradley Fight Odds
Pacquiao by KO: +375
Pacquiao by decision: +100
Bradley by KO: +550
Bradley by decision: +260
Draw: +1600
Clean out the bookies with ESPN2 News Expert Sports Picks advice!
Manny Pacquiao vs Timothy Bradley Head-To-Head Fight Picks
Pacquiao/Bradley
Height/Reach: 5/6
Strength/Size: 6/8
Power: 8.5/7
Hand Speed/Accuracy: 9/8
Stamina: 8/8
Defense: 8/7
Chin: 7/8
Agility: 8/8
Jab: 7/8
Bodypunching/In-Fight: 7/8
Boxing Ability: 8/8
Intelligence: Pacquiao +1
Confidence/Focus: Bradley +1
Cuts/Injury/Age/Inactivity: Bradley +2
Judges Scoring: Pacquiao +1
Trainer: Bradley +1
ESPN2 News Fight Odds: Bradley -130
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