Numerous reports Wednesday claimed that Manny Pacquiao would take on The Coachella Valley’s own WBO Welterweight Champion Timothy Bradley in Las Vegas on April 9 for the third time. It was big news, except that maybe it is not happening.
Top Rank promoter Bob Arum told ESPN Wednesday, it was a done deal:.
Although the paperwork is being sent to both camps, Arum told ESPN that he has deals with both fighters and that he closed with Pacquiao on Tuesday by wiring him a $2 million advance against his $20 million guaranteed purse.
But, it is not a done deal according to Bradley’s wife Monica, who told KESQ that they have not signed any contract:
“Right now the family is vacationing and enjoying the holidays, and we are not thinking about a future fight at this time.” says Monica Bradley. “We plan to sit down with Top Rank and look at the options for Timothy Bradley after the first of the new year. “
Meanwhile, if the fight is indeed happening, it is not going over very well with boxing fans:
Few cared about a second Pacquiao-Bradley fight. Fewer will care about the third. Disappointed MP didn't go for the toughest test: Crawford.
— Chris Mannix (@ChrisMannixYS) December 30, 2015
Someone on my page described Pacquiao-Bradley III perfectly: Not a bad fight, but a useless one.
— adam abramowitz (@snboxing) December 30, 2015
If you want to go to Pacquiao-Bradley III don't worry. Tickets will be available. By fight night they'll be giving them away.
— FightNights.com (@boxing) December 30, 2015