Pacquiao started a bit slow in the early rounds but made a gradual shift in the late rounds to score his first knockdown in the seventh round followed by another knockdown in the ninth round before a crowd of over 14,665 fans in attendance.
The first knock down was a bit hard to call as Bradley looked unhurt but referee Tony Weeks ruled a knockdown as Bradley’s glove touched the canvas.
The more telling blows came in the ninth round as Bradley was visibly hurt before he went tumbling down the canvas following a massive attack by Pacquiao.
“I’m looking for knockdowns in this fight, I did my best, but Bradley’s a good counter puncher… He’s different than the last two fights that we had. It’s getting hard to catch him,” said Pacquiao after the fight.
For his part, Bradley said Pacquiao did everything right and he was faster and stronger this time.
“He’s strong and he did a great fight tonight. I’ll be back. He’s good, he’s great. He’s faster, quicker and stronger and he did everything right. I’m be back, thank you guys for coming out for me,” Bradley said.
Pacquiao admitted he was looking for a knockout win but he said Bradley has improved a lot and tonight he’s a different fighter.
Pacquiao has yet to break his long knockout holiday since his last knockout win over Miguel Cotto in 2009. But the twin knockdowns in this fight are more than enough compensate for a KO win.
Asked about his planned retirement, Pacquiao said he’s retired for now and looks forward to be with his family and fans back home.
“Yes, as of now I am retired,” Pacquiao said. “I am going to go home and think about it, but I want to be with my family. I want to serve the people [of the Philippines],” Pacquiao said.
With the win, Pacquiao has improved his career record to 66-6-2 while Bradley dropped to 37-2-1.
