With A Return With Pac-Man Unlikely, Who Should Tim Bradley Fight Next?

boxingBy James Slater: Bob Arum is less than thrilled over the idea of a return meeting between his superstar Manny Pacquiao and the man who so controversially defeated him, in Tim Bradley, and many fans apparently feel much the same way (myself discluded, as I’d like to see whether or not Pac-Man could leave no doubt, and I mean No doubt, in a rematch). Pacquiao is reportedly interested in rematches of another kind: ones with Juan Manuel Marquez and/or Miguel Cotto. But where does that leave the warrior known as “Desert Storm?” Who should the new WBO welterweight king face in his first defence?

There are some potentially exciting fights out there for Bradley at 147. Amir Khan, for one example, wasted no time in calling Bradley out, straight after the Palm Springs man had shocked his friend and sparmate. If Khan can beat Danny Garcia in their upcoming 140-pound showdown, and then move up in weight as he’s said is his plan, a fight with Bradley would make all the sense in the world – especially as these two have been close to meeting before and have had a war of words ever since their twice-aborted clash..

The timing may need some tweaking , as Khan may not be ready to move on from the July fight with Garcia until around November at the earliest. But if Bradley can wait until Khan is ready, this match-up would prove a hit with the fans, I’m sure.

Other possibilities for Bradley could be:

Floyd Mayweather. When “Money” gets out of jail,and if he wants to fight again (i’d say the odds are around 50-50), maybe the unbeaten megastar would like to test his skills against the man who beat him to it as far as a fight with Pacquiao goes.

Paulie Malignaggi. “The Magic Man,” and reigning WBA champ at 147 would surely love the idea if this fight. But would the fans? I reckon the purists would get a kick out of this one, and a title fight unification is always a good thing, isn’t it.

Randall Bailey. The powerful old lion against the young warrior. Bailey, the new IBF welterweight champ, would perhaps test Bradley’s chin like no-one ever has. Sure, Bailey is kinda slow and shopworn, but he’s always, always dangerous. Besides, the three-time champ deserves a big pay day before he’s through, don’t he? Also, this fight too would contest two major belts.