Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — If this was really the last fight of his life, then it’s a fitting send off for Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao.
The Filipino pugilist knocked down Timothy Bradley Jr. twice in the third installment of their rivalry on his way to a unanimous decision at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday (April 10).
The three judges scored the fight 116-110, all in favor of the eight-division champion.
“This is different compared to the last two fights. I was more aggressive and careful,” Pacquiao said moments after his conquest of Bradley, who beat him in their first match in 2012.
“I’m looking for a knockout but Bradley is really a tough boxer.”
Pacquiao was all praises for his foe. “He’s a champion that’s why it wasn’t easy tonight.”
True enough, the back-and-forth fight only made an exciting turn in the seventh round, when a vintage, feral Pacquiao connected a solid hit that knocked down his American counterpart, something he wasn’t able to do in their first two clashes.
Bradley said: “He pulled me down with his gloves and I got off balance.”
But he acknowledged the second one that came in the ninth round, when Pacquiao followed up a jab with an devastating left that sent him reeling to the canvas.
“He caught me good on that one,” he said in jocular fashion, but added that the boxing superstar was “very quick and explosive.”
But when asked when this is in fact his final bout, Pacquiao, whose professional mark improved to 58-6-2 including 38 knockouts, told Top Rank’s Crystina Poncher he will hang his gloves for good.
“If you ask me, I am still okay and I can still fight. But I made my decision to go back to the Philippines and help the people, and spend time with my family,” he said.
And this is his last message to everybody after a decorated career spanning 19 years: “Thank you to all the fans especially to the Filipinos people. I really appreciate your help and support to boxing. Thank you boxing fans.”
