Pacquiao vs. Bradley: Reported Rematch Clause Proves Bob Arum Is Frightened

The boxing world sure does plan ahead.

We are still 11 days away from Manny Pacquiao-Timothy Bradley and a potential rematch is already reportedly set up.

Top Rank boss Bob Arum has told Nick Giongco of the Manila Bulletin that if "PacMan" were to lose on June 9, Pacquiao-Bradley II would take place on November 10.

Arum explains his reasoning for already planning a rematch before the original fight even occurs:

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This is the reason why I haven’t talked about any other fight with Manny other than this upcoming fight with Bradley. He is getting paid well in this fight and it’ll take care of his children, and if he wins and fights Pacquiao in a rematch, the money he’s getting will take care of his grandchildren.

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I understand having a backup plan in case your guy (who sports a 54-3-2 record, by the way) loses, but why speak to the media about it?

Who knows what Pacquiao feels deep down, but it sure seems like his promoter is worried.

The most telling excerpt from the Giongco piece is when he talks about a trip Arum took to visit Bradley as he prepared for the match: “Arum checked on Bradley’s preparation in the desert city of Indio, California, and was awestruck by Bradley’s confidence level and demeanor.”

What was he expecting? Why shouldn’t a guy that sports a perfect 28-0 record be supremely confident that he will win? Do they expect him to just be some sort of pawn that is merely looking to collect a fat payday?

Bradley is a real threat and should be more than just a three-to-one underdog. He has incredible counter skills and the endurance to outlast PacMan.

Arum and Pacquiao should be worried, but don’t start talking about rematch clauses just yet. Wait until after the match. Now, arguably the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world has a huge cloud of doubt hovering over him.

Sure it’s good to see that Pacquiao isn’t taking the fight lightly, but this is taking it too far. Arum should have waited until after the bout to announce this. 

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