Pacquiao vs. Marquez Undercard: Bradley Must Face Khan Next After Title Defense

As WBO Light Welterweight Champion, 28-year-old Timothy Bradley entered his bout with 40-year-old Joel Casamayor on Saturday night as a heavy favorite. He certainly didn't disappoint, as he stopped the Cuban legend by TKO in the eighth round.

Bradley completely picked apart Casamayor in every aspect, particularly with body punches. Up until the referee stopped the fight, it seemed as though Bradley had won every round, or at least close to it. While Casamayor isn't the fighter he once was, he is a cagey veteran who shouldn't be dismissed.

There is no question that Bradley passed his test with flying colors and is now ready to take on the preeminent light welterweights. Bradley is ranked No. 2 in the division currently, so it is only natural that he should fight the man above him.

That boxer is currently Amir Khan, who holds the WBA Super and IBF Light Welterweight Championships. Khan has a 26-1 career record and has bounced back nicely after losing to Breidis Prescott in 2008. Since that time, Khan has transitioned from the lightweight division and he hasn't missed a step.

Khan is an explosive fighter who would undoubtedly be a major test for Bradley. While Bradley has cleared every hurdle placed in front of him in impressive fashion, his performance against Khan would prove once and for all if he is an elite light welterweight.

Wins over the likes of Lamont Peterson and Devon Alexander certainly look good on Bradley's resume, but "Desert Storm" is still in need of a signature victory to validate his place in the division. A unification bout with Khan would go a long way in doing so.

Bradley is incredibly talented and would seem to have the ability to be the top light welterweight in the world. He has to go through Khan to do it, though, and after his demolition of Casamayor, I believe Bradley will try to reach the next level by challenging Khan.