Pacquiao vs. Bradley: What a Loss Would Mean for Pac-Man's Career

A loss for Manny Pacquiao against Timothy Bradley will redirect the path of his career, but it will not tarnish it in any way.

We're talking about a fighter in Pacquaio that's nearing the end of the tunnel, while Bradley on the other hand is enjoying the prime of his illustrious career.

It's undoubtedly a big fight for each boxer, but a career is not defined by one match. To that end, here's what a potential loss means for Pac-Man.

Shortens Career

At age 33, Manny Pacquiao doesn't have much time left to begin with. The man has been putting up the fists as a pro since 1995 at the light flyweight division, beginning his career 11-0.

Fast forward to 2012, and Pacquaio hasn't fought more than three times in a year since 2001 and more than twice in a year since 2008. Losing to Bradley would simply force him into retiring earlier as time would become another opponent.

A win certainly would elongate Pac's career because he'd have the option to continue that defense, not to mention enhance his overall résumé. Considering everything that Manny has accomplished though, including no losses since 2005 and only one since 1999, there's nothing else for him to prove.

Good Company

Muhammed Ali lost three of his final four bouts, and Joe Frazier began 29-0 only to close out 3-4-1. Other boxing legends such as George Foreman, Mike Tyson and Sugar Ray Leonard all ended their careers after a loss as well.

So if Pacquaio were to put down the gloves in the event of a loss, he would simply be in good company among boxing greats. Not ending on a perfectly high note happens in every sport, and Pac-Man in boxing is no exception.

NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino, who ranks among the best players to step on the field, suffered a 62-7 loss in the playoffs to end his career. In that game, Marino threw for only 95 yards and had two interceptions.

Obviously boxing is a way different sport, but it's just further proof that legends don't always finish how they started. So we'll always remember them in prime form, as opposed to how it ended.

Switch to Trainer

For everything Manny Pacquaio does outside of boxing, a loss to Timothy Bradley could change gears toward becoming a trainer.

As a boxer, Pac-Man has put together a Hall of Fame career; so the next area to approach would be his protégé. Kind of like a former pro football or basketball player moving to coaching after retiring, this has to be an appealing route for Pacquaio.

The next wave of boxers are underway, and training a youngster would only enhance Manny's credibility within the sport. Going from student to teacher is his best option to remain directly involved with boxing.

Plus, Pac-Man would be a healthy enough trainer to get in the ring with his fighter. The development of that boxer would speed up, and Pacquaio would become a more all-encompassed product of the sport.

In turn, this gives more attraction to boxing and increases the overall appeal.