Pacquiao vs Bradley Predictions: Why Bout Will Last All 12 Rounds

You will not be hearing the word “knockout” in Saturday night’s main event.

While Manny Pacquaio (54-3-2) may have 38 of them to his name, he won’t be ending his match against Timothy Bradley (28-0 12 KOs) in that fashion.

At the age of 33, it’s no secret he isn’t the same boxer of years past. He hasn’t produced a knockout since 2009, and that was against an opponent in Ricky Hatton who was clearly in over his head. Before that, his last KO came in 2007.

Today Pacquiao relies on his experience and quick feet to defeat opponents, a tactic that clearly has been working for him. PacMan isn’t interested in landing the mega punch like he used to, which allows him to protect himself better.

Considering how Bradley incorporates a conservative approach to his game, where he prefers to counter and react to what is thrown in his direction, odds are, even a younger Pacquiao couldn’t knock him to the ground.

On the other side of the spectrum, you can almost guarantee Desert Storm won’t be KO’ing PacMan.

Bradley has only knocked out 12 opponents (41 percent rate). He prefers to hit opponents with an onslaught of quick jabs that wear you down. He rarely, if ever, rears back to land the punishing blow that could end a fight. He prefers to grab and hold, slowing down the match significantly. 

It’s not a criticism of the 28-year-old, it’s just his style.

If you plan on buying the PPV, do so knowing you will be getting a terrific bang for your buck. You will be getting 12 rounds of excitement in a match that is going to be a lot closer than what people are currently predicating. Desert Storm has a real shot to pull off the shocking upset. 

While you still have to favor Pacquiao because of his incredible experience advantage (353 rounds boxed vs. 194), this is going to be a thrilling match that could very well come down to the final two or three rounds.

It won’t be ending in a knockout. 

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