Pacquiao vs. Bradley Results: Ludicrous Decision Makes Rematch Unavoidable

Timothy Bradley did not fight an upset-worthy fight on Saturday night, but he heard Michael Buffer announce him as the new champion anyway.

Manny Pacquiao and Bradley must duel again and, according to promoter Bob Arum, they will.

The ensuing rematch is an unavoidable option for both parties. Controversy is not something either fighter wants to be associated with.

November's clash will, hopefully, put all issues to rest.

Let's look at Saturday night's decision and why it commands another episode of Pac-Man versus Bradley.

Numbers don't lie

Pacquiao dominated Bradley in almost every single way Saturday night. How that results in a loss is beyond comprehension.

He landed more punches and more power punches and landed his shots at a higher percentage. Bradley fought from his heels for most of the fight, and Pac-Man imposed his will throughout the course of the fight.

Bradley did manage to make the match about boxing, rather than power, in the later rounds. However, that success didn't match Pacquiao's prior rounds. Dominating a fight on the scorecards should not result in a loss. Handing Pacquiao the unfavorable outcome just didn't make sense.

In November, you can expect the fight to look eerily similar. Bradley's light-handed, defensive style does not coincide with Pacquiao's frenetic, powerful pace. He will be overwhelmed again.

Now, we have to hope the judges see what everyone else does. The numbers didn't lie this time around, and they won't lie next time either.

Put the controversy to bed

Barring another match plagued by a questionable conclusion, a November rematch will end any, and all, controversy.

There are two possible outcomes.

Bradley could win. This would validate his talent, earn him his title in the public's eye and catapult his career to new heights.

Or, Pacquiao could claim revenge. Winning back the WBO welterweight title would solidify Saturday night's sham and return boxing's pecking order. It could also stir the Floyd Mayweather-Pacquiao debate.

Both conclusions justify themselves. Each fighter needs to shake off any clouds and move on.

For Pacquiao, moving on could mean Mayweather. It could mean retirement. Either way, Bradley will be behind him.

Bradley needs the rematch for a different purpose. Without it, the public will never validate his status as WBO welterweight champ.

Desert Storm needs to have one more go with Pacquiao to give boxing fans a definitive handle on who's the real world titleholder.