Timothy Bradley: Controversy Overshadowed Gutsy Performance by 'Desert Storm'

Timothy Bradley did not beat Manny Pacquiao.

Let's just get that out of the way right now. Regardless of what the judges said (their final scorecards read 115-113, 113-115, 115-113 in favor of Bradley), Manny Pacquiao won this fight.

The decision has sparked outrage within the boxing community, and I myself was furious about it Saturday night.

However, lost in the chaotic post-fight emotion was the fact that Timothy Bradley actually performed quite well. Yes, I believe he lost handily, but you have to give props when props are due, and Bradley deserves the utmost respect for his showing.

Not many men have stood toe-to-toe with Manny Pacquiao and survived to give a coherent post-fight interview. Pacquiao is known for his aggressive style—his never-ending flurries of punches that land with devastating power.

And yet, although wobbled at times, Bradley's sheer force of will kept him on his feet and in Pacquiao's face.

He survived Pacquiao's early onslaught, absorbing massive left hand blasts, but almost always managing to avoid getting clocked by consecutive punches. He even fought through a pair of foot injuries (via ESPN's Dan Rafael) to maintain his mobility and prevent a Pac-Man knockout.

In the final third of the fight, Bradley was at his most impressive. As Pacquiao tired, Bradley kept moving forward. His punches weren't doing much damage, but the fact that he was still attacking speaks volumes about his heart, desire and competitive nature.

Without question, Pacquiao won the fight, and I will believe that until the day I die. But Bradley gave a valiant effort, and his quality performance shouldn't be lost in the post-fight fiasco.