Pacquiao vs. Bradley: Rematch Doesn't Serve Best Interest of Either Fighter

A rematch between Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley would make more money for Top Rank promoter Bob Arum and give the WBO a chance, at least in their eyes, to make things right.

But a rematch doesn't serve either fighter's best interest. A championship belt will be on the line, but neither fighter really has anything to gain.

Pacquiao could win the belt he (unjustifiably) lost against Bradley in their first contest, and Bradley will have a chance to validate an extremely questionable decision. Both outcomes will be gratifying for each fighter, but their best interest is served by walking away from this circus.

The mayhem that has ensued from the judging panel's unfathomable decision hasn't created a good situation for either fighter.

Let's take a look at each boxer and why a rematch isn't the best choice for either.

Manny Pacquiao

Pacquiao needs to walk away from this situation. He must fight Juan Manuel Marquez, retire or wait for Floyd Mayweather (although that isn't a great option, either).

Those are his only three options.

The rematch against Bradley is not a good idea. The vast majority of people who viewed the fight know who won. The scorecards didn't reflect it, but Pac-Man is still the peoples' champion.

Pacquiao has stated that he would like a rematch. It's understandable that he would want his WBO belt back. But his reputation remains unchanged even without the belt strapped around his waist.

A win in the rematch would vindicate Pac-Man, but it would also give the judges a roundabout chance to be absolved of their initial decision. He would be best served to wash his hands of this and walk away.

He should go fight someone else, or he should retire from boxing. It's that simple.

Timothy Bradley

Bradley shouldn't favor this rematch. Pacquiao is going to win back the title, and he will be belt-less again.

He may have won with a questionable decision, but he is still the titleholder. If he covets that title, he doesn't want to see a rematch.

The WBO may force a rematch, but it definitely will not be in the best interest of these athletes.

Bradley would be better served fighting anyone else, and Pacquiao has nothing left to prove. Instead of favoring the rematch, both fighters should be protesting it.

Boxing's powers that be continue to hunt money and publicity, but these two fighters don't need it. They will probably fight again, but the best way to finish this awkward situation is to end it.