Pacquiao vs. Marquez Undercard: Tim Bradley Will Win Ugly vs. Joel Casamayor

The centerpiece of tonight’s undercard for the Manny Pacquiao vs. Juan Manuel Marquez fight will be a junior welterweight showdown between Tim Bradley and Joel Casamayor. That weight appears to have been a bit of a sticking point, as Casamayor needed two tries to make the 140-pound limit at yesterday’s weigh-in.

Bradley (27-0, 11 KOs) is the more-hyped fighter, putting his WBO light welterweight title on the line for the first time since a January win over previously unbeaten Devon Alexander. If the 40-year-old Casamayor (38-5-1, 22 KOs) can take the belt, he’ll become the first Cuban to earn titles in three different weight classes.

Casamayor’s experience will serve him well against Bradley, 12 years his junior. He’s a fighter who relies heavily on guile at this stage of his career, and could have a few surprises in store for his very aggressive opponent.

Bradley’s superior speed will give him an edge in this matchup, and it’s likely he’ll land enough punches to earn a decision in the (likely) event that the fight goes the distance.

However, Casamayor is skilled enough to make Bradley work for every opening he gets, and he’s surprised younger opponents before (as in a 2008 TKO over Michael Katsidis).

Casamayor probably doesn’t have enough raw offense left to win this fight, but he’s certainly got enough defense left to make it very hard for Bradley to do so. Expect few clean shots from either fighter, with Bradley grinding out a win by decision (possibly even split decision).