Pacquiao vs. Marquez Undercard: Tim Bradley Destined to Defeat Joel Casamayor

Before Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez square off in their trilogy-ending title fight Saturday night in Las Vegas, up-and-coming boxer Timothy Bradley Jr. will attempt to defend his WBO light welterweight title against veteran fighter Joel Casamayor.

Although 28-year-old Bradley enters the bout with a flawless 28-0 record, his latest test against Casmayor has been overshadowed by the hype surrounding the night's main event.

Bradley defeated Junior Witter in 12 rounds back in 2008 to claim the WBO light welterweight title, which he has yet to relinquish in three years and six fights.

The 40-year-old Casamayor is on the downswing of his career having lost two of his last four bouts, including a 2008 TKO loss to Juan Manuel Marquez at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Although Bradley has the clear advantage over the aging Cuban on Saturday night, many around the world of boxing feel that Bradley can put himself in ideal position to be the main event next time around.

According to Yahoo! Sports boxing expert Kevin Iole,

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Bradley is going to be really motivated and he knows what's going on. If it's not (Floyd Mayweather)-Pacquiao on May 5, it's going to be Pacquiao-Bradley on May 5. He can't afford to stumble, and I don't think he will. 

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Not only does the advantage lay in Bradley's corner on Saturday night, but the pressure does as well. The pressure to defeat the middle-aged Casamayor, and to do it looking good.

Given that a win Saturday night could possibly catapult him into a backup role for Floyd Mayweather next spring in Vegas, Bradley can ill-afford an off night, especially against a declining Casamayor.

Bradley should win the fight, not by knockout necessarily, but by outlasting his older opponent through all 12 rounds. His resume suggests that Casamayor has no shot, and many would agree.

Those gearing up for the main event between Pacquiao and Marquez Saturday night should remember that the preceding fight featuring the emerging Tim Bradley is not only worth taking note of, but worth watching.