Tim Bradley's KO of Casamayor: Why He Might Be Next in Line to Fight Pacquiao

Most of the focus from Saturday's fight is on the bout between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez, as well it should be.

It was a thrilling fight with quite a bit of controversy in its conclusion.  Many felt hat Marquez won the fight.  Instead he lost another close decision.  While many are either still celebrating or cursing the fight's outcome, most will settle down and ask the obvious question.

Who is next?

It could certainly be Marquez, but he might retire as he has threatened.

Or if Bob Arum, Pacquiao's promoter, can work a deal out with him, a fight might happen with Floyd Mayweather Jr.

But what if neither fight happens?

It is a real possibility that Pacquiao might be forced to find another foil for his next match.

And that possibility is Timothy Bradley.

Bradley didn't look impressive Saturday night, but he did beat an old veteran in Joel Casamayor.

He is also young, undefeated and a former champion.  He is also a member of Top Rank, which is the promotional company that has Pacquiao under contract.

It's no surprise that Arum might want to make a fight with Bradley, as that would mean that the profits would go to his company and not be divided in the event of having an out-of-house fighter.

It might not be the most interesting fight.

And it wouldn't be the most profitable for Pacquiao.

But it would be the most profitable for Bob Arum and that is the most important thing to the veteran promoter.  Not the boxing fans.  Not what might be best for the sport.  It's whatever the best deal is.

This is not to say a fight with Marquez or Mayweather can't or won't get made.  It may not end up happening because of petty personal problems or because of greed.

If that does happen, don't be too surprised if Bradley's name appears next to Pacquiao's.