• Welterweight

Pacquiao v Bradley rumours cooled

ESPN staff
October 29, 2011
Tim Bradley's most recent fight was a January clash with Devon Alexander © PA Photos
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Promoter Bob Arum has challenged the assumption that Manny Pacquiao's next opponent will be Tim Bradley, the unbeaten WBO light-welterweight champion.

Pacquiao and Bradley are both signed to Arum's company Top Rank, with Bradley making the switch from Gary Shaw earlier this year in search of more lucrative bouts.

Bradley has not fought since January - and was stripped of the WBC crown due to inactivity - but next month he returns against Joel Casamayor on the undercard of Pacquiao's battle with Juan Manuel Marquez.

With the pair now operating under Arum's wing, and Bradley making no secret of his desire to face the Filipino, a meeting appeared likely - but the veteran promoter insists nothing is set in stone.

"I have been saying it for years: Pacquiao's next opponent is up to him," Arum told boxingscene.com. "Do I make recommendations? Yes, that is my job as a promoter. I have never discussed with Manny an opponent after Marquez."

Bradley has hinted that he will move to welterweight next year, taking him even closer to WBO champion Pacquiao.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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