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2012 Boxing Free Pick: Manny Pacquiao -400 vs. Timothy Bradley    
By Drew Sharper 

LAS VEGAS, NV (TheSpread) – Can Timothy Bradley upset Manny Pacquiao or will Pac-Man keep rolling along? Here is our free pick for Saturday’s contest.

The fight is for the WBO Welterweight Championship and will air live on HBO PPV. According to oddsmakers, Pacquiao (54-3-2) is the favorite to win this contest, as he has a money line of -400. The challenger, Bradley (28-0-0, 1 NC), comes in with odds of +300 to win.

In this contest, it seems that Bradley isn’t your average challenger for Pacquiao. First, he called Manny out and sought out the challenge. It seems in the past that Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. have settled for opponents, not had them seek them out. Bradley is also unbeaten and very confident coming into the fight. Bradley appears to have the skills to win, but will he be able to handle the pressures that come with a fight of this magnitude?

For Pacquiao, the question isn’t about if he still has it, the question is does he care enough to come out and put on his best. Pac-Man didn’t look his greatest in his last fight against Juan Manuel Marquez and the only fight that seemingly makes sense for him nowadays is against Mayweather. The retirement word has been tossed around with Pacquiao and he is having some issues away from the ring that could have him distracted.

Who to pick: Despite all of the signs that may be pointing to Pacquiao finally falling, I am sticking with him. I think Bradley may find some success in the early going, but will ultimately struggle in the moment. Pacquiao will get settled in following a slow start and use his speed and power to beat Bradley to the punch in the later rounds. I don’t see this as a finish, but I do see Pacquiao earning a clear decision victory.

PICK: MANNY PACQUIAO -400.