By Jelly F. Musico
MANILA, (PNA) – In a clash between two previous conquerors of Filipino boxing star Manny Pacquiao, American Timothy Bradley emerged triumphant against Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday (Sunday Manila).
Bradley escaped a split decision over Marquez to retain his WBO welterweight title he won against Pacquiao also via split in June 9, 2012.
The two judges gave 115-113 score for both fighters while the third judge had it 116-112 for Bradley who improved ring record to 31-1 with 12 knockouts.
Marquez, who knocked out Pacquiao before bell sounded in sixth round of their fourth fight in Dec. 9, 2012, dropped to his seventh defeat in 63 fights marred with one draw and four stoppages.
With his defeat, Marquez failed his bid to become the first Mexican fighter to win five world titles in five weight categories.
Pacquiao, who has already won eight world titles in eight weight divisions, is set to fight Brandon Rios on November 23 in Macao.
A win by the Filipino ring icon (54-5-2, 38KOs)would give him a chance to face Bradley in a rematch.