'Legacy' belt awaits winner of Pacquiao-Bradley bout

LAS VEGAS – Though the rubber match between Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley is a non-title fight, the winner still gets to take home a special trinket.

The World Boxing Organization on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila) presented what it calls a “legacy belt,” which will be on the line for Saturday’s fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena (Sunday in Manila).

WBO president Francisco Varcarcel said the belt is studded with at least 60 12-carat diamonds. The trinket features the words “Battle of Super Champions” in the center, just below the logo of the Puerto Rico-based sanctioning organization.

Pacquiao and Bradley posed while holding the belt during the final press conference at the David Copperfield Theatre inside the MGM Grand.

Varcarcel previously stated that they consider Pacquiao and Bradley as “two remarkable fighters and worthy ambassadors to the WBO.”

Bradley used to be the WBO welterweight champion until he vacated the title in February for the chance to face Pacquiao. The 32-year-old was supposed to defend the diadem against then mandatory challenger Sadam Ali.

"I gave up my title for this bout because obviously, you know, first thing's first: it (Pacquiao rubber match) is more lucrative," Bradley said after an open workout at last week in Indio, California.

"Two, this match means a lot for my career right now," Bradley continued.