Outgunned Pacquiao hits more accurate blows

MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao might have thrown fewer punches than Timothy Bradley, but he proved to be the more accurate fighter.

Pacquiao, who outpointed Bradley to regain the WBO welterweight title at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas Saturday night (Sunday noon in Manila), showcased his punching accuracy, connecting on 198 of the 563 total blows he threw.

Bradley, in contrast, landed only 141 of the 627 punches he unleashed.

According to Compubox, which tallied the total number of punches thrown in the rematch, Pacquiao connected at a rate of 35 percent, better than Bradley’s 22 percent.

The fighting congressman also led Bradley in the power punch department, with 148 of his 344 power blows finding their target for a 43 percent connect rate. Bradley, for his part, landed only 109 of his 340 power punches.

Pacquiao earned the nod of the judges, two of whom scored the fight 116-112 in his favor. The other judge had him comfortably winning 118-110.

Bradley, to his credit, stood in front of Pacquiao in the early rounds and initiated some exchanges. But the American appeared to lose steam in the later part of the bout, allowing Pacquiao to score on flurries.

Sunday’s punch stats were consistent with the numbers from Pacquiao-Bradley 1. In that duel, Bradley was also the busier fighter, throwing 627 punches and connecting on 141 for a 22 percent rate.

Pacquiao, meanwhile, was also more accurate in landing 198 of 563 punches for a 25 percent connect rate. Though he appeared to dominate Bradley that night two years ago, he lost to Bradley in controversial fashion.

This time, Pacquiao got the right result. And Bradley, no longer undefeated, agreed this time.

“He’s (Pacquiao) the better fighter than me tonight,” said Bradley.