Manny Pacquiao returned from the biggest loss of his career with a bang Saturday night, knocking down Timothy Bradley Jr. twice on his way to a unanimous 12-round decision in their welterweight showdown.
Pacquiao (58-6-2) knocked down Bradley (33-2-1) in the seventh round, though Bradley seemed to have slipped. He left no doubt in the ninth with a big left hand that sent Bradley sprawling.
Pacquiao had no problems with the right shoulder he injured against Mayweather as he stalked Bradley across the ring, looking to land big shots. He landed enough of them to make Bradley wary, and the knockdown in the ninth round seemed to take the rest of the fight out of Bradley.
"I was looking for a knockout in every round," Pacquiao said. "He's a very tough fighter and a very good counter puncher." — AP
The knockdowns were captured by the Associated Press's lensmen Isaac Brekken and John Locher as seen below:
Manny Pacquiao hits Timothy Bradley's jaw during their WBO welterweight title boxing bout Saturday, April 9, 2016, in Las Vegas. AP/Isaac Brekken
Manny Pacquiao, of the Philippines, stands over Timothy Bradley after knocking him down during the seventh round of their WBO welterweight title fight Saturday, April 9, 2016, in Las Vegas. AP/John Locher
Timothy Bradley kneels on the mat after getting hit by Manny Pacquiao, of the Philippines, during their WBO welterweight title boxing bout Saturday, April 9, 2016, in Las Vegas. AP/John Locher
Timothy Bradley falls to the mat after getting hit by Manny Pacquiao, of the Philippines, during their WBO welterweight title boxing bout Saturday, April 9, 2016, in Las Vegas. AP/John Locher
Timothy Bradley falls to the mat after getting hit by Manny Pacquiao, of the Philippines, during their WBO welterweight title boxing bout Saturday, April 9, 2016, in Las Vegas. AP/Isaac Brekken