Bradley rematch also mulled for Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines - Next to Juan Manuel Marquez, it’s Timothy Bradley who looms as Manny Pacquiao’s opponent later this year

Bradley, who got away with a controversial decision against Pacquiao in June last year, pulled off another escape against Russian Ruslan Provodnikov in Carson, California last Sunday.

Provodnikov, one of Pacquiao’s sparring partners, sent Bradley down on the floor in the opening and closing rounds even if the first was ruled as a slip by the referee.

But in the eyes of the judges, Bradley was the better fighter, and the undefeated American was awarded a unanimous victory.

That made Bradley an instant contender as Pacquiao continues to look for an opponent other than Marquez, who had signified that there’s no more need for a fifth fight with the Filipino.

Pacquiao’s promoter, Bob Arum, said Pacquiao can fight in September, perhaps in Macau. Marquez can take on a different foe, and they could end up doing a fifth fight next year.

Arum will travel to Macau for an April 6 card that features Filipino Brian Viloria and Chinese superstar Zou Shiming in separate fights, and hopes to bring Marquez along.

Arum is also hoping that Pacquiao would fly to Macau so they can all sit down and look at the fifth fight whether it happens later this year or early next year.

Pacquiao is in the middle of a campaign, and may only fly to Macau if Arum gets a lock on the venue for his next fight following a devastating loss to Marquez last December.

“We need a venue. There has to be a deal finalized for Manny in the fall, regardless of the opponent,” Michael Koncz, Pacquiao’s chief adviser, told RingTV.com.

“I talked to Bob yesterday, and he’s hopeful that the Venetian Macau Resort Hotel can wrap things up within seven to 10 days from now,” Koncz added.