Pacman-Bradley a non-title fight

MANILA, Philippines – The third fight between Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley this April will be a non-title bout.

This after Bradley formally relinquished the WBO welterweight championship, which he, according to ESPN.com’s Dan Rafael, was supposed to defend against contender Sadam Ali.

Rafael reported that Bradley wrote WBO president Paco Valcarcel last Feb. 4 signifying his intention to vacate the title.

“As you know I will be fighting Manny Pacquiao on April 9, 2016 in Las Vegas, NV. To accept this fight invariably means I cannot comply with my mandatory obligation and must forgo the mandatory against Sadam Ali, as ordered by the WBO. This is a difficult decision, but one I have to make to give fans the best fights as well as allow myself the toughest and biggest fights possible from both a competitive and financial perspective,” wrote the American.

“I’d like to thank the WBO and its president Paco Valcarcel for their support throughout the years and for allowing me to represent the organization as a two-time world champion,” he added.

Valcarcel, for his part, praised Bradley for the gesture.

“Do know that we wholly understand your decision and commend you for always giving fans the best fights possible and doing what is best for your career at this important juncture,” the WBO official wrote. “You have been an outstanding, honorable and loyal WBO junior welterweight and welterweight champion of the world and the doors of the WBO will always be open for you.

Valcarcel went on to say that the WBO will still recognize Bradley’s fight with Pacquiao, which is set on April 9 in Las Vegas (April 10 Manila time).

“Finally, I am pleased to inform you that we are preparing a special recognition for the Pacquiao vs. Bradley III winner – two remarkable fighters and worthy ambassadors to the WBO. Wishing you all the best,” he added.

The choice to pursue a more lucrative fight with Pacquiao than go through a mandatory title defense is obviously the more logical option for Bradley, who wrested the same WBO title from the Filipino during their first meeting in 2012.

Pacquiao regained the crown from Bradley in their rematch two years later then surrendered it to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in their welterweight unification bout last year.