Vintage Pacquiao wins unanimous decision in farewell bout against outclassed Bradley

Manny Pacquiao crowned his 21-year professional career with an emphatic victory over Tim Bradley on Saturday, delivering a vintage performance before saying a farewell to boxing.

Pacquiao – fighting for the first time since his defeat to Floyd Mayweather last May in the “Fight of the Century” – knocked down Bradley twice on his way to a unanimous decision.

The judges’ scorecards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena told the story of Pacquiao’s dominance in the non-title welterweight duel, with the 37-year-old eight-division world champion winning by identical margins of 116-110 on all three cards.

Pacquiao had insisted Saturday’s bout – the 66th of his career – will be his final fight before he focuses on his political career in the Philippines, where he is seeking election to the Senate next month.

Many ring-watchers, however, are sceptical, believing he may well be tempted to extend a career which has seen him earn more than $500 million.

asked afterwards if he planned to stay retired, Pacquiao replied: “I think so. I’ve made a commitment to my family that I’m going to retire after this.

“Maybe I enjoy being a retired man, serving the people, helping the people,” added, before giving a farewell message to his fans.