LAS VEGAS -- USA TODAY Sports is on the scene for the much-anticipated rematch between Manny Pacquiao and WBO Welterweight Champion Timothy Bradley. Here's how the fight is unfolding at the MGM Grand Garden Arena:
We are about to get started.
Just before the fighters came out of their dressing rooms, Pacquiao was shown praying on video screens while Bradley was getting a last-minute pep talk for former world champion Sugar Shane Mosley. Singer/actress Ashanti performed the national anthem while former American Idol contestant Jessica Sanchez sang the Filipino anthem.
Pacquiao is the first to emerge, walking out with trainer Freddie Roach while AC-DC's "Thunderstruck" plays. Bradley then came out with trainer Joel Diaz to "All I do is Win," with hip-hop artist Fashawn rapping from the ring.
ROUND ONE
The fight finally began at 12:24 a.m., ET. The fighters come out jabbing, but Pacquiao throws the first right hand. Both fighters are lunging. Crowd chants "Man-ny!" A miss by Bradley, and Pacquiao counters with a right hand. A cautious first round. Pacquiao avoids three shots by Bradley. Give the first round to Pacquiao as he had the most connects.
ROUND TWO
Pacquiao blocking most of Bradley's punches. Bradley loses his footing twice, then ties Pacquiao up. Both fighters lighting quick, but Pacquiao lands several combinations as the crowd goes crazy. It's really heating up here as Pacquiao lands several combos. Bradley takes a wild swing and again loses his balance in the last few seconds. A good round for Pacquiao. I have him up 2-0.
ROUND THREE
They're fighting in the middle of the ring. Pacquiao throwing left hands nearly every time he punches. And they're connecting. Bradley lands a right, then counters with a left. Another left hand by Pacquiao lands flush. Total action here. A Bradley uppercut. Pacquiao just loading up and the crowd loving it. Another big round for Pacquiao. He's up on my scorecard 3-0.
LOOKING BACK
You know about their first fight in 2012, which produced one of the most controversial decisions in boxing history, as Bradley won a split decision that spawned investigations and heavy criticism of the ringside judges who scored it for "Desert Storm."
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