Boxing Insider Notebook: Pacquiao vs. Bradley, Mikey Garcia, Ricardo Mayorga, and more

The following is the Boxing Insider notebook for the week of January 21st to January 28th, covering the comings and goings in the sport of boxing that you might have missed.

Pacquiao vs. Bradley 2 Officially Announced

Bob Arum and Todd duBoef, CEO and President of Top Rank, respectively, and Michael Koncz of MP Promotions are pleased to announce that an agreement was reached today for undefeated two-division world champion TIMOTHY “Desert Storm” BRADLEY to defend his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title against Fighter of the Decade Congressman MANNY “Pacman” PACQUIAO. Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with MP Promotions and Tecate, Pacquiao-Bradley 2 will take place, Saturday, April 12, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. It will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View.

Both fighters and their teams will embark on a U.S. media tour the week of February 3, including press conferences in Los Angeles and New York on Tuesday, February 4 and Thursday, February 6, respectively. Ticket information and other details on the promotion and the media tour will be released shortly.

When Pacquiao and Bradley rumbled the first time, on June 9, 2012 at the MGM Grand, Bradley’s hand was raised via a controversial split decision, ending Pacquiao’s welterweight title reign as well as his seven-year, 15-bout winning streak. Though both fighters claimed victory neither was satisfied. Destiny may have played a hand in their first battle but it will be survival of the fittest that determines the winner of this exciting rematch.

Rustam Nugaev Issues Challenge to Mikey Garcia

Gary Shaw Productions lightweight contender Rustam Nugaev (26-6-1, 16 KOs), who is ranked WBA # 3, WBC # 7 and IBF # 9, is issuing a challenge to WBO Jr. Lightweight champion Mikey Garcia (34-0, 28 KOs), if the Oxnard, California based fighter were to move up to the Lightweight division.

“If you move up to 135 you need to go through me, a real fighter,” said Nugaev. “Not Gamboa who will run the entire fight. If you want a fight, then fight me…if you want to bore the fans on HBO, fight Gamboa. Just like you, I’m a warrior with a lot of heart, who wants to put on a great show for the fans. Let’s make it happen. ”

Read More: http://www.boxinginsider.com/