For Timothy Bradley, Manny Pacquiao was ‘best I’ve ever faced’

The referee checks on Timothy Bradley after he went down in his fight against Manny Pacquiao. (AP)

LAS VEGAS—Timothy Bradley knew he had to play it smart and be totally focused to be able to solve the Manny Pacquiao riddle Saturday night.

He failed on both counts and Bradley readily admitted that Pacquiao was the smarter and better fighter.

“The best that I’ve ever faced in the ring,” Bradley said during the post-fight press conference.

Already beaten to the punch, Bradley was likewise beaten on the mind game that he’d try to play on Pacquiao.

“He was super smart tonight,” said Bradley. “He was always one step ahead of me.”

Not only that, Pacquiao was also at the right spot, always.

No wonder, Bradley, who promised not to lose his composure throughout, found himself baited into the trap of a dogfight by Pacquiao.

Bradley said he was committed for two minutes, but his mind wandered in the third.

“We came up short tonight,” said Bradley, referring to himself and chief trainer Teddy Atlas. “Manny was strong and solid. Lots of power, lots of speed.”

One thing that Bradley can’t be accused of is not giving his best for the fight that ended their trilogy at 2-1, for Pacquiao officially. It should have even been 3-0 as Bradley got the nod of bum judges in their first fight in 2012.

“I fought the best that I could tonight,” said Bradley. “I wasn’t tired.”

Following the loss, Bradley said he’s going to take a break for a while before reflecting on his future.

“Take time off with my family. Go to our beach house in San Diego, relax and think about what’s next.”