There was a boxing/gambling reporter from Vegas on ESPN Radio this morning. He had the most realistic reason I've heard as to why this fight could have been fixed.
It all boils down with Arum making almost as much money from a Paq vs. Bradley rematch compared to a Paq vs. Mayweather fight, but without nearly as much at risk.
Since Arum promotes both Paq and Bradley, even though the gate will be much smaller, since he gets a cut of both and controls everything, he still stands to make a ton. Plus, regardless of the outcome, Arum still has the champion.
With Mayweather, Mayweather would control half of the promotions and, of course, Arum gets nothing from Mayweather other than headaches during contract negotiations. And of course, if Paq loses to Mayweather, there goes Arum's meal ticket.
Seems to make sense. In a scenario like this, I would imagine Paq was in on it. He didn't look like he was going for the kill. Even Max Kellerman, during the fight, said he sensed Paq had more in him and would have fought tougher if Bradley was providing a tougher fight. And Paq didn't look the least bit angered about the decision after the fight. Took it a bit too calm. Went a little overboard with his whole "I respect the decision of the judges" spiel as well I think.
He'll get a nice payday with a Bradley rematch. The reporter on ESPN said that the Vegas books will have Paq as a higher favorite than he was this fight due to the way he dominated.
