Evgeny Gradovich, Arthur Abraham confirmed on Pacquiao-Bradley undercard

Evgeny Gradovich and Arthur Abraham will fight on the undercard of the Manny Pacquiao-Timothy Bradley clash in Las Vegas on April 9.

Abraham's (44-4-KO29) WBO super-middleweight title defence against mandatory challenger Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez (33-0-KO24) will be chief support, and the German is looking forward to making his Vegas debut at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

The 35-year-old has not fought in the United States since being beaten by Andre Ward in California in May 2011.

He told Top Rank Boxing; "Fighting in Las Vegas on the biggest stage of them all is a dream come true for me, and sharing the spotlight with Manny Pacquiao, a true legend of the ring, makes this opportunity even sweeter.

"I have all the motivation I need including the challenge of a young hungry fighter in Gilberto Ramirez. I respect Ramirez and see him as one of the toughest challenges in my career, but I will not be denied a victory in my US breakout fight, and believe my experience will prove too much for him.

"I promise to deliver a great fight for the American fans, and with another successful defence of my title I will pave the way for a great event and leave the fans screaming for more."

Former IBF featherweight champion Gradovich (21-1-1-KO9) will face the unbeaten Oscar Valdez (19-0-KO16) with the Mexican looking to cement his place as the WBO's No 1 contender.

Gradovich has won his last two fights since suffering the first defeat of his career, and losing his belt, against Welshman Lee Selby.

"This is going to be an exciting great battle," Gradovich said. "Oscar Valdez is a very good fighter and I look forward to getting into the ring against him on such a big card with Manny Pacquiao against Tim Bradley in the main event on April 9."

Exciting light-welterweight prospect Jose Ramirez (16-0-KO12) will also defend an unbeaten record when he faces Manuel Perez (25-11-1-KO6) in a defence of his WBC Continental Americas title.