WBO Championship Bout at Thomas & Mack Center
Mark the date of October 12 in your boxing calendars. This will be the night when Palm Springs boxer Timothy Bradley Jr. will take on the pride of Mexico’s Juan Manuel Marquez for Bradley’s WBO welterweight title. Their clash, promoted by Top Rank in association with Zanfer Promotions, will take place at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas and will air live on HBO Pay-Per-View.
The two warriors greeted the media at Thursday’s news conference held at the famed Beverly Hills Hotel. The mood was cordial and calm; no trash talking or glass throwing from either gladiator. But it’s guaranteed the next four months with the media tour, training camps and sparring sessions will be all business for these two champs known for their diligence and focus in training.
On the podium, we heard speeches from both teams. Team “Desert Storm” Bradley included manager Cameron Dunkin, father Ray Bradley Sr., trainer Joel Diaz and Top Rank promoter Bob Arum. Team JMM was represented by promoter Fernando Beltran and Hall of Fame trainer Nacho Beristain. HBO’s Tammy Ross also spoke of the anticipation that will lead up to this heated match up.
In the Crystal Ballroom of the legendary hotel, the two pugilists both spoke of the opportunity coming their way October 12. Arum says this is a well-matched fight with even odds.
Both boxers have a lot to prove; both have a lot at stake should they be victorious.
Undefeated Timothy Bradley Jr. (30-0, 12 KOs) wants to prove he is a superstar in the game. After the controversial Manny Pacquiao battle and the gritty Ruslan Provodnikov war, the champ feels he is still not getting the recognition he deserves. If he has his way, that will all change in his fall match versus Marquez. The “Desert Storm” fighter stated at the podium that after this fight he wants to be a superstar in the sport–and he wants his name on the “Pound for Pound” best of boxing lists.
For Juan Manuel Marquez (55-6-1, 40 KOs), a win over Bradley will further cement his legacy in the fight game. The beloved Mexican warrior is going after fifth title in five different weight classes. The veteran slugger, known as “Dinamita” in the ring, shocked the boxing world with his crushing KO over ring rival Manny Pacquiao last December.
Bradley acknowledged Marquez’s advancing age (Juan Manuel will celebrate his 40th birthday come August), BUT Timmy does not discount the warrior mentality of his foe. And at 29, Bradley says he’s a young gun who wants that superstar success.
But you can never count out the four-time world champ Juan Manuel Marquez. Will he show his age in this fight? Or will he pull of another exciting win as he did in a come-from-behind knockout of Pacman?
Both champs had their shiny red belts with them at the press conference. Unbeaten WBO welterweight champ Bradley is the reigning titleholder with the championship strap although I did notice that Marquez’s belt had a enamel banner on his touting: “Champion of the Decade.”
This Bradley-Marquez feud will take place this fall in Sin City with all questions answered with their fists. While Bradley kept his game face on for the majority of the time, he did break into a grin now and then. Marquez, always relaxed, spoke humbly at the mic and thanked everyone for their support. Their trainers were also respectful, with Joel Diaz even acknowledging Nacho Beristain as the “greatest trainer” in boxing.
But once the bell rings, the corners will be gunning for each other. Make no doubt about that.
And actions speak louder than words.
When the fighters faced off for the photo ops, Bradley leaned in closer to his October opponent. Holding a steely gaze, he locked eyes with Marquez. Neither champ budged as the seconds ticked by. No one moved. Timmy held his stare firmly as the stare down became intense, lasting longer than normal. Finally, someone intervened and the two fighters stepped away from each other. As Marquez walked away, Bradley held the slightest of grins, seemingly satisfied that his focus on this fight is clearly evident.
As they say, styles make fights. What will this collision bring? Do you think this is a competitive “pick ’em” fight with the odds evenly matched as the promoters are saying?
It will be “Desert Storm” vs. JMM. Cathedral City vs. Mexico City.
If Juan Manuel Marquez holds his hand up in victory, promoter Fernando Beltran says he will be the most popular Mexican warrior along with icon Julio Cesar Chavez.
And if Timothy Bradley Jr. wins, will he rise to the superstar rankings that he has been fighting for?
“He’s got fire!” his father, Ray Bradley Sr. told me after the speeches were complete. “He’s been wanting this since he was eight years old, when he told me, ‘I’m gonna be a superstar!'”
BRADLEY VS. MARQUEZ WILL IGNITE ON OCTOBER 12. May the best man win.
Photos by Michele Chong
Tickets: UNLVtickets.com