Joel Diaz says “We’re gonna win this fight by decision!”
Timothy Bradley’s trainer says they are used to being considered the “underdog” in fights.
On June 9 his prized pupil goes toe to toe with Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao for the WBO Welterweight belt. This mega clash will introduce Team Bradley on a global scale and his camp says they’re ready for the glare of the universal spotlight.
I spoke to Joel Diaz, head coach of the “Desert Storm” Bradley, at Tuesday’s press conference at the Beverly Hills Hotel with legendary promoter Bob Arum officially announcing this summer match pitting Pacquiao (54-3-2, 38 KOs) against the unbeaten Bradley (28-0, 12 KOs). This Top Rank feature will air live on HBO PPV from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Bradley and his team are a willing and able dancing partner planning to tango–and tangle–with Pacman in June. Timothy says this is the opportunity he’s waited his whole life for in this chance to beat arguably the best pound-for-pound king.
“We’re gonna win this fight by decision!” his confident trainer Diaz told me. “I don’t see Manny knocking him out–I think we’re gonna UPSET Manny Pacquiao that night!”
On stage, there wasn’t any bad blood simmering between the two camps: no slapping, spitting or glass breaking from either Pacman or Bradley. In fact, I observed the “elder statesman” Pacquiao seemingly guiding the younger Timmy through the gauntlet of media photo ops. Power puncher Manny wiggled his eyebrows during the face off (making Bradley laugh) before leading Tim in which direction to look next for the shot. Pacquiao even grabbed a lensman’s camera to click away at the huge throng of media before aiming the shutter at his challenger Bradley.
But as far as their June bout is concerned, there’s no doubt the two will set aside this friendly and respectful banter with each other while trading leather and fiercely fighting for victory. Fans are excited that Manny will be facing a younger, undefeated fighter while naysayers and critics squawk they won’t be happy until the Congressman/boxer squares off against Floyd Mayweather Jr.
For now, during the next four months the southpaw will be focused on taking on Timothy Bradley. Today the respective camps held their New York press conference at Chelsea Piers before Manny heads to Manila and Bradley travels to appear on ESPN “Friday Night Fights.”
While Hall of Famer Freddie Roach will be in the corner with the idol from the Philippines, trainer Joel Diaz will be leading his young charge in Bradley. Diaz and his two boxing brothers, Julio “The Kidd” Diaz and Antonio Diaz, 
are well known in the Palm Springs and Coachella region for their pro fights as well as for their tutelage in training young amateurs at the Indio Boys & Girls Club. Joel also just opened the nearby Mecca Boys & Girls Club.
The head coach told me that training with Bradley for the Pacquiao fight will begin in April.
And Joel believes his boxer has “more than a puncher’s chance” to win come June 9.
“We’re always the underdogs…” he shrugs. But it’s a role they have made the most of throughout Tim’s career.
“We sweat, we cry, we bleed,” Diaz says in regards to getting where they are now–on the precipice of the biggest stage ever.
He also believes his undefeated junior welter champ can score an upset–and shock the boxing world. He knows the deck may be stacked against them.
Joel points out he has a well-conditioned boxer, a young fresh fighter.
In my video interview with the trainer, he talks about his plans for a Bradley victory, what he thinks of the Bradley headbutts issue, and (to some) his bold predictions of beating Manny Pacquiao.
“I think we’re gonna upset Manny Pacquiao that night,” a confident Diaz confirms.
The world will be watching June 9 to see if their predictions–and Bradley’s ultimate dream–comes true.
Tickets (On sale February 24): 800-745-3000
Photos by Maria Hedrick
Sorry Mr. Diaz but if this fight goes to a decision and the rounds are close, benefit of the doubt is gonna go to Pacquiao, I seriously doubt that Bradley will dominate this fight enough to convince the judges that he deserves the nod. As I said I see this fight going the way of either the Hatton or the Mosley fight. Either Pacquiao stops him early or once he gets a taste of Pacquiao’s power he’ll go into defensive mode and avoid any serious punishment to lose a UD.
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