Bradley, Campbell, Angulo and Perez in Pasadena!
Summertime in Palm Springs is a guarantee of sweltering temperatures at 120 degrees–on a “cool” day, if you’re lucky.
On August 1st, THE hottest place in Southern California will be in the boxing ring! Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley and Nate “Galaxxy Warrior” Campbell will face off at “The Show” at Agua Caliente in Rancho Mirage in what is quickly becoming a marquee matchup for the ages.
At a recent press conference at the Langham Huntington Hotel in Pasadena, both camps gathered to square off on the dais in the highly-anticipated bout promoted by Gary Shaw Productions and Thompson Boxing Promotions in association with Don King Productions and Agua Caliente Casino and Resort.
“We have a homegrown champ, Timothy ‘Desert Storm’ Bradley!” said Co-promoter Ken Thompson. “This is the ‘Fight of the Century.’ We’ve got Tim and a three-time former champ ‘Galaxxy.’ It will be a night to remember.”
For the unbeaten Bradley (24-0, 11 KOs), nicknamed “Desert Storm,” this battle is taking place in his own backyard. But he doesn’t worry about any added pressure, “In my heart, there’s no pressure. I fought Junior Witter in his own backyard. I want the challenge; I want to show that I’m the best 140 pounder in the world.
“Nate Campbell is tough. I think he’s underrated. He’s a veteran and a tough challenge.”
The two boxers are friends but that didn’t stop them from some playful verbal sparring. Bradley said, “Nate, you said something about me eating breakfast and lunch, but not dinner on that night? Well, I am gonna make me some Campbell’s Soup!”
The challenger Nate (33-5-1, 25 KOs) shot back with a grin, “It’s gonna burn!”
For the 37-year-old Campbell (who turned pro at age 27), the upcoming fight is one more chance to prove himself to gain the respect that many feel he hasn’t duly received. “I’m at the point now where I’ve had three belts, but I never got to enjoy it, or the fanfare, the money. My debt hasn’t been erased,” agreed the Florida resident. “I’m a blue collar guy. I drive a ’69 Chevy truck. I just love to box and I’m one of those guys that no one wants to fight!”
Co-promoter Gary Shaw echoed the statements, “He’s here to fight. Anyone who Thompson puts in the ring is ready!”
On Wednesday, Shaw and Thompson also had a special ceremony to celebrate their fighter Yonnhy Perez’s May victory in South Africa. Down on all scorecards, the comebacking Colombian punched his way to a riveting 12th round TKO over hometown hero Silence Mabuza. The Santa Fe Springs bantamweight looks to take on the winner of the Vic Darchinyan-Joseph Agbeko’s July matchup.
Junior middleweight Alfredo Angulo was also introduced to the crowd by his promoter, Gary Shaw. The Mexican warrior and former Olympian is looking forward to getting back in the ring after last month’s loss to Kermit Cintron.
“I want to show everyone I’m a real Mexican fighter,” said Angulo. “What happened last time is forgotten.”
While walking into the Georgian Room at the historic hotel, I ran into the humble boxer and asked him about his next fight.
Alfredo pointed to Shaw, who was walking ahead of us, and said, “It’s up to Papi!” The promoter and boxer obviously have a great relationship working together.
Later in the day, Angulo took the podium and addressed Shaw as his “boxing father.” The amiable promoter is in the midst of planning “Perro’s” next fight. His loyal fans will be happy to know that a possible August bout may take place. Then after that fight, a chance of a November matchup for the popular slugger.
Also assembled at the press conference was Bradley’s trainer Julio Diaz, from Coachella’s Diaz family of fighters, Perez’s trainer Danny Zamora, Thompson Boxing’s Alex Camponovo, Florida promoter Terry Trekas, Bradley’s parents and fiancé, trainer Tony Rivera, along with representatives from Agua Caliente.
This is the very first major fight at Agua Caliente’s new “The Show” arena.
For Bradley, the champ from Palm Springs, the fight on Saturday, August 1, will showcase this local product’s world-class talents.
Tim Bradley promises, “You have two great, hungry fighters getting in the ring to fight–Expect fireworks!
For more information: www.hotwatercasino.com/TheShow
Photos: Carlos Baeza / Photos by Michele Chong: Bradley vs. Campbell; “El Perro” Angulo; Tim and Monica; Ken Thompson, Gary Shaw, Alex Camponovo, trainers Joel Diaz and Tony Rivera
Ref made a big mistake, but Campbell made a bigger one by quitting and hoping for the best.
once again showtime prevails with injustice! accidental clash of heads should have been no contest. thx showtime you will always remain in the shadow of HBO.
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