WHAT’S HIS PREDICTION FOR KHAN vs. JUDAH?
Amidst widespread speculation, rumors, gossip and innuendo about what his next move will be, champion Timothy Bradley came out last Saturday to show support for the amateur boxers at the 2011 Desert Showdown in Coachella.
I had a chance to chat with the unbeaten WBC and WBO title holder as the big tournament got underway at the Spotlight 29 Casino. With three rings and over 150 final bouts taking place, Bradley (27-0, 11 KOs) wanted to be there for the youth who dream of someday being a professional prizefighter and champ, just like Bradley has become. Hailing from nearby Cathedral City, “Desert Storm” was also there to lend support to his trainer Joel Diaz and fellow fighter Antonio Diaz, whose Indio Boys & Girls Club Boxing Team had several boys winning the championship bouts that day.
Bradley has been involved in a media firestorm of late, since his contract has reportedly ended with co-promoters Gary Shaw and Thompson Boxing Promotions. On the record, Timmy says he hasn’t signed with anyone yet. Bradley (who fought three of his last four fights at the nearby Agua Caliente Casino) also remarks that he hopes to return to the ring very soon.
Surprisingly, he told me that he’s looking to fight within the next few months, as early as September. I asked him for the latest update. “As far as my promotional thing and what’s going on when I’m gonna get back in the ring,” Bradley shared with me. “I’m looking for maybe in September, November. I’m not sure who yet. Right now my main focus is getting past this litigation with my two promoters Gary Shaw and Thompson Boxing Promotions. Then I’m ready to get back in the ring as soon as possible.”
There’s been talk amongst those in boxing circles that the frontrunners who may sign Bradley are Top Rank and Golden Boy. But Timmy and his manager Cameron Dunkin first have to sort through legal matters and settle any impending litigation with Shaw and Thompson. Bradley reiterates that he hasn’t signed with anybody just yet.
“What about all the rumors? Are you aware of them?” I inquire.
“Yeah, I’ve been aware of all the rumors. You know, none of them are really true,” he nods. “I haven’t talked to Top Rank; I haven’t talked to Golden Boy. My main focus right now is getting through this case I have coming up.”
Word had it that Bradley was expected to fight on July 23 of this year. Ironically, this Saturday it was he who was originally named as the one who’d be colliding with Amir Khan at this weekend’s main event in Vegas. But as it turned out, southpaw Zab Judah will be the combatant squaring off against the British boxer.
So what does Bradley think of the upcoming Khan clash?
“I think it’s gonna be a good match! I think Zab brings a lot to the table,” the boxer answers. “I think Zab’s has the more experience as far as the fight goes. I think Amir Khan’s youth will be a big factor in there. His speed and the fact he’s trained by Freddie Roach, who’s gonna come with an excellent game plan. He’s gonna be in very good shape for this fight.”
Any prediction?
“Zab’s still got a good chance! He’s got a puncher’s chance–and he does have great defense,” Bradley replies about the ring veteran. “I think it’s gonna be a good fight, honestly, I really do. I think it’s gonna be a good fight–and I think Amir Khan should pull it off.”
During our conversation, the undefeated junior welterweight had a steady stream of kids who wanted to meet the champ. It was obvious the young athletes look up to the popular Palm Springs boxer. Bradley greeted all the little sluggers, posing for photos while giving words of encouragement as well. When one small boy came up to meet Timmy, the fighter noticed the child was sporting a sparkly boxing glove belt buckle. The tot was thrilled to meet Bradley, who told him to continue to work hard. The boy then proudly showed off his abs to the WBC and WBO champ as Bradley proceeded to count his “six pack.”
Bradley, who turned pro in 2004, began receiving recognition first as a WBC Youth world titlist before earning his world championship hardware. At the Desert Showdown, he let the little victors pose with his belts. At the show, the keeper of the belts were Timmy’s 11-year-old stepson Robert and one of his schoolmates. Bradley also presented the inaugural BCR WBC belts during the WBC Legends of Boxing Museum-endorsed special bouts that day in conjunction with WBCares.
The next few weeks will be a busy time for the boxer as the fight community waits to hear official updates about what’s on tap for the “Desert Storm.” And personally, there will be an exciting new addition to Team Bradley. Timmy’s wife Monica is due any day now as the family happily awaits the arrival of their newest little champ–a baby girl they plan to name Jada.
“Right now my wife is toward the end of the pregnancy,” the champ tells me with a smile. “I’m just waiting…You know, she can have the baby anytime now!”
In the meantime, we will wait to see Bradley’s return to the ring, hopefully, in the near future.
Photos by Michele Chong