By: Sean Crose
I’ve been writing about the sport for a while, and I’ve never seen a boxer go from completely unpopular to as famous and respected as Tim Bradley. Bradley, who has been nicknamed the “Desert Storm,” has been known to serious match-watchers for years when he won in a shock decision against the great Manny Pacquiao in 2012, but few others. The win, which was the least controversial, sent Bradley and his family a backlash that no professional boxer – much less a relative of a professional boxer – deserves. . Still, Californians persisted. The following March, Bradley took on the fearsome Ruslan Provodnikov – and fought for a crushing victory.
It was as if all was forgiven in twelve grueling innings. People might not think Bradley deserved to win over Pacquiao, but no one can deny the man has the blood and guts of George Patton. From there, Bradley went on to face the great Juan Manuel Marquez, whom he decided to appreciate the most. And then, it’s time to face Pacquiao again. Bradley lost heavily to the Filipino legend during that time, but the days of Bradley being looked down upon are long gone. Here, win or lose, or draw, is one man who will let it all play out in the ring. It is certain that Bradley is respected by the boxing fan base. And he is still respected.
Subsequent matches included a controversial draw against Diego Chaves – although this time Bradley was not accused of being a poor judge – a decisive win over Jessie Vargas and a surprising goal loss against Jessie Vargas. Brandon Rios. Finally, in 2016, Bradley faced Manny Pacquiao for the third and final time. Once again, Bradley lost decisively. However, the second consecutive loss to Pacquiao still did not tarnish the image of this man. Suffice it to say, Bradley never fought again, choosing instead to be a broadcaster – a job for which he is also well respected.
Now, more than a decade after his shocking and controversial victory over Pacquiao, it is reported that Bradley will be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame as a member of the class of 2023. very worthy. In addition to facing the likes of Pacquiao, Provodnikov, Marquez and others, the man has held multiple world titles in two weight classes and has never, ever dropped a challenge, which certainly doesn’t. must be the trend when Bradley competes in the ring. There’s a reason fans of the sport become Tim Bradley fans.
