by James Slater: Superb talent Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley has long believed his is THE best fighter in the 140-pound weight class, as well as being one of the very best pound-for-pound operators in the sport. And right now, more and more fans are agreeing with him. Unbeaten at 26-0(11) the always perfectly conditioned 26-year-old is currently looking ahead to a big 140-pound battle with the also unbeaten Devon Alexander, and after that fight (one Tim is sure he will win) Bradley wants Amir Khan and any other top name in his talent-rich weight class.
Very kindly taking the time to answer some questions earlier today, Bradley had the following things to say:
James Slater: I appreciate your time, Champ. I know you’ve been doing a lot of interviews lately. Firstly, what’s the latest on the January fight with Devon Alexander?
Tim Bradley: Right now, I’m still waiting to hear back from my promoter. I think Don King and Gary Shaw will get together to talk today, and talk with HBO, and try to make the fight happen. I’m not sure of all the details yet, but I’m very excited that negotiations are ongoing now.
J.S: What did you think of Devon’s win over Andriy Kotelnik? Did he have a bad night, or what?
T.B: Maybe he did have a bad night; I’m not sure. But he better not have a night like that against me. I’m hungry and I’ll take his belts. You know, I’m not here to knock him, but I felt my performance [against Luis Carlos Abregu, in July and up at welterweight] was better. Devon had a tough guy in front of him and he did what he had to do to win and I take my hat off to him. But now it’s time for him to move one and face a fresh hungry lion – and that’s me. He better be ready. If he did have an off night against Kotelnik, he cant afford to have one against me.
J.S: Did Devon deserve the win in your opinion? Kotelnik says he was badly done by by the judges.
T.B: I think Devon edged it by a point, maybe two points. Alexander was very busy in the fight, but he landed less. It depends on the angle you saw the fight from, and if you saw it on T.V. Everyone has an opinion. Devon was busier but Kotelnik landed the cleaner shots. I think he [Alexander] pulled it out by a point or two.
J.S: Needles to say, you feel you will definitely beat Devon Alexander?
T.B: I’m gonna beat him! I’ve said that even before the fight was set to be made. Forget what people say about me being scared and all that crap! I’ll fight anyone. But at the same time, boxing is a business as well. I don’t think the fans realise that. Boxing has changed – you can’t just say ‘I’ll fight him, and him and him.’ Boxing’s not like that anymore, and people have to change the way they think. Everything is about money. Why else do you think I can’t land a fight with Pac-Man? It’s about money and nothing else. Boxing has changed. It sucks, but that’s the way it is. They say I can’t sell [fights], but what’s that all about? I’m one of the best fighters in the world, what you mean I can’t sell! That’s crap.
J.S: I’m sure the fight between you and Alexander will sell. You’re a guy who is always in the gym – have you been working out since the win over Abregu? I’m sure you have!
T.B: Yeah, I always stay in the gym. I have a plan and no way does Devon beat me. I’m in the gym now, I’m running and I feel good.
J.S: We know you really want a fight with Amir Khan. Do you think Khan will ever face you, or are you fed up of chasing him?
T.B: I’m number-one at 140-pounds so I don’t have to chase anyone. Khan will be ready when he’s ready. After I beat Devon he’ll have nowhere to hide. We’ll have to fight, to see who is the best – the fight will have to happen. He can say what he wants, he and Freddie Roach, but right now he’s looking to face old men – guys who are 36, 37 (Juan Manuel Marquez is who Bradkey was referring to). Khan can’t say he’s the best. I think Devon is better than he is. Until Khan steps up to the plate he can say what he wants, but until he does that I think he’s chicken shit!
J.S: Zab Judah has been doing some talking lately also. He said on ESPN.com that he will take all the champions at 140 – you included – he just doesn’t know in which order yet! Would a fight with Zab interest you?
T.B: Zab knows my number. He can get it too! He looked good in his last fight, which was against a guy who was okay – but he won’t be able to do that [score a quick KO] against a real fighter. But he can bring it; he can come see me.
J.S: It’s been a real pleasure speaking with you, Tim, as always. Finally, as you are a very good prediction-maker – who wins out of Pacquiao and Antonio Margarito?
T.B: You’ll see the complete destruction of Margarito. Pacquiao will be way too quick, he’ll have too much movement, in and out, and with his hand speed and his power he’ll frustrate the hell out of Margarito. He’ll stop him early. Three rounds!
J.S: Wow, that early?
T.B: Three rounds!
J.S: I’ll take that to the bank, Tim – seeing as how the last four predictions you gave me were spot on! Thanks again for your time, Champ.
T.B: Enjoy your boxing, man.