It has been confirmed that WBO welterweight champion Tim Bradley (32-1-1, 12ko) has officially split from long-time trainer Joel Diaz, following on from his recent win over Jessie Vargas in June.
Speaking out to address the many conflicting reports that began emerging last night on social media, “Desert Storm” said of the decision to part ways with the man who guided him from his pro debut 11 years ago, to world titles in 2 divisions, including WBC youth honours;
“I would like to take the time to clarify the conflicting media publications. First of all I am a man that would never disrespect any other man whom I’ve worked with for 10 years.
“I know this decision came as a shock to many that I would be making changes to my team, but with that being said I want everyone to know that I took the time to meet with Joel Diaz in person to directly communicate with him that I would be making a change.
“I thank Joel Diaz for his time and efforts and know that he and I have accomplished great things together. I wish him nothing but success and blessings for him, his family and team.”
It seems the news came as something of a shock to Diaz, who when speaking to ESPN.com, seemed to lay the blame at the door of Bradley’s wife and manager, Monica.
“After his last fight, I have not heard from Tim at all. He never answered my calls or anything,” Diaz said.
“Then last week, he came to the gym. He said he wanted to talk to me. I said, ‘What’s going on?’ What he said was his manager had other plans and I am not part of those plans. He tried to make some excuses, like I was doing something wrong. I said, ‘I’ve known you for a long time, you’re like my brother, but right now it’s out of your control. Your wife took over your career.’
It is believed that Mrs. Bradley was responsible for pricing Tim out of a recent mooted clash with Brandon Rios that had been proposed for November -when Rios now fights- and recent speculation linking Bradley to IBF champ Kell Brook, also recently came to nothing. Again, ostensibly down to the financials dictated by Mrs.B.
“I couldn’t even call him. I had to go through Monica. It became an issue of his manager taking over everything. She wanted to have control and power over everything.
“Look, Timothy is a great guy. He has a big heart, but he has people putting things in his head. I trained this kid his whole career. Monica was really cool at first, but the switch came when she became the manager.”
“He said he would think about it (his decision). When they were negotiating the Rios fight, I was calling him to see what was going on. I had to go around him and call his father so his father can contact him because I don’t even think he had a phone no more. I sensed something was going on. His wife got so involved. She didn’t want me involved in the camp,” Diaz added regretfully.
Twitter @Undilutedpoison
