by James Slater: On Friday (May 2nd) evening, U.K time, this writer had the pleasure of speaking over the phone with America’s Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley (photo by Tom Casino /Showtime) – the man who will be attempting to take Junior Witter’s WBC light-welterweight title on May 10th. When I called, Bradley was half-way into a dinner engagement. Yet still, this incredibly polite and friendly fighter was happy to grant me the interview I was requesting. “I can only give you ten minutes or so,” said the accommodating 24 year old. Needless to say, I was more than grateful for him giving me this much, especially as he was so close to the biggest fight of his entire career..
Pressed for time, but enjoying Bradley’s company nonetheless, I asked Timothy the following questions.
James Slater: Firstly, how has training gone so far?
Timothy Bradley: Oh, training’s gone real well. I’m finely tuned and I’m ready. I’m weighing in at around 142 pounds right now and I’m ready to go!
J.S: From the photos I’ve seen on the internet, you look in absolutely fabulous shape. Is this the hardest you’ve ever trained for a fight?
T.B: Definitely. Yes. I’ve sparred over one hundred rounds for this fight, which is the most I’ve ever sparred for any fight. I’ve been working with a couple of guys who have been emulating Witter’s style really well. I’ve also been running a whole lot – between 8 and 10 miles a day. I’m in absolutely perfect condition.
J.S: The only concern you may have is possible ring-rust. Before this fight you will have been out of the ring for about ten months, the longest inactive spell of your career. Do you have any concerns there?
T.B: No, none at all. I mean, that’s why we did all the work in the gym – over a hundred rounds of sparring and everything. No, I’m not concerned about ring rust at all.
J.S: I’ve heard talk that Witter may be underestimating you. Do you really think he’d be that foolish going into such a big fight with a formidable opponent like yourself?
T.B: Well, I’ve heard that team Witter are looking at this fight as a tune-up fight. I know Witter really wants that fight with Ricky Hatton. All I can say is he shouldn’t be underestimating me at all. He has to get through me before he can think about a fight with Hatton.
J.S: Do you think Witter is the best of the current champions at 140 pounds?
T.B: Oh, yeah, without a doubt. I mean, no-one wants to fight him! He can hit hard from either stance and no-one can do what he does in the ring. He has his own unique style when he fights. I rate him as the best at 140 right now.
J.S: A lot of U.S fans seem only to remember Witter for his fight with Zab Judah, where he was beaten quite easily a number of years back. We know Junior is a better fight than that, but do you think you’ll get the credit you deserve if you beat him – or will some American fans say Witter was not that good anyway?
T.B: Possibly. But I know how good Witter is, and Timothy Bradley fans know what I can do. So I don’t really think about negative things. I only think about what my fans will think, you know? I only think about the positive.
J.S: It’s been great speaking with you, I know you are pressed for time. When will you arrive in the U.K?
T.B: We will arrive in the U.K on Sunday ( May 4th).
J.S: For my final question – fans seem to like a guy who makes predictions, do you have one for May 10th
T.B: No, I have no prediction. Other than that I will win. That’s all that counts, me getting a W.