By Robert Jackson: While anticipating the matchup between WBO Champion Timothy Bradley and top contender Nate Campbell one had to wonder how this fight would play out. Many thought the plot would be similar to the Juan Diaz/Nate Campbell fight with Nate being too strong for the underrated Bradley. Others believe that Bradley is the real deal in the 140 lb weight class and that all roads to stardom and success in the division go through him.
On fight night Campbell was his usual confident talkative self while Bradley was a bit more low key and resolute. At the beginning of the fight Bradley came out to establish himself as the champion even while Campbell was talking to him attempting to psych him out. Bradley never allowed Campbell to bully him and displayed superior skills to those of his opponent by landing several body shots to the 37 year olds body, Bradley jabbed masterfully too.. Bradley’s defense was also in full effect enabling him to slip and slide away from Campbell’s shots. Bradley seemed to get better as the fight wore on and was connecting more to Campbell’s body and head while The Galaxy Warrior seemed to flounder, this fight was headed for a KO or TKO in the champions favor. What was apparent is the fact that Bradley was very strong physically and Campbell was unable to overpower him as was the case against Juan Diaz.
All of a sudden following a head butt and furious punch connects by the champion, the fight was over ending between the 3rd and 4th rounds in the corner with the challenger proclaiming an inability to see out of his left eye, the ring doctor concurred and the fight was over.
Prior to this fight Campbell alluded to this fight possibly going the same way as the Diaz fight and having his hand held high at the end. This writer felt that an exclamation of this sort was folly. First of all Campbell was moving up to fight the champion in his first fight in the 140lb division and second Bradley’s style, skills and physical strength are totally different than Diaz’.
To Campbell’s defense I do think the headbutt that caused the fight stoppage will result in the fight being ruled a no contest after an appeal. I also believe with the controversy and excitement produced by 3 rounds of this fight the WBO will mandate an immediate rematch to clear up the controversy. Then we will all find out whether all roads of the 140lb division REALLY go through Timothy “DesertStorm” Bradley.