“Like most boxers, I have great respect for the champions who have come before me. Since I was 7, I have known that boxing is what I wanted to for my career. I have been soaking up the history of the sport since then.
“I spent the best part of the last 10 years going to a gym in St. Louis every day with Cory Spinks. His father Leon and his uncle Michael were both world heavyweight champions. I watched Cory from the amateurs all the way up to undisputed world welterweight champion.
“I’ve always known about Detroit fighters and the Kronk Gym, too. Tommy Hearns, Mark Breland, John David Jackson—there have been so many. “The Brown Bomber” Joe Louis will be remembered not only for his boxing, but his military service and the groundbreaking nature of what he was able to accomplish.
“It’s an honor to be fighting in Detroit. In addition to the boxing history, there is so much more that has happened here. All those old school Motown singers and groups that we all still listen to are part of American life. I drive an American-made, new school Dodge Challenger, and I love it! Nicest car I’ve ever had. Thank you for that, Detroit! And I’ve got to mention that great running back Barry Sanders. I loved watching him play for the Lions in the building I’ll be fighting in on Saturday.
“I will not be able to see and do too many things in the week I will spend in Detroit leading up to my fight with Tim Bradley. If you know anything about me and you like boxing, come out and cheer for me as I’ll hear and feel you at the Silverdome. I’ll be fighting to keep my title, win Timmy’s and to entertain boxing fans in the Motor City.
“Timmy and I both know this fight has been coming for a long time. We’ve been thinking about each other for years. He’s and undefeated world champion and so am I. We both have our entire professional career riding on this one. The winner moves on to another big fight. That’s going to be me. I have a feeling it’s going to be a great boxing show and something to remember. Come out and support me and watch as history is made right here in your city. Fans will be able to say, ‘I remember when Devon Alexander beat Tim Bradley at the Silverdome.’”
Timothy ‘Desert Storm’ Bradley Training Camp Notes
Part Four
It’s fight week Detroit! My training is about complete and I am excited to know that January 29th is just around the corner. Time to show the world that I am the No. 1 fighter at 140 pounds.
I am excited to be fighting in the Silverdome. This is a fighting city. It is an honor to have the opportunity to fight one of the biggest fights of my career in a city that was home to two unforgettable boxing champions—Joe Louis and Thomas Hearns.
You can’t go too many places in the city without hearing stories about these guys. I can’t help but be inspired by them as I work toward my goal of one day being considered as great a champion as those memorable fighters.
My dedication and work ethic help me relate to the great people of Detroit. Like them, I get up every morning and know that the day I miss work means I’m not getting paid.
I am grateful to have this opportunity to go toe-to-toe with a skilled fighter like Devon Alexander. But Devon is going to need more than just his belief of being a warrior when he steps into the ring. I am seeded No. 1 and he is going to have to prove to the world that he is better than I am.
I know that I have what it takes to win, and by the end of the night, I will be victorious. With the grace of God, I plan to remain standing where I have been for the past three years—undefeated and still No. 1.
Let that bell ring Detroit. It’s go time!
WBC super lightweight champion Alexander (21-0, 13 KOs), of St. Louis, and WBO junior welterweight champion Bradley (26-0, 11 KOs), of Palm Springs, collide in “The Super Fight,” Saturday, January 29, at the Silverdome in Pontiac, Mich. Their world title unification will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing, beginning at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.
Remaining tickets, priced from $25-$400, can be purchased at the Silverdome box office, by calling (248) 338-2500 or online at www.silverdometickets.com. Alexander vs. Bradley is promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, Don King Productions, and Thompson Boxing Promotions.