Boxing News 2015: Bradley Pummels Rios to Keep Welterweight Belt
Timothy Bradley might have put himself in line for another shot at Manny Pacquiao after the American dominated and pummeled Brandon Rios on Saturday night to retain his WBO welterweight title via a ninth-round stoppage.
Bradley came into this fight in dire need of a win, to convince boxing fans, pundits, and his promoter that he deserved more recognition than what's been given to him. By stopping the once explosive Rios, he not only successfully defend his title but he also announced his comeback to a division that has become wide open after the retirement of Floyd Mayweather Jr. and the rumored departure of another welterweight great in Pacquiao next year.
With a 1-1-1 record in his last three fights, Bradley didn't want this one to be another "so-so" boxing affair. He dominated the lethargic Rios right from the start of the first round, but no one expected him to bring the former WBA lightweight titleholder down. Using his visibly better and more superior boxing skills, Bradley won every round before the surprising left hook in the body that dropped Rios. Although Rios survived the count, he did little to show the rest of the round, prompting Bradley to retire him at the 2:49 mark of the ninth round.
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"That's the best Bradley I've ever seen," Top Rank head Bob Arum said commending his fighter.
This bout served as a redeeming performance for Bradley who hired a new trainer in the person of boxing color commentator Teddy Atlas. The 32-year-old gave a fitting end to Rios' dwindling boxing career, who said after the fight that he is contemplating retirement. Also, the win gave the American a shot at being the best in the 147-pound division.
Incidentally, Bradley happens to be promoted by Arum of Top Rank, the same man that promotes the Filipino legend Pacquiao and a bunch of other worthy welterweight opponents. This means that Bradley won't be having a hard time finding potential opponents the rest of the way.
