Tim Bradley-Juan M. Marquez
MARQUEZ-BRADLEY IS CAREER DEFINING
New York, NY– According to reports, Timothy Bradley (30-0, 12 KOs) will put his WBO title on the line against Mexico’s Juan Manuel Marquez (55-6-1, 40 KOs) on September 14th, Mexican Independence Day weekend. This will be a dynamic fight and should serve as a defining match up for both pugilists. If there was ever a time when both warriors could gain the most out of facing one another, it is now. Each own recent wins over Manny Pacquiao and seem destined to clash as there are limited marketable welterweight (147 lb.) opponents on Top Rank’s roster.
BRADLEY AS LITMUS TEST: EXHIBIT A
One thing we will learn, is if Bradley will stick to his guns and request random drug testing leading up to this bout. As mentioned in my previous article, Bradley previously announced that all of his opponents would be required to participate in random drug screening. Many boxing insiders are aware that Marquez has been working with reported Balco Lab linked strength and conditioning coach, “Memo” Heredia, AKA Angel Hernandez.
GOOD TRAINING? STEROIDS? NEITHER?
Many beleive Hernandez is responsible for Marquez’s newly formed muscular physique and noticeably increased punching power. The same power that unexpectedly stopped former champ, Pacquiao “dead” in his tracks in December of last year. Random screening will clear Marquez of any viscous rumors and also be a positive directive for high profile bouts.
BRADLEY AS LITMUS TEST: EXHIBIT B
Another facet of this this match up will focus on how well Marquez handles a slicker fighter who has the
ability to move and box, if he chooses. The last time Marquez faced a slick, boxer-type opponent it was
against Floyd Mayweather, and Marquez was soundly defeated in 12 rounds. Bradley is definitely not
on the same level as Mayweather but he will provide a different look than what Marquez has seen lately.
In his last few bouts, he has faced Juan Diaz, Manny Pacquiao and Michael Katsidis. All fighters who rely on pressure and aggression to win fights, and are the perfect case studies for a counter puncher like
Marquez. Bradley will provide Marquez will an opportunity to break the mold and potentially elevate his
status as an all time great.
DOES MARQUEZ WIN MAKE TIM GREAT?
Bradley has won every one of his professional bouts, but arguably has only one victory against an
all time great, and many believe he didn’t honestly defeat Pacquiao. Marquez will provide Bradley an
opportunity to say that he has a victory over two Hall of Famers should he defeat him in September. This
would surely put Bradley in the position to himself be considered amongst the elite, especially if he could
continue his streak of remaining undefeated against formidable talent.
LOOKING INTO JARRAD’S CRYSTAL BALL
Although Bradley is definitely not an opponent that can ever be counted out (no pun intended), this fight
may be his toughest. This is especially true if the same Marquez that fought Manny Paquiao shows up
on fight night. Marquez is likely the most dangerous counter-puncher in the sport and could stop just
about any opponent in his class. Bradley will have to be completely flawless to prevent a knock out or
multiple knock downs from ruining his evening and undefeated record. But Bradley has just enough holes
in his defense to make Marquez my pick. I can see Marquez stopping Bradley in the later rounds, with an
abundance of accurate punching and better timing and footwork. Bradley will once again surprise me if
he wins this bout.
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Jarrad Woods