Pacquiao vs. Bradley I 2012 (HBO Boxing)
Subscribe to the HBO Boxing YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/hboboxing Timothy Bradley Jr. won a controversial split decision over Manny Pacquiao, igniting a hot debate in the boxing community. Pacquiao vs. Bradley happens Sat., April 9 live on pay-per-view beginning at 9pm ET/6pm PT.
Timothy Bradley, Jr. took to social media to announce his retirement from boxing. After 12 years and five world championships in two weight classes, the boxer from Palm Springs had decided to call it quits.
Bradley, who is most known for his upset split decision win over Manny “PAC-Man” Pacquiao in 2012, was a decorated light welterweight and most recently welterweight headliner. Short and stocky, Bradley was an in your face boxer/puncher that thrived due to his determination and an indomitable ability to win at all costs.
There always comes a point in life where we have to make choices that no matter how much we know the right option, it still leaves us filled with mixed emotions. I have spent the past couple days trying to find the right words to describe this point in my life and no matter how long I sit and reflect, I still don’t know if these words can do my thoughts justice, but I’m going to do my best to open up my heart and share with all of you during this pivotal time. It is no secret that a life of any professional athlete is not an easy one- yes it comes with a lot of fame and fortune but also comes with fear and fatigue. A balance that has to be achieved by ambition and maintained through perspective. For over twenty three years, Boxing gave me purpose and it defined me. Dedicated to my craft and fueled by my passion for the sport, my love for my team and my admiration for all of you who supported me day in and day out– I was able to give 100% of myself to be the best and to always get up when I was knocked down. It was the biggest challenge in my life but I embraced the sacrifice with every victory and milestone reached. Boxing gave me roots, it kept me off the streets, it gave me confidence, it taught me how to be a man and face every challenge head on and take the good with the bad. Yes I missed holidays, birthdays, even missed hearing some of my children’s first words but more than time, it took my blood, sweat and tears, all things I can never get back. Which is why turning the page for me is bittersweet. That once in a lifetime purpose to wake up everyday and give 100% is now fueled towards something else- my family. I find my strength in them, my peace and most importantly, unconditional love. I wake up wanting to spend all my time being a father, being a husband and being free. Although that square circle I lived to dance in everyday gave me so many smiles and blessings, it could never out weigh the smiles and blessings I receive from my wife and children. It’s now my turn to support them and encourage them to live their dreams and I couldn’t be more excited for this next chapter.
3,454 Likes, 349 Comments – @timbradleyjr on Instagram: “There always comes a point in life where we have to make choices that no matter how much we know…”
After shocking the world and beating Manny Pacquiao, Bradley retained his WBO welterweight title in a hard-fought and dangerous unanimous decision victory over Russian Ruslan Provodnikov in 2013. He followed that up with a split decision victory over Juan Manuel Marquez before succumbing to Pacquiao in their second pairing via unanimous decision.
Bradley beat notables like Jessie Vargas and Brandon Rios before losing his swan song fight to Pacquiao in April of 2016. Bradley was trained by fellow Palm Springs resident and former fighter Joel Diaz before switching trainers and recruiting commentator Teddy Atlas. Bradley seemed renewed upon the switch despite losing to Pacquiao in his final fight.
Classic Boxing: Bradley vs. Provodnikov 2013 (HBO Boxing)
Subscribe to the HBO Sports YouTube: http://itsh.bo/10qIJDl Timothy Bradley Jr. in an extraordinary effort defended his welterweight title in a slugfest against an unrelenting Ruslan Provodnikov to remain undefeated. Bradley vs. Marquez will be replayed, along with the live broadcast of Alvarado vs Provodnikov, Sat., Oct. 19 on HBO.
With boxing politics being tantamount in matchups, Bradley sadly never fought other welterweight standouts like Errol Spence, Danny Garcia, Shawn Porter, Keith Thurman or Floyd Mayweather.
Recently, Bradley and Adrien “The Problem” Broner had words over social media and hope abounded about their potential matchup. Unfortunately, we will never know how Bradley would have faired against the brunt of welterweights out there, but his accomplishments are more than enough to make him a future Hall of Famer.
Known for his heart, tireless work ethic and a total abandon for his safety as seen in the Provodnikov fight, Timothy Bradley is a warrior that will always be cherished and remembered for his ring exploits.
