It’s been a
whirlwind 2008 for Timothy Bradley, but the WBC junior
welterweight champion isn’t done yet.
After
accomplishing what only a handful of other fighters have been
able to do by winning the world championship on English soil in
May with a victory over Junior Witter, Bradley defended his
crown with an exciting victory over Edner Cherry in September,
and then traveled to the 46th
Annual WBC convention in Chengdu, China, earlier this month.
While in Asia, Bradley made
a personal request for a voluntary defense of his crown in late
February or March against the winner of the WBO title bout
between Kendall Holt and Ricardo Torres, and more importantly,
the classy champion visited a school located near the area of
last year's devastating Chengdu earthquake. Bradley was a big
hit with the children, who ranged from ages six to 12, and
though he was mobbed for autographs and pictures, he made time
for everyone on hand.
Next on the
‘Desert Storm’s world tour was a visit to London, England on
November 18th,
where he received the prestigious “Overseas Fighter of the
Year” award from the British Board of Boxing Control which was
held at The posh Connaught Rooms. Also in attendance were
future Hall of Famer Joe Calzaghe and heavyweight contender
David Haye, as Bradley was honored for his win over Witter.
"This
is like dream I don't want to wake up from and it shows how
honorable the Board is to name me fighter of the year after I
beat one of the toughest English champions ever," said Bradley.
The other nominees where Andreas Kotelnik (Ukraine), Anyetei
Laryea (Ghana), and Yuri Romanov (Belarus).
And
though Bradley is back on home soil after his mini world-tour,
he will get back on a plane in December to take in the December
13th rubber match between Holt and Torres and scout
what may be his next opponent.
“I can’t wait to see Holt and Torres’ third
fight, and I’m even more excited about fighting the winner,”
said Bradley. “This is a fight boxing needs, and the champions
have to unify so the fans can know once and for all who the
real champion is. I’m confident that I’m that man, and I’m
ready to prove it against all comers.”
