WBO Jr. Welterweight champion Timothy Bradley will return to the ring on Saturday, July 17th at the Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage, California. The Palms Springs, California fighter hasn?t fought since his December victory over then-undefeated Lamont Peterson in which he defeated the DC fighter over twelve competitive but clear rounds to defend his title. Bradley is going up against power punching Argentinean Carlos Abregu in a Welterweight clash that will be televised by HBO.
Despite being out of the ring for over six months Bradley has found a way to stay in the headlines from calling out such fighters and Manny Pacquiao and Las Vegas-based Floyd Mayweather while also hearing his name mentioned by 140 pound champions Devon Alexander and Amir Khan. HBO is reportedly interested in making a January 2011 clash with Alexander and much is riding on Bradley’s performance on the 17th.
On the undercard rugged Coachello, California native Alfredo Angulo squares off with former champion Joachim Alcine in a Jr. Middleweight attraction. Angulo is coming off of an 11th round TKO over Joel Julio and is one of the more entertaining 154 pound fighters around due to his aggression and power-punching.
Both men worked out and spoke to the media today at the Fortune Gym in Hollywood, California in advance of the July 17th card. Bradley in particular was extremely vocal about his willingness to face the elite names between 140 and 147 pounds and spoke his mind on various topics.
This is what Bradley had to say, in his own words?
Facing Carlos Abregu? ?Training is going well. I feel strong. Ready to go. Ready for a dominant opponent in Carlos Abregu. I?m used to fighting big guys. I?m going to feel Abregu?s power. In the beginning, I am sure he will have heavy hands. Then I will take it from there.?
Fighting smart? ?I don?t want to get hit by any heavy shots. For me to win this fight it comes down to fighting smart and not getting over confident. I trained to go 12 hard rounds. I?m not a knockout puncher but anything can happen. A KO would be amazing.?
Opening doors? ?Abregu is a dangerous fighter. I am finally on the big scene now. I worked my way from the backyard to a bigger audience. These fights that I am fighting are meant to open doors. Before it was hard getting a fight at 140 pounds.?
Fighting the best? ?I want to fight the best fighters in the world. I understand that boxing is a business so I know that I have to fight them all and I am willing. I?ll fight Devon Alexander, I?ll fight Amir Khan, I?ll fight Marcos Maidana, I?ll fight Victor Ortiz. I?ll fight any guys. Alexander, that?s a guy I want. He has made all kinds of false accusations saying I ?feared him?. I?ll go to St. Louis to fight him if I have to. If it works with the business, let?s make it happen.?
Mayweather and Pacquiao? ?I?ll fight Pac Man or Floyd. If I can get into the ring them I?ve accomplished what I needed to in boxing. Floyd Mayweather is the best fighter and he could drug test me all he wants. The only thing in me is my God-given talent. He can test me all he wants. I feel I am ready for a fight with Mayweather or Pacquiao. Everybody?s beatable. Everyone can be touched.?
Team support? ?My team has been pushing me and boosting me into the pound for pound Top 10. Bob Arum has excuses. My job is to continue to win. Boxing fans want to see fights and I know that Pac Man or Mayweather will need dancing partners and I?m waiting.?
For images of Timothy Bradley and Alfredo Angulo training and speaking to the media please click on the slideshow below?
