In the wake of Timothy Bradley Jr’s thrilling yet controversial unanimous decision victory over 140 lb titleholder Jessie Vargas, what is next for the new interim WBO welterweight champion? Sponsored by RevContent Skin Doctors Shocked: Grandmother Discovers “Botox Killer” For Less th Doctors Shocked: Mom loses 12kg Stone in 4Wks Using this Amazing Pill Doctors Shocked: Mom Loses 12kg in 4 weeks Using this Amazing Pill Philippines Remove Your Eye Bags In 2 Minutes!
Bradley vs Vargas ended in controversy because Referee Pat Russell prematurely halted the bout in the final round, mistaking the warning tap for the final bell. When the referee intervened, Vargas was attempting to knockout a dazed Bradley who had just absorbed a thunderous Vargas right hand.
With only ten seconds left, Bradley would have likely survived the round. And even if Bradley would have voluntarily taken a knee to gather himself, he still would have won comfortably via a decision.
Bradley outclassed, outworked and dominated Vargas so a rematch is not warranted. Both fighters should simply move on in their respective weight classes.
So who should Tim Bradley fight next?
In the talent-laden gallows of the 147 lb division, Interim WBO titlist Tim Bradley Jr has some compelling options for his next fight.
Floyd Mayweather Although it may never happen due to Floyd’s shaky relationship with Bradley’s promoter, Bob Arum, Tim has the best resume to warrant a fight with “Money May.” He outworked Manny Pacquiao in their first bout and decisively defeated fight legend Juan Manuel Marquez in late 2013.
Mayweather would have technical and speed edges over Bradley but the former holds those advantages over virtually everyone in the welterweight and super welterweight divisions; but the-always resilient and ultra-competitive Bradley would take the fight to Floyd.
Maybe Bradley’s pressure and relentless aggression would catch-up with the 38 year old Mayweather on the night he got old?
Keith Thurman The fighter dubbed ‘One Time’ is the second best welterweight in the world and Bradley would struggle with the relatively-untested Thurman’s size, speed and power. Nonetheless, Bradley could potentially expose Thurman with his relentless pressure and veteran guile and, at the very least, help answer questions about Thurman’s true status in the sport.
Amir Khan Finally, the long-anticipated fight between Bradley and Khan, which Tim refused in 2011, would be a viable fight for both men and generate good financial business, especially if it took place in the UK, Amir’s homeland.
Khan would reclaim championship gold with a win over Bradley – or Tim would likely cement first ballot Hall of Fame status with a victory over the fighter from Sheffield. Either way, this fight would have serious IBHOF implications for the Victor and would be exciting due to their contrasting styles.
In the cases of Thurman and Khan, any animosity between their manager, Al Haymon, and Bob Arum would obviously have to be overcome to strike a deal.
