INDIAN WELLS ? The desert’s own world champion Timothy Bradley made his annual trek to the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on Sunday.
The current WBO lightweight boxing champ was approached by countless international media members, who now know his every move due to the upcoming June 9 welterweight title fight against Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas. There’s also a lot of tennis players who are fight fans.
World No. 4 Andy Murray wanted to meet him, and Murray was introduced on Sunday prior to his doubles match.
He also met up with some top Americans.
?I met John Isner,? said Bradley. ?He’s tall as heck. He’s 6-7, 6-8, but looks like he’s 7-foot to me. He’s so big, but he’s cool. (Isner’s actually 6-foot-9).
?Then I met my dude, (Andy) Roddick again. I like that dude a lot. I traveled around and met a lot of great people here.?
Bradley has gained notoriety each year he’s been to the press room, but still doesn’t count tennis as his top sport.
?My tennis game is horrible,? he said. ?You gotta have the forehands, but the backhand, don’t ask me. I’m more of a track, football guy.?
As for potential boxing opponents on the ATP Tour?
?Put Isner in the ring,? he said. ?He’s got the reach, but I’ve got the speed.?
Bradley, who has begun training and sticking with a strictly vegan diet, added that he didn’t get to watch much action Sunday, but would like to return this week with his family to see some tennis.
He’s comfortable anywhere, whether it’s ringside or courtside.
