Undefeated WBC Super Lightweight Champ Timothy Bradley Receives Overseas Fighter Of The Year Award In London And Ends World Tour In Atlantic City

Photo: Philip Sharkey

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Lightweight Champion Eager To Fight Holt-Torres III Winner

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 Roma nov (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.”