Tim Bradley: Matthysse Sparring Helped Me Mentally

By Edward Chaykovsky

Junior welterweight contender Lucas Matthysse (34-2, 32KOs) gave WBO welterweight champion Timothy Bradley (30-0, 12KOs) some good work when the two of them sparred on Monday. Matthysse is going to face WBA/WBC champion Danny Garcia (26-0, 16KOs) on September 14th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, while Bradley will defend his title against Mexican superstar Juan Manuel Marquez (55-6-1, 40KOs) on October 12th at the Thomas & Mack Center.

Bradley told The Desert Sun paper that many members of his team were concerned that sparring with Matthysse at this stage of the training camp.

“They were like ‘Whoa, why would you bring in a big puncher at this time?’ But I understand boxing is a big mind game and I think I overcame any fear I had that I wouldn’t be ready for the Marquez fight. I took some hard shots today and it was nothing. I didn’t get rocked, didn’t get dazed. I was fine. It was like I told you guys I was good. I told you guys, I’m not crazy. We’ll, I’m a little crazy, but I got my wits about me," Bradley said.

After nearly getting knocked out by Ruslan Provodnikov earlier this year, Bradley says he gained some added confidence after being able to hang in there with such a hard puncher like Matthysse.

“He has all that punching power in both hands, especially the left hook,” Bradley said. “Marquez loves to throw that left hook a lot. I know that’s the punch they’ll be looking to throw for this fight. Matthysse definitely made me aware of it early in the sparring session. He does things that Marquez likes to do and he’s making me aware of it right now. Sparring this guy will help me psychologically for what’s ahead. It was a really good look, it boosted my confidence and it was good to see this guy.”