By Jake Donovan
The union between reigning two-time welterweight titlist Timothy Bradley and noted boxing trainer Teddy Atlas raised more than a few eyebrows upon initial announcement in mid-September.
Bradley (32-1-1, 12KOs) felt the move was necessary after a nasty split from longtime trainer Joel Diaz. A voice in the corner that he could trust, according to the boxer, was essential heading into his November 7 showdown with Brandon Rios, which will air live on HBO from Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
So far, so good as far as fighter and trainer tell it. Bradley never needs help getting into shape, as he is already in peak physical condition. The difference in this camp has been what his new chief second has been able to mentally bring to the table.
“When Teddy came to camp he took a book of images of certain rounds I had fought previously,” Bradley revealed during an open workout Wednesday afternoon in Indio, Calif., minutes from his hometown in Palm Springs. “There were notes about what I did right and what I did wrong. No trainer of mine has ever prepared for a fight like Teddy has for me against Rios.”
Atlas first became a household name through his previous alliance with – and violent split from – Mike Tyson some 30 years ago. As far as accomplishments with fighters in the pro ranks, the outspoken trainer – who for the past 18 years has served as an expert ringside boxing analyst for ESPN2 Friday Night Fights and now Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on ESPN – helped guide Michael Moorer to two separate heavyweight title reigns in the 1990s and has worked with several other fighters.
Needless to say, he has his work cut out for him in proving what he brings to the table for an established boxer like Bradley. To his credit, Atlas is going all in for this training camp, proving he’s here solely for the defending titlist and not (just) for the spotlight attached with such an assignment.
“We looked at a lot of video of Rios to take a look at how he moves and his tendencies,” Atlas notes. “We are not concerned about what is happening in the Rios camp because I've seen fighters have bad camps and fight well and have seen fighters who had great camps not perform on fight night.
“Tim did his job to prepare for Rios. He knows what it takes and what we have to do to win on November 7. Tim is ready to fight. We both know what needs to be done -- total focus for 12 complete rounds -- to win this fight.”
The strategy is music to his client’s ears.
“My game plan is to stay totally focused for 36 minutes of fighting,” Bradley promises. “Rios fights hard, is relentless, can endure pain and look for one shot to hurt me. I want this fight badly. I plan to keep it in control my way. Teddy is full of wisdom. Together we are going to win this big fight.”
Jake Donovan is the managing editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
