By Lem Satterfield
On July 17, Timothy Bradley (25-0, 11 KOs) makes his welterweight debut against hard-punching Carlos Abregu (29-0, 23 KOs). Gary Shaw, the promoter for both boxers, finds himself in a tough position because while he promotes both, the big fights and the network backing from HBO hang with Bradley.
If Bradley wins and wins big, there could be some big options ahead in the welterweight, and junior welterweight divisions.
"I'm always nervous. I think Luis is like an Arturo Gatti-type of fighter, you know? He fights to the death. He gets hit, he gets knocked down, he gets back up," said Shaw. "So there is a lot there with Abregu. He's got a lethal right hand. The question now is can he handle the speed of a Tim Bradley."
The big names at welterweight, like Andre Berto, Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr., are just some of the doors that can open for Bradley. Shaw says the big fight options were significant in Bradley quick decision to jump at the chance to fight Abregu.
"When the fight was presented, both Tim's manager, Cameron Dunkin, and Tim Bradley were in agreement," said Shaw. "They all jumped at the opportunity to face Abregu and to have a fight at 147. Tim is already the No. 1 guy in the world at 140, and if Tim wins, it opens up a lot of doors for him."
Lem Satterfield is the boxing editor at AOL FanHouse and the news editor at BoxingScene.com. To read more from Lem Satterfield, go to AOL FanHouse by Clicking Here.
