By Chris Robinson
On Saturday night, Palm Springs native Tim Bradley produced perhaps the most complete performance of his career in defeating Juan Manuel Marquez over twelve tense rounds.
After the final bell sounded, two tallies reading 116-112 and 115-113 favored Bradley, granting him the split-decision victory over Marquez, who also received a 115-113 nod.
Throughout the fight Bradley showed great reflexes, a sharp jab, and excellent movement with his legs. Marquez landed the occasional blow to get the crowd into the fight, but ultimately the Mexico City star simply failed to get into enough of an offensive rhythm to the tide of the fight.
At the post-fight press conference, Marquez’s longtime trainer Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Beristain seemed gracious when speaking to the press.
“First of all I would like to thank you for the support you’ve given my fighter,” Beristain stated.
A few seconds later and Beristain changed his tune, claiming that Marquez had been robbed.
“We know tonight we fought the world champion and he’s an excellent fighter,” Beristain added. “He’s very lucky. He’s the only undefeated fighter with two losses.”
Despite having a deep appreciation and bond with Bradley’s trainer Joel Diaz, Beristain insists that his fighter did enough to emerge victorious on this night.
“His trainer is my friend,” Beristain explained. “I appreciate him a lot. He’s got a bright future, but tonight we won and in his heart he knows who won the fight.”
