By T.K. Stewart
After Ricky Hatton stopped Paulie Malignaggi this past Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas, Hatton said he felt as though he was unbeatable at 140- pounds.
But WBC 140-pound titlist Timothy Bradley, undefeated at (23-0, 11KOs) says he would like to have the opportunity to prove Ricky Hatton wrong. Bradley had a career year in 2008 with a knockout win over England's Junior Witter to win the WBC title and then he defended the belt in September with a 12-round decision win over the always tough Edner Cherry.
Bradley, who goes by the nickname "Desert Storm" is well-spoken and he was respectful when the subject of Ricky Hatton was brought up.
"Ricky is a dream fight for me," said the 25 year-old Bradley. "Ricky has options now and I don't know if he wants a fight against a young, hungry fighter like me. But if he does, you know, hey I would love to get it on with him."
Bradley is one of the few, bright, young, American stars that the sport of boxing has. An appearance earlier this year as the guest host on ESPN2 Friday Night Fights showed that Bradley is classy and eloquent and he doesn't ridicule other fighters - which seems to be the rule these days in professional boxing.
"I would fight Ricky in England or we could do it in the States," said Bradley. "Ricky is tough, he's a tough cookie, but I think we match-up very well. Our styles match-up and it would make for a great fight."
Bradley has only been a pro for four years but he has accomplished a fair amount in a short time. When asked how he saw a fight between he and Hatton playing out he gave his thoughts
"Well, I'm fast and I like to fight on the inside. I have decent power. Ricky? He comes to fight and definitely he will make me fight. I think it would be a great and exciting night for the fans and for the public. And most of all, I think it would be a great fight for boxing."
Bradley, however, isn't holding his breath that a Hatton fight will ever take place. At the 46th Annual WBC convention held in Chengdu, China, earlier this month, Bradley personally petitioned the WBC to allow him a voluntary defense in early 2009 against the winner of the Kendall Holt vs. Ricardo Torres III fight. That fight will take place Dec. 13th (for the WBO 140-pound title) in Atlantic City and will be televised by Showtime.
"I can't wait to see that fight," said Bradley of Holt vs. Torres III. "I'm excited about possibly fighting the winner and that is a fight that boxing needs. We champions need to unify the titles so the fans can know, once and for all, who the real champion is. I'm confident that I'm that man."
E-mail Comments To tkstewartboxing@gmail.com
