Timothy Bradley's career seemed to be in a precarious position after losing to Manny Pacquiao on April 12. He had already beaten Juan Manuel Marquez with underwhelming viewership, and has been in the ring with Ruslan Provodnikov as well. A rematch with Pacquiao isn't really an option; even though their rivalry is even with one victory apiece, Bradley's initial win was highly questionable.
Mayweather says Pacquiao and Bradley looked like "amateurs"
The well is running dry for "Desert Storm" in the Top Rank stable, but the Golden Boy Promotions shakeup could change the game. Oscar De La Hoya is intent on repairing the fractured relationship with Bob Arum and co-promoting big fights, which opens up a wealth of solid opponents for Bradley like Keith "One-Time" Thurman and Shawn "Showtime" Porter.
"The fight fans are getting pretty fed up with what's going on," Bradley said. "The fight fans aren't really buying the fights or paying attention because the same crap is going on. If they work together, the fight fans will be back on board. A lot more will be back."
Bradley also indicated he won't be holding his breath for unity to suddenly overcome a sport rife with feuds though. "Honestly, I don't think a whole lot about it [Schaefer leaving Golden Boy].
Pacquiao-Bradley II live gate disappoints
"Just because one person leaves the company, then all of the sudden we'll all get along? Business is all about the relationship. For a long time Golden Boy and Top Rank haven't had a relationship."
Of course, fans would likely be just as excited for a Bradley vs. Provodnikov rematch as they would be for him to face Thurman or Porter, but the sheer novelty of a Top Rank fighter taking on a Golden Boy fighter would likely be enough to generate increased interest.
Neither Thurman nor Porter currently have any opponents lined up, but it's no stretch to think they will face off with a possible date with Floyd Mayweather in their future. That too is up in the air though, as it's unclear what Schaefer's split from Golden Boy means to fighters whose contracts are muddied with affiliations to both De La Hoya and Al Haymon.
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
