Timothy Bradley Jr

Biography

Timothy Ray Bradley Jr., born on August 29, 1983, is an American former professional boxer who made a significant mark in the sport from 2004 to 2016. He achieved notable success in two weight classes, securing the WBC light welterweight title twice between 2008 and 2011, the WBO light welterweight title from 2009 to 2012, and the WBO welterweight title twice between 2012 and 2016. Bradley's boxing prowess was acknowledged globally, with The Ring magazine ranking him as the world's third-best active boxer, pound for pound, in October 2013.

Bradley's career is primarily remembered for his trilogy against Manny Pacquiao, which included fights in 2012, 2014, and 2016, highlighting the competitive spirit and skill level in the boxing world at the time. These encounters against Pacquiao, one of boxing's legends, were among the defining moments of Bradley's career, showcasing his resilience and talent.

Before rising to the top, Bradley faced Francisco Martinez in his professional debut on August 20, 2004, where he won by a knockout in the second round. His journey through the ranks saw him collecting titles, including the WBC youth world welterweight and super lightweight crowns, and a notable victory over Miguel Vazquez, the future IBF lightweight champion.

Bradley's relentless pursuit of greatness was evident in his fight against Junior Witter in Nottingham, England, for the WBC super lightweight title. Despite being a significant underdog, Bradley's victory over Witter and his unification bout win against Kendall Holt cemented his status as a formidable champion in the light welterweight division.

However, Bradley's career wasn't without its controversies, notably the split decision victory over Manny Pacquiao in 2012. This victory ended Pacquiao's 7-year undefeated streak and earned Bradley the WBO welterweight title. The decision sparked debates within the boxing community. It led to a special five-judge panel review by the WBO, which unanimously scored the fight in favour of Pacquiao, though the decision stood.

Bradley's battles continued against other notable fighters such as Ruslan Provodnikov and Juan Manuel Márquez, each fight adding to his legacy as a warrior in the ring. His rematch with Pacquiao in 2014 and the subsequent rubber match in 2016, which Pacquiao won, concluded their thrilling trilogy.

On August 6, 2017, Bradley announced his retirement from professional boxing, closing a remarkable 12-year career. He left the sport with an impressive record of 33 wins, two losses, and one draw, including 13 knockouts.

Outside of boxing, Bradley's personal life includes his marriage to his high school friend Monica Manzo and becoming an adoptive father to Manzo's two children. The couple has five children in total. A health-conscious athlete, Bradley adopted a vegan diet for much of his career, attributing his physical conditioning and performance to his dietary choices.

Timothy Bradley Jr.'s legacy in boxing is marked by his tenacity, skill, and heart in every fight. His induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2023 is a testament to his impact on the sport and the respect he has garnered among boxing enthusiasts and peers alike.