At the Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, not only did Timothy Bradley knock out Brandon Rios in the 9th round, he also made the Texas-born brawler look rather pedestrian. Under the tuteladge of Teddy Atlas, Bradley has certainly undergone a few changes. And boy, did it show.
Bradley was still aggressive, and of course athletic in movement and speed, but was notably more disciplined. Playing the role of ring general, it was Bradley who dictated when the exchanges would take place in this fight. And when they did, it was Bradley who enjoyed the far greater success. In fact – without seeing punch stats – it’s difficult to recall many clean shots getting through from Rios at all.
When Bradley wasn’t punching, his chin was resting on Rios’ shoulder. This was of course part of a masterplan strategy, and it couldn’t have worked better against a fighter who like Rios who loves to brawl on the inside. Rios’ offense was near enough wiped out during these moments, and Bradley proved that an old dog can definitely learn a few tricks.
After 8 one-sided rounds, Bradley caught Rios with two hooks downstairs, followed by a grazing uppercut to the jaw. Rios took a knee, was able to be get up at the count of 9, but soon found himself under a barrage of punches. Rios then wilted to the canvas for the final time, seemingly surrendering against a fitter, better fighter in Bradley.
Post fight, an emotional Rios announced that he was ready to hang his gloves up for good, revealing his heart and body no longer belonged in the sport. While it somewhat chips away at Bradley’s achievement, you have to wonder if Bradley vs Rios would have played out any differently had the fight taken place 10 months ago. I doubt it.
Rios has always experienced difficulties with fighters who employ angles and fleet footedness, it has to be said. Like Manny Pacquiao, Bradley simply possessed too much variety in his game. And that’s why the California-native was victorious tonight.
Timothy Bradley now builds to 32 wins, 1 defeat, 1 draw, with 13 knockouts, while Brandon Rios falls to 33 wins, 2 defeats 1 draw, with 24 knockouts.
Give us your take on Bradley vs Rios in the comments, plus the rest of tonight’s card.
