Tim “Desert Storm” Bradley’s Small Legion of Fans Ready for Trilogy

If “Desert Storm” Timothy Bradley lived in New York City, Chicago, Las Vegas or even nearby Los Angeles, he would be one of the most marketable pro boxers today.

Sure fans love knockout punchers and though Bradley has 13 in his career, it’s not Triple G status. But one thing the Palm Springs fighter always possessed is a passion to fight the best. His fans appreciate it.

“I’m not here to disappoint the fans, I’m here to fight,” said Bradley.

Bradley (33-1-1, 13 Kos) meets superstar Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (57-6-2, 38 Kos) a third time on April 9 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. It’s said to be the Filipino great’s swan song for prizefighting. Bradley’s fans will be there. That’s for sure.

One thing about Bradley is the hold he has on his fan base in the desert area surrounding his Palm Springs home. Small towns like Coachella, Indio, Desert Hot Springs, Rancho Mirage are diverse in economics, religion and ethnicity. But all are faithful to the fighter known as “Desert Storm.”

“I’ve been following Timothy Bradley since his Thompson days,” said Joaquin Moreno, Ontario resident who first saw Bradley fight on Thompson Boxing Promotions cards in 2004. “He beat some guy in like 30 seconds. I love his speed and aggressiveness.”

If you attend any function involving Bradley whether it’s an open house, media day or a simple meet and greet; the fans come in droves. They represent a diverse representation of all colors and races. No one group dominates. They all love Bradley.

“He’s a really nice guy,” said one Asian woman who attended an open workout in his gym last year. “I come to all of his (open) workouts.”

Tim “Desert Storm” Bradley’s Small Legion of Fans Ready for Trilogy

She was not alone. People of all ages attended an open gym session that saw Bradley provide sandwiches, drinks, cookies and chips to his fans at his last workout in Indio. It was a hodgepodge of people with big smiles and camera phones clicking away. Bradley happily signed autographs, selfies and shook hands while trainer Teddy Atlas waited patiently.

“You ought to try the sandwiches. They’re the best in the valley,” said Bradley to anyone listening.

Can you imagine if Bradley lived in a big city?

At his last fight against Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios in Las Vegas last November, a strong contingent of Bradley fans were in attendance. When Bradley was announced the winner by technical knockout, a roar of approval could be heard in the crowd of maybe 5,000 at the Thomas and Mack Center. It was a happy small army of Bradley supporters that night.

Bradley may not have the monster fan base of Pacquiao – whose fans are both national and international – but they will be in force supporting their hero.

“I was hoping Tim would be fighting Pacman,” said Terry Hendricks, a Banning resident. “I’ll be going with some friends.”

Bradley’s fans are even more confident that he will emerge the victor and finally squash any doubt that he belongs as one of the top fighters pound for pound.

“People forget that Tim Bradley only has one loss,” said Daniel Aguilar, who travels to most of Bradley’s fights. “I think he beat Pacman the first time. He can do it again.”

And what does Bradley think about the trilogy?

“I think this could be the best of the three,” said Bradley. “The one that will display the Tim Bradley that everyone has not seen.”

Note: A media day will be held on Tuesday in Beverly Hills.

Check out this Boxing Channel‘s video with results and highlights for this Fight.