Tim Bradley Gets Tips From Thomas Hearns

DETROIT—Thomas “The Hitman” Hearns was at Kronk Gym in Detroit yesterday and today (Tuesday and Wednesday) for fighter media workouts before Saturday’s world championship unification at the nearby Silverdome in Pontiac between undefeated 140-pound world champions Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley (26-0, 11 KOs), from North Palm Springs, Calif., and Devon Alexander “The Great” (21-0, 13 KOs), from St. Louis.

Bradley, who is the World Boxing Organization junior welterweight champion, said after yesterday’s workout that the bigger the challenge, the better for him.??“I love to take risks,” Bradley said.  “That’s what this fight is all about.  To be the best, you’ve got to beat the best.  It’s time.  He’s the only one who would fight me.  Promoters need to start taking the same risk fighters take in the ring, putting the best against the best.?? I come to fight.  That is my game plan.  I’m ready to go 12 full rounds.  I’ve had six sparring partners.  I’ve been adjusting to the angles of a southpaw opponent.” 

Alexander arrived in the Motor City late on Monday night, and he was at Kronk Gym today.  ??“The fans are going to see two fighters determined to not lose, and that makes for a great fight,” Alexander said.  “I feel like I am going to win every round from the opening bell.  That’s my mindset.  I’m a man that likes to take control.  I’m a leader, not a follower.” 

His trainer Kevin Cunningham said boxing fans will see a great fight on Saturday night.  ??“Timothy Bradley is ranked No. 1 at 140 pounds, and Devon is ranked No. 2 by most writers,” Cunningham said.  “Now it’s time to find out who is really No. 1. 

“This is going to be a great fight because both fighters have tremendous boxing skills and great hearts.    Now it comes down to which fighter executes best—and executes his fight plan best—on Saturday night.” 

Bradley seemed to sincerely enjoy the tips Hearns, the first boxer to win world titles in four weight divisions, gave him in the ring.  ??“He’s a big guy,” Bradley said of the ring legend Hearns. “He looks like he could still fight.  He told me to keep a hard, stiff jab and to turn over my punches because that’s where the power comes from.  I consider the Kronk Gym as hallowed ground.”

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