Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley Jr. and Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios, will collide for Bradley’s WBO welterweight crown in an all-Southern California showdown. Bradley vs. Rios will take place on Saturday, November 7, at the Thomas & Mack Center, located on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing, beginning at 10:00 p.m. The telecast will open with two-time Ukrainian Olympic gold medalist Vasyl Lomachenko, defending his WBO featherweight title against Romulo Koasicha of Mexico.
These four warriors boast a combined record of 93-8-2 (51 KOs) — a winning percentage of 90% with over half of their victories coming by way of knockout.
TIMOTHY BRADLEY, JR.
“I am always willing to put it on the line. When Jessie Vargas hit me with that big shot I was ticked inside about it – but I was in control right through the final seconds of the fight. We are moving now to Rios who is tough, rugged and dangerous. I know Rios is fired up. I know this is a tough fight for me. I need to stay focused and to choose when to battle. I know Rios is a tough guy. I am tough too. And smarter.
“I am confident with Teddy Atlas with me. He has great boxing knowledge. I want that knowledge. We can do some damage together.”
“I am excited to get back into the ring on November 7th against a very game and very dangerous Brandon Rios.
“I know that Rios is dedicated to giving the fans what they pay for and so am I. I guarantee you that the Thomas and Mack Center will once again deliver a great event.”
BRANDON RIOS
“Bradley is no Pacquiao. We all know that. but Bradley will be the second-best fighter I have ever faced. Jessie Vargas waited too long in his fight against Bradley. Vargas let Bradley do what wanted he wanted to do except for the final seconds of the fight. I fought Alvarado earlier this year and was in the best shape of my life. I have accomplished a lot in boxing.
“Robert Garcia, my trainer, has stuck with me all the way. I want to thank Robert and Cameron Dunkin for getting me this shot against Bradley. This is a big fight and for me and it’s about more than the money and the title — it’s about winning — beating Bradley.
“We’ve been looking for a big fight and at last we have it. I’ll be ready.
“If I was going to come back to train a fighter, it was going to be one who had shown character in and out of the ring just like Tim Bradley,” said Teddy Atlas, Bradley’s new trainer.
“Fighting for the world welterweight championship is the most important thing in this fight plus I know Rios and Bradley will give the fans one of the best fights of the year. Both Bradley and Rios are warriors and will give the fans want they want to see. Thanks to Team Bradley for taking this fight. Let’s go out and give Southern California a fight that fans will never forget,” said Robert Garcia, chief trainer for Rios.
“The battle between Bradley and Rios should be a real classic as both fighters give it their all in the ring. Without a doubt this will be a candidate for the Fight of the Year,” said Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank.
“In one of the fall’s biggest fights, with two impressive careers defined by unbreakable wills on the line, Timothy Bradley Jr. faces Brandon Rios on November 7 to see whose grit is the truest,” said HBO Sports Vice President of Programming Peter Nelson. “The Thomas & Mack in Las Vegas is a venue rich in history and HBO is privileged to broadcast the event for our World Championship Boxing franchise.”
“Wynn Las Vegas is pleased to once again partner with Top Rank to bring this anticipated event to Las Vegas,” said Maurice Wooden, president of Wynn Las Vegas. “All eyes will be on Bradley and Rios as they battle for the World Welterweight Title.”
