It sounds like a broken record – but undefeated boxer Timothy Bradley is still looking for respect.
He’s undefeated. He boasts a controversial win over Manny Pacquiao in 2012 and, more recently, a unanimous decision victory over Russian Ruslan Provodnikov in what many consider one of the year’s best fights.
So what gives?
The 30-year-old WBC junior welterweight champion said his record speaks for itself.
“I think your legacy speaks volumes, especially when you fight quality opponents,” Bradley told theGrio.com. “There’s a lot of guys out there that’s undefeated – but haven’t fought anybody. And me? I fought a lot of great champions – a lot of former champions, champions right now.”
Up next for Bradley is Saturday’s bout against Juan Manuel Marquez – who remains one of boxing’s best even at 40 years of age. It was Marquez who sent Pacquiao reeling to the canvas in defeat back in December.
Like many of Bradley’s fights, this one has flown under the radar to a degree – despite it’s obvious intrigue.
Bradley told theGrio.com the Marquez bout will strengthen his legacy.
“Who wouldn’t want to see this fight?” Bradley asks. “My speed is going to be key – the fact that I’m faster than him. I got quick feet, quick hands and I’m very loose in the ring. It’s going to give Marquez problems.”
Bradley has said he passed on a rematch with Pacquaio to fight another “legend of his era” in Marquez. Bradley still yearns for stardom. He told reporters earlier this year the Pacquaio victory was supposed to be a turning point for him.
But it didn’t happen. Instead, – outrage did. Controversy did.
Bradley tells theGrio.com he’s spent the past year trying to move past that episode in his career. The rematch didn’t happen – and Marquez now presents a pivotal opportunity for the California native to tell his sport clearly: ‘I have arrived.’
“People are going to respect me after I beat Marquez,” Bradley said. “You don’t have to like me, but respect me. Respect what I’ve accomplished.”
Bradley vs. Marquez takes place Sat., Oct. 12 live on pay-per-view beginning at 9pm ET/6pm PT.
Follow theGrio.com’s Sports Editor Todd Johnson on Twitter @rantoddj