In a bizarre term of events, much anticipated lightweight title bout between Nate Campbell and Joan Guzman came to end when challenger Guzman failed to make the 135lb. limit and eventually dropped out of the fight despite Campbell agreeing to go on in a non-title affair.
Fortunately for those who attended, the card went on with the main event taking place for the WBC jr. welterweight title bout between champion Timothy Bradley against Edner Cherry at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxy, Mississippi.
Somewhat living up to its expectation, both combatants came fully prepared, but it was Bradley who proved his superiority in terms of speed, skill, and power to retain his recently acquired jr. welterweight title. From the opening round, the Californian displayed Stevie Johnston-like defense, timing his aggressive foe with jabs and combinations to the body. Cherry, who’s vastly known for his fan-friendly style, deemed relentless, but was unable to land with much authority against the much slicker guy in Bradely, who reminded the audience that his win over Junior Witter was no fluke.
While the comparison may have been drawn to the great Stevie Johnston, Bradley’s poise and explosiveness was reminiscent that of a young Shane Mosley, especially his fierce body attack, which appeared to have worn down Cherry in the later rounds. The eighth round saw the lone knockdown when Bradley landed a swift counter right that sent the Florida native to the canvas.
Undaunted, Cherry tried his best to load his trademark bombs, but to no avail, as Bradley prevailed by a unanimous decision (117-110, 118-109, 119-109).