The new World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Lightweight Champion Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley will defend his title for the first time against Edner “Cherry Bomb” Cherry on Saturday, Sept. 13, in the co-feature of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast, which begins live at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).
The main event of the world championship doubleheader features Lightweight World Champion Nate Campbell vs. Joan Guzman for Campbell’s International Boxing Federation (IBF), World Boxing Organization (WBO) and World Boxing Association (WBA) 135-pound titles.
The event is being promoted by Don King Productions in association with Beau Rivage. The Campbell vs. Guzman main event will be presented in association with One Punch Productions and Sycuan Ringside Promotions and will also be televised live on SHOWTIME Championship Boxing beginning at 9 p.m. ET/PT/8 p.m. CT (delayed on the West Coast).
Below is what Bradley and Cherry had to say about the fight in their final weeks of training:
TIMOTHY BRADLEY:
“Training is going well. I’m preparing like always and I’m in great shape. My conditioning is as good as always and I’m focused. I’m sharp and ready to go.
“I’m not at all nervous for my first title defense. This is my job, it’s what I do. I’m just taking this fight like all my other fights. I held the youth title for three years, so there’s no difference for me. I’m just going to fight like this was my last fight and I’ll be victorious.
“Cherry is a tough guy, a tough kid. He’s just 24 years old and he’s been in there with some former world champions and some tough opposition.
“Even though I’m the champion and the favorite, I’m sure he’ll try and use his experience against me. It doesn’t matter though because I’m ready for whatever he brings to the table.
“It’s going to interesting because I know he’s going to make me fight.
“He’s a taller guy, but he’s built like a tank just like me. You know he’s going to come chiseled.
“He’s moving up in weight so that means he can eat whatever he wants. That gives him an advantage in that area because I have to come down in weight. It makes it a little tougher for me, but I’m ready for it.
“I’ve been working on the usual stuff in training camp. Like they say, ‘Style makes a fight.’
“Cherry likes to fight and throw wild punches. He’s got a good jab and a decent left hook. I’ve brought in four fighters to camp who will move forward and use their jab. I’m getting ready for someone who will be in my face all night. I just have to be able to handle the pressure.
“There’s no pressure at all on me. In my last fight I went into Junior Witter’s turf and had everything to win and everything to lose. This is just another fight to me and another challenge. I’m definitely ready for it.”
EDNER CHERRY:
“I’m hungry for this world title shot. We’re just focused on the little things and not overlooking what got us here,
“I keep putting in the hard work everyday in the gym because I want that title.
“Our sparring sessions have been intense. We have guys that fight like Bradley and mimic his style.
“Bradley is a great fighter who puts pressure. We’re preparing for his aggression. I’m in a tough fight on Sept. 13. It’s not going to be a walk in the park.
“I’m not worried about the weight. You just go out there and have fun. I’m excited to get the chance to fight for the title.”