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© Carlos Baeza / Thompson Boxing Promotions
Unbeaten WBO 140-pound champion Timothy “Desert Storm’’ Bradley (24-0, 11 KOs) of North Palm Springs, Calif., and challenger and former unified lightweight belt-holder Nate “The Galaxxy Warrior” Campbell (33-5-1, 25 KOs) participated in an open workout on Tuesday, just days before their eagerly awaited showdown on Saturday, Aug. 1, Live on Showtime at 9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast.
The Bradley-Campbell scheduled 12-rounder will follow a second 140-pound world title fight on Showtime Championship Boxing.
In the first half of a world championship doubleheader, undefeated, No. 2-rated Devon Alexander “The Great’’ (18-0, 11 KOs) of St. Louis will face No. 3 Junior Witter (37-2-2, 22 KOs) of England for the WBC strap that Bradley voluntarily relinquished.
Alexander participated in Tuesday’s workout, but Witter was unable to participate as he had to complete his medical examinations.
The biggest boxing event in the history of The Coachella Valley in Southern California will emanate from The Show at Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage, Calif. It will be promoted by Gary Shaw Productions and Thompson Boxing Promotions in association with Don King Productions and Agua Caliente Casino.
Tickets are available for purchase online at www.HotWaterCasino.com/TheShow or by calling (800) 585-3737.
What the fighters had to say on Tuesday:
Timothy Bradley: “I trained for six weeks for this fight. I went into camp already in shape from my last fight. It was refreshing since it wasn’t a three month camp, which can get repetitious.
“I ran five days week and did strength training. It kept my weight down and kept me conditioned. I feel better prepared and well rested. I feel good about this fight. I am anxious and ready to see what Nate Campbell is all about. I’m curious.
“I have never been in the ring with anyone who has completely dominated me. He said that was what he was going to do, so I’m curious. Let’s see if it happens.
“I laugh at what he says because he doesn’t know who Tim Bradley is. I am going to win the fight. I think it will go 12. I am not a huge puncher, but I bring a lot of preparation into the ring. I’ve knocked out a few opponents, too.
“To knock out Nate Campbell, that would put me right up there with the stars.
“I’ve got the home-court advantage and I’m excited about this. This is my city, the place that I was born and I am proud and happy that I am able to perform in front of my hometown crowd.
When it gets tough in there I know their support will lift me up.”
“I really wanted to fight here in my backyard. I walk around town and people would ask me when I am going to fight locally, so this is especially meaningful for me to bring it home and do something for my hometown.”
Nate Campbell: “In watching Tim’s last fight, I can tell he doesn’t have a strong chin. If you have a strong chin, you don’t go down. Every time Holt threw a punch Tim went down.
“Tim’s punching power is as strong as his jokes; weak! He better watch it, he’s been talking a lot of trash lately. It’s one thing to talk trash and not being able to back it up in front of your hometown.
“Tim hasn’t ever fought anybody like me. I enjoy what I’m doing and come Saturday it’s going to be hell for him. He just has to decide how long he wants to be in hell. I can give it all night.”
Devon Alexander: “We’re in the pros now. As a professional you have to fight whoever is in front of you. He [Bradley] ducked me.”
“I am the first world champion at 22 years of age. This is a blessing. Where I come from, at this age you are either in jail or dead. Not me. When I wake up on Sunday morning, I’m going to have the WBC title and it’s going to be a sweet victory. I‘m going to have a big night.
“There’s nothing that you [Witter] can do to stop me this Saturday night from walking out of the ring with the WBC title.
“There’s no room for intimidation. I’ve fought older and experienced people, too. Sit back and watch me stay undefeated on Saturday night.”
