Timothy Bradley vowed to box more against Juan Manuel Marquez than he did against Ruslan Provodnikov in March, when Bradley defeated Provodnikov via narrow decision but sustained a concussion and was decked in the process.
Bradley kept his word and it was likely the biggest reason why he defeated Marquez via split-decision Saturday before 13,111 at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.
Judges Robert Hoyle and Patricia Morse Jarman had Bradley winning by respective scores of 115-113 and 116-112, while Glenn Feldman had Marquez winning 115-113.
Bradley (31-0) made the second successful defense of his title.
Marquez (55-7-1), of Mexico, bemoaned the decision in the post-fight news conference.
“We came prepared to give a good fight,” he said. “I think the people saw a good performance. But unfortunately, the judges did it again.”
Marquez said that is his mind, it was the sixth time he’s been robbed of a victory. Of his seven losses, five have come in Las Vegas.
“I am more scared of the judges than the opponents,” Marquez said.
Bradley, of Palm Springs, was booed several times by the pro-Marquez crowd for moving around a lot, using those boxing skills. He defended his strategy.
“I like to step in there and fight,” he said, “but I had to listen to my corner to get this win because Marquez is a big puncher.”