Timothy Bradley News: 'Desert Storm' Feels Brandon Rios should reconsider retirement decision
WBO welterweight champion Timothy Bradley is hoping that Brandon Rios would rethink his retirement decision. Bradley dominated "Bam Bam" on Saturday night when they faced each other for the 147-pound title, ending the fight in nine rounds.
The 29-year old Rios retired immediately after the fight.
"My body is not the same no more," Rios told HBO Boxing analyst Max Kellerman during the post-fight interview. "I've been in a lot of wars. I think it's time to hang it up. I'm done. I think that's it. It was a great run, it is what it is."
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"I don't wanna hurt my body, I don't wanna hurt my family, I don't wanna hurt my close friends around me, so I think it's time to hang up the gloves," he added.
Interestingly, Bradley is actually hoping that Rios would reconsider his decision. In a report by Boxingscene.com, "Desert Storm" praised his recent opponent's ability to fight.
"It's sad." Bradley said. "I don't know if it's a rational decision because of the disappointment [from the loss]. I really hope that he gives it some time and really thinks about it, because he's still young, he still has a fighting opportunity and he can still come back and rise."
"He just has to get focused. That's it. It's all about focus. He need to focus and take care of himself."
"He come back, because he can fight. He can truly fight," he continued. "He's a very, very talented guy in what he does, when he comes forward and applies the pressure. He's a big puncher, he can take a punch. "But it's very sad and I wish nothing but the best for him."
Known as a phone booth pressure fighter, Rios has been in a number of barnburners throughout his 11-year professional career.
The most notable one was the trilogy he had with former world champion Mike Alvarado. Rios won the first and third fights, both by stoppage.
