Timothy Bradley wins bout despite controversy in final seconds
Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley delivered what he set out to do and beat Jessie Vargas by unanimous decision (116-112, 117-111, 115-112) for the interim WBO welterweight championship.
The fight was thoroughly dominated by Bradley (32-1-1), showing off the speed and experience against the younger Vargas (26-1). However the final moments of the fight had fans scratching their heads wondering what just happened.
With less than 30 seconds remaining in the bout, Vargas delivered a devastating right hand that nearly knocked Bradley down. Seconds later, when both fighters were in a hold together, the referee stopped the fight, mistaking the 10-second warning knock with the bell that rings at the end of the round.
Vargas immediately started celebrating, thinking the fight was over because the referee stopped it. Confusion rang through the StubHub Center, but it was explained that the referee made a mistake and the seven seconds lost would not be resumed. The fight then went to the judges cards, and all agreed Bradley won by unanimous decision.
After the fight in a post-match interview, Bradley admitted he was hurt, but also said he was completely aware and knew what to do in the situation. “I work at this in the gym, I would’ve held him, hugged him so tight I would’ve been his momma,” Bradley said.
Bradley will hold the interim title for the WBO welterweight championship till July 3rd, when Floyd Mayweather either needs to legally vacate it or not be officially recognized by the WBO as the WBO Welterweight Champion of the World.
