Tiernan Bradley – “I have qualities like Mayweather”
Tyrone welterweight Tiernan Bradley is currently in Dublin, and will today step into the ring for his first spar with two-weight UFC champion Conor McGregor [0-0].
The Dublin light middleweight debuts on August 26th in Las Vegas against boxing legend Floyd Mayweather, and is spending the early part of his camp at home ahead of the PPV fight.
‘The Notorious’ has drafted in sparring to replicate Mayweather, with Dashon Johnson [22(7)-21(3)-3], who provided the same role for Manny Pacquiao, flying in from California. Then, in Bradley, he has an Irish fighter who comes highly recommended for the same reasons.
The Omagh 20 year, a Commonwealth Youth silver medalist, was suggested to McGregor by Conor Wallace, who was McGregor’s main sparring partner for the Nate Diaz rematch Summer,
Wallace himself came on the recommendation of Mick Conlan, and the Newry southpaw proved to be a huge asset to the McGregor camp and a factor in the revenge win.
Speaking today on BBC Radio Ulster’s ‘Good Morning Ulster’ show, Bradley explained that “I got contacted through Conor McGregor’s last sparring partner, for the Nate Diaz rematch, Conor Wallace from Newry.”
“Conor McGregor just rang him and said ‘is there anyone out there, in Ireland, that is able to come down to Dublin and sort of has the same style as Mayweather?’ Conor had no hesitation to say my name, and his [McGregor’s] manager got in contact with me and I couldn’t turn it down.”
Bradley is modest about his own similarities to the five-weight undefeated boxing champ, and noted how “I wouldn’t say I am Mayweather, but I have qualities like Mayweather, which is why they picked me.”
The Ulster youngster arrived to the McGregor camp on Sunday night, and is looking forward to his first spar today.
Giving some details about the set-up, Bradley explained how “They’re keeping us more or less at hand, for Conor, for whenever he says to spar.”
“I was meant to spar yesterday, but he had a rest day. I haven’t been in there with him sparring yet so I really do not know what he’s going to do.”
“There’s a good buzz about the camp and I just can’t wait to get in there and show what I can do.”
Bradley admits the difficulties in fighting ‘Money May,’ however he is backing the Crumlin fighter to pull off an unlikely shock.
The Sacred Heart fighter reasoned how “a lot of top class boxers haven’t figured him [Mayweather] out, so I don’t know what they’re going to do.”
“McGregor’s a smart man, and his team will figure out a tactic that will overthrow Floyd, that’s what I think.”
