BRADLEY SURVIVES TO DEFEAT PROVIDNIKOV
Leon Cowan @ ringside

Timothy Bradley W12 Ruslan Provodnikov... The action in Carson, California was white-hot and both fighters traded heavy punches throughout, with Ruslan Provodnikov on the verge of a huge upset in the early rounds. Inthe first two rounds, Timothy Bradley lived up to his reputation as one of the sport's toughest fighters as he stumbled all ver the ring but survived. In the twelfth round, Bradley, the WBO welterweight champion appeared to be near the end of his tank, getting badly hurt by a left hook and then again by a follow-up right hand. Bradley wobbled all over the ring and finally got knocked down. Bradley took an eight-count but makes it to his feet to finish a sure fight of the year candidate.  Bradley defeated Provodnikov by official scores of: 114 – 113 (Marty Denkin and Jerry Cantu); and 115 – 112 (Raul Caiz Sr.). Bradley won a hard fought unanimous decision that is sure to be debated in the days and weeks to come.  In the post-fight interview, Bradley mentioned he may have a concussion from the punches he took early in the fight.