ESPN’s Bradley on Luke Campbell- “Doesn’t believe in his abilities”

The countdown to Saturday night’s World Unified Lightweight Title fight in London between champ Vasiliy Lomachenko and England’s Luke Campbell is in progress. And a prominent former two division World Champ turned ESPN fight analyst doesn’t think Campbell believes enough in himself to defeat the dominating champion.

ESPN analyst and former World Welterweight Champ, Timothy Bradley, has arrived in the U.K. to be part of the network’s U.S. broadcast coverage of the Lomachenko-Campbell main event, and he did not mince words, when analyzing Campbell’s mentality leading up to his challenge for Lomachenko’s titles.

In an interview with Boxing Social published Friday online, Bradley made it very clear that Campbell may already be beaten psychologically before things get underway at the O2 arena:

Pleasure speaking with two of the classiest guys in the sport, @andreward and @Timbradleyjr today for @boxing_social.

WARD: https://t.co/koXxfcyWj9

BRADLEY: https://t.co/G7uc4wcRws

Thank you both for your time, and to @MeltPR for making it happen. ??#Boxing #LomaCampbell pic.twitter.com/KyiHEst61u

— Rob Tebbutt (@RobTebbutt) August 29, 2019

“Boxing is 90% mental….the brain controls everything,” Bradley told the site. “Lomachenko is a master at his craft now. He truly believes he is the best fighter in the world. Whereas, Campbell, having to do something he’s never done before…Spar three guys at once? I mean, why??? You’re a Gold Medalist.

“He doesn’t believe in his abilities. He doesn’t feel his abilities are good enough to compete with Lomachenko. That’s the reason ‘Why?’ That’s his insecurities. That’s his team’s insecurities. That’s the problem here.”

Bradley speaks from experience as he had to take on future Hall of Famer, Manny Pacquiao, and not only believe but out punch and outwork the seven division World Champ. Bradley did that in 2012 and won a disputed 12 round decision to capture the belts.

So, obviously, he knows and has proven that psychologically you have to believe that you can compete/win.

As for the doubts about Campbell’s chances, Lomachenko (13-1) is heavily favored to successfully defend his WBA/WBO belts and acquire the vacant WBC belt that is on the line, as well, Saturday night.

Yet, upsets do happen.

Andy Ruiz, anyone???

So, now, can a 20-2 fighter, with his home country fans behind him, battling in London, and on a huge worldwide stage summon the mental toughness, as well as the skill, to beat Lomachenko?

Or, are the doubters like Bradley going to be proven correct and quickly?

It’s almost time to find out.