Why Did Timothy Bradley Jr. Part Ways With Long-Time Trainer Joel Diaz?

Timothy Bradley Jr. will be under a new trainer soon with reports from ESPN that the American boxing champ has cut ties with long-time trainer Joel Diaz.

The announcement comes as a surprise considering the closeness the two had. Diaz handled Bradley ever since his 2004 debut which resulted in five world titles in two weight classes, including that highly controversial win he had over Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao in 2012.

With this, the world may have seen the last of the Bradley-Diaz tandem back in June where Desert Storm won via decision over Jesse Vargas.

That match of course did not escape controversy as well. Though the WBO had already announced that there will be no rematch, Vargas has filed for an appeal on the ruling. There is still no word on the appeal.

There was no definite reason behind the split though it Diaz placed the blame on Bradley’s wife and manager Monica.

Diaz bares that he had not heard anything from Tim Bradley since that June fight. The two only met last week at the gym and it seems this was where ‘Desert Storm’ broke the news to his trainer.

‘What he said was his manager had other plans and I am not part of those plans. He tried to make some excuses, like I was doing something wrong. I said, 'I've known you for a long time, you're like my brother, but right now it's out of your control. Your wife took over your career' says Diaz via ESPN.

Despite the parting of ways, Diaz says that he holds no grudges against Tim. The trainer seems to be aware that the decision was a result of Tim being overpowered. Both parted on good terms with Diaz even saying that he will be rooting for his long-time friend and partner.

However, Bradley claims that there was no one who influenced him to part with Diaz.

"It's my call. Ain't nobody make me do anything," Bradley said. "I did it because I felt it needed to be done. A real man wouldn't even blame a woman or my wife. My wife didn't speak to Joel. I spoke to Joel. I told him what was going on,” says Bradley in the same interview.

Bradley adds that the final straw came after his last fight against Vargas. When Bradley was proclaimed the winner, he singles out that Diaz was nowhere around him. According to Bradley, Diaz claims that he was pissed at something and decided to leave the ring.

Regardless of who is telling the truth is immaterial at this point. Bradley is likely to face his next opponent with a new trainer in his corner.

While there is no word yet on who will replace Diaz, Bradley is reportedly looking at Teddy Atlas and Buddy McGirt to take over from Diaz. Aside from the two prominent names, Bradley may have other trainers in mind.

There is no word yet on when Bradley will return to the ring. After talks with Brandon Rios failed to materialize, he may be facing Sadam Ali who is the mandatory opponent.