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Tim Bradley Sees Hadribeaj’s Left Hand Threatening Fundora

Sebastian Fundora could be vulnerable to a left hand he doesn’t see coming against Ermal Hadribeaj, according to Tim Bradley, who gives the challenger a chance of springing an upset on Saturday night despite picking the champion to win.

Bradley sees danger in the southpaw pairing. Fundora’s height and punch output can make him difficult to beat round after round, but Hadribeaj’s awkward delivery could create an opening for a punch that changes the fight.

“Does he have a lot of knockouts? No. But sometimes it’s not about having a lot of power. It’s about catching a guy when he don’t see a punch coming,” Bradley said on his channel.

That is the route Bradley identifies for Hadribeaj. Trying to match Fundora’s volume would require the challenger to spend long stretches within punching range. A well-timed left hand could punish Fundora while he is attacking.

Bradley referenced Sergio Martinez’s knockout of Paul Williams when discussing the danger, using that southpaw pairing to illustrate how an unexpected shot can undo a tall fighter. The comparison describes a possible opening; it doesn’t establish that Hadribeaj has Martinez’s timing or finishing ability.

“I think he has a damn good chance of winning, man. I really do.”

Bradley also believes an unfamiliar challenger can arrive better prepared than the champion expects. He recalled studying Junior Witter for a year before taking his title, searching for weaknesses while Witter knew comparatively little about him.

Hadribeaj could have spent similar time studying Fundora. Finding an opening on video, though, is only the beginning. He still has to exploit it while dealing with the champion’s reach and constant punching.

Bradley gives Fundora credit for living in the gym and improving rather than assuming he will underestimate his opponent. His final pick is Fundora on experience.

The upset case rests on Hadribeaj making one opening count. His modest knockout record makes that harder to sell, but Bradley believes the left hand gives him a chance.

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