Bradford bracing for more world glory after heavyweight title
WORLD champion Geelong kickboxer Chris Bradford is set to land the biggest bouts of his decorated career.
Fresh from claiming the IWKBF heavyweight title with a career-defining win over Englishman Joe Boobyer at Powerplay 40, Bradford has attracted a host of offers from promotions across the globe.
The 42-year-old world No.1 is on the cusp of landing a title fight in Japan, while calls have come from America to land his services.
But the two-time Cage Muay Thai Australian champion and IKBF Commonwealth, South Pacific and Australian champion is prepping for the defence of his IWKBF heavyweight crown.
“I’m in talks with Powerplay but I’m just not sure what they’ve got in place for July,” Bradford said.
“They’re trying to bring Steve McKinnon back out of retirement, and that’s on the cards, but I don’t know that it’ll happen because Steve’s got kids now.
“There’s a guy in France, Hameur Lain Zinedine, who I could fight and I also wouldn’t mind taking on Roman Kryklia, who is No.2 in the world, and that would be a phenomenal fight, too.
“The Russians and Ukrainians are tough opponents but that’s what it’s all about.”
Bradford is eager to defend his belt in Melbourne, but will leave it in the hands of the promoters.
“I’m up for any challenge,” Bradford said.
“I’ve always stated that I’ll fight anyone, anywhere, anytime and I’ll put it in the line, no problem at all.
“I just want a good, tough international opponent that will challenge me in every way. Hopefully he’ll hit me really hard so I can hit him just as hard back.”
In the second half of the year, things will hot up for Bradford, who has attracted interest from a world-renowned promotion.
But he’s keeping his cards close to his chest.
“I can’t mention the organisation, but I could get one of the biggest fights of my career on a promotion that only a few Aussies have been lucky enough to fight on in Japan, a martial arts mecca,” Bradford said.
“That fight is in November, and in December I have been offered another world title shot with another promotion.
“I’ve got a Japanese promotion confirmed and I’m in talks with a promotion in America and another Australian promotion at the end of the year.
“So at the end of my career I’m getting the best opportunities and the highest quality opportunities in my life. It’s amazing.”