Las Vegas Plastic Surgery
As many of my patients, friends and blog readers know, I’m a huge fan of professional boxing. As a long-time Las Vegas resident I have had the opportunity to attend a number of terrific fights. As a physician I have been blessed with the privilege and honor to offer my medical expertise at many Las Vegas bouts as a post-fight plastic surgeon. I primarily tend to fighters associated with Bob Arum’s Top Rank Boxing. It truly has been a dream come true to combine my passion for boxing with my professional experience as a plastic surgeon. I have been fortunate with every opportunity I have had, as the fighters I have worked on have all been true champions.
Timothy Bradley and Juan Manuel Marquez, the two men who will collide in the ring Saturday, October 12, at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, are examples of champions who have demonstrated excellence at their chosen sport. They have something else in common. They are the only two fighters to defeat “Fighter of the Decade” Filipino boxing star and Congressman Manny Pacquiao.
Juan Manuel Marquez, (55-6-1, 40 KO’s) is a Mexican boxing icon and four-division world champion finally defeated his nemesis Pacquiao in dramatic fashion at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas on December 8th, 2012. At the end of 6 thrilling rounds, with each fighter having been knocked down once, Marquez hit Pacquiao with a near perfect blow to the mouth while Pacquiao was moving forward. Pacquiao hit the canvas, knocked out cold. Marquez now has his sights set on something no Mexican fighter has ever done, be a champion in 5 different weight classes. (Erik Morales and Jorge Arce are the other two Mexican fighters with championships in four weight divisions.) He knows that he has a tough opponent in front of him that he was to get through first. Marquez states that he has been training hard and is in superb shape. Recently turning forty years old has not seemed to slow him down in the least.
Tim Bradley, (30-0, 12 KO’s) from Palm Springs CA, is undefeated and a two-division world champion. He is currently the WBO welterweight champion, after moving up in weight class and garnering a split decision victory over Pacquiao. It was a tough fight, including injuring his left foot and right ankle during the contest. After the fight he had to be wheeled into the post fight press conference. Many disputed the decision. Bradley used this as motivation for his next fight against the super-tough Ruslan “The Siberian Rocky” Provodnikov. This was one of the most thrilling fights of the year. It tested both fighters meddle. At the end, Tim Bradley won the fight. Both fighters won the respect of pundits and fans alike, who wanted to see more. Bradley has an incredible work ethic, and has been training hard for the contest.
The fight has all the makings of a potential fight of the year candidate. Both men like to come forward to fight, and are comfortable going toe to toe. This is what most in the crowd love to see. The men have studied each other well. Marquez is known as one of the best counterpunchers in the sport. His reputation as a crafty veteran proceeds him. Marquez also knows how to play the psychological game. Marquez has identified Bradley’s offensive style, (where he comes forward with his head), as a potential issue. Was this to potentially influence the referee, or have Bradley think about another variable come fight time?
Bradley has been known to have his head hit his opponent during his offense. Bradley says that he has been working on this since before the Pacquiao fight. Bradley stated, “We are trying to eliminate head butts. Throwing my shots before coming in with my head and then stepping in, as opposed to leaning in then throwing shots. We’ve been working on it in the gym and have been very successful with it in sparring and keeping my balance. I definitely don’t want this fight to end on a head butt.” It did not seem to be too much of an issue in his last outing against Provodnikov. He knows that he has to listen to his corner more than in his last outing so as to make the proper adjustments and not tempt fate.
The contest has two outstanding boxers in great shape with styles that make for a crowd pleasing contest. Will Bradley emerge with his perfect record intact, and then look to join the elite fighters of his time? Will Marquez continue his winning ways and continue to build his legacy as an icon? We shall see. It should be an outstanding evening of fisticuffs.
I hope that no one will need the services of a plastic surgeon after the fight.
Best wishes to both fighters. I can’t wait for Saturday night’s bell…
Jeffrey J. Roth, M.D., F.A.C.S.
(702) 450-0777www.jjrothmd.com
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