Even by boxing’s lowest standards, Adrien Broner’s conduct at times has been unbearably disgusting. It’s one thing to play the role of the self-absorbed prize fighter. It’s another to turn stomachs with the vulgarity he spews over social media and the recent release of an explicit sex tape with two women.
Broner, the current WBA welterweight champion, is not only becoming a boxer you can’t root for, but someone you won’t bother to root against. Ultimately, his current image is not pay-per-view material unless it’s on some cheap porn site.
Anyone can change. Maybe that’s what Broner is trying to do in preparation for Saturday’s night’s bout against dangerous slugger Marcos Miadana in San Antonio. Showtime will televise.
Normally, a spirited trash-talker, Broner has been on his best behavior, even respectful of Maidana, the former WBA super lightweight champion from Argentina.
“We’re worried about Maidana,” Broner said. “I respect his coach; I respect him as a fighter. People say I’m being bashful, I’m being respectful. I can’t talk trash to someone who doesn’t speak English.
He’s looking at me crazy right now and I don’t know if he’s faking or not. He’s a very respectful guy so I have to respect him. But on [Saturday] I’m going to beat his [butt]. I’m going to beat his [butt] for sure. We can be friends after that.”
Broner (27-0, 22 KOs) of Cincinnati sees himself as the next Floyd Mayweather and tries to project a similar personality inside and out of the ring. But Mayweather has evolved into a businessman. He is conscious of his Money Team brand. His confidence borders arrogance and he plays up his riches, his gambling and his nightlife as the spoils of his success. Broner, 24, comes off as a wannabe, using all the wrong means and messages to get attention.
Reports are he had a recent heart-to-heart talk with Richard Schaefer, the CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, who likely mentored him on the detriment Broner’s social activities are having on his career. Let’s hope Broner pays attention. If Broner wants to be the new face of boxing, the public at least has to tolerate looking at his face.
He also must prove he is capable of handling a skilled puncher like Maidana (34-3, 31 KOs). Broner might be faster, more athletic and have better defensive skills, but Maidana has the power to end the fight with one punch.
“I’m going to hit him hard, very hard,” Maidana said. “I’ll get busy with him. I hope he’s ready because I am.”
Broner will be making the first defense of the WBA welterweight championship he won in a split decision with Paul Malignaggi at the Barclays Center last June. His only other signature win came when he defeated Antonio DeMarco for the WBC lightweight title in 2012. “I don’t even think I’ve showed all of my abilities yet,” Broner said.
Hopefully, he’s talking about his abilities in the ring and not his social escapades outside of it.
PREDICTION: Broner by decision.
NBC Sports Network will stage its latest edition of “Fight Night” from Atlantic City Saturday night from the Superstar Theatre at Resorts International Hotel and Casino. In the main event undefeated Amir Mansour (19-0, 14 KOs) of Wilmington, Del., faces Kelvin Price (14-1,
6 KOs) of Pensacola, Fla., in a 10-round matchup of heavyweights. In the co-feature: light heavyweight Ryan Coyne (21-1, 9 KOs) of St.
Louis challenges Lionell Thompson (14-2, 9 KOs) of Buffalo. Steve “USS” Cunningham of Philadelphia (25-6, 12 KOs) is on the undercard.
The telecast begins at 8 p.m. ET.
Meanwhile, former world amateur middleweight champion Ievgen Khytroy of the Ukraine makes his pro debut Wednesday night at Webster Hall in the main event promoted by Dmitriy Salita. “This guy is a such a hard puncher with a thrilling style,” Salita said. “We think Ievgen will become extremely popular in a very short time.”