There hasn't been an official announcement, but Emmanuel Taylor is expected to be the opponent for Adrien Broner, who is headlining a September 6 fight card in his hometown of Cincinnati. The card will also feature Lucas Matthysse against Roberto Ortiz, and a returning Andre Berto, whose opponent hasn't been determined yet.
Taylor is a largely unknown fighter with an 18-2-0 record that includes 12 knockouts. His most famous opponent has been Chris Algieri, who defeated him by unanimous decision in February of this year. Taylor's manager Dave Price has jumped out in front of criticism of the matchup, promising a surprise for those unfamiliar with his fighter.
"The only losses suffered by Emmanuel are a controversial decision loss early in his career and second one against a previously unknown, but now current world champion in Chris Algieri. People may well wonder if he should even be in the ring with a fighter in the caliber of Adrien Broner, but we all know that styles make fights and both of Emmanuel's losses were to similar style opponents," Price said.
"Broner stylistically plays into Emmanuel's favor, so if the fans or reporters have low expectations for the fight, it will make for a very pleasant surprise."
Matthysse engaged in what might be the Fight of the Year with John Molina earlier this year, and will look to keep burnishing his knockout reputation against the undefeated Roberto Ortiz. He has 31 wins on his resume and one draw, with 24 knockouts of his own; he has never faced an opponent on Matthysse's level however.
The return of Berto could be the most interesting aspect of the card. Berto is a popular action fighter with big power. He has also dropped three of his last four fights, while another loss would likely end his chances of ever regaining his headliner status.
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