Tonight at 8:30 p.m. ET on NBC, boxing returns to network television with a bang. Adrien "The Problem" Broner will take on a powerful slugger in John Molina Jr., while undefeated welterweight knockout artist Keith "One-Time" Thurman will face his toughest opponent yet, Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero. Fight fans can live stream the bouts free by clicking this link.
Broner was on the fast track to assuming Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s throne as boxing's most talented villain, but in late 2013 Marcos Maidana derailed it by knocking him down twice and handing him his first ever loss.
Since then, Broner has moved down to 140 pounds and won his past two fights convincingly. He's set to take on Molina Jr., who has five losses in his career and dropped his past two decisions. Broner's warned fans not to take him lightly on account of the losses, and factor in the quality opponents who have beaten him.
Molina took part in a Fight of the Year candidate last year vs. Lucas Matthysse, in which he knocked down "La Machina" twice before being knocked out himself.
"You can never judge a guy by his record. A guy can be 0-12 but all 12 losses can be by top-level fighters but just handle your business and you'll be OK," Broner said.
Prediction: Adrien Broner def. John Molina Jr. via unanimous decision.
Broner has more star power than Thurman, but it is "One-Time" whose star is currently burning brightest. He is somewhat untested in that he hasn't faced premier competition, but that hasn't been for a lack of trying.
Thurman has called out several Top 10 fighters by name, and in Guerrero he will get his wish. Guerrero is not known as pure boxer, but he's a tough pressure fighter who has been in the ring with Mayweather.
In his most recent fight, Thurman dominated the unheralded Leonard Bundu for a shutout unanimous decision win that showcased his underrated boxing ability moreso than his vaunted power. He may need to exhibit that ability again vs. Guerrero, who won't fear the knockout and will bring the fight to him.
Prediction: Keith Thurman def. Robert Guerrero via TKO (Round 10)
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