Adrien Broner has rebuilt his stock slowly since being knocked down twice in late December 2012 by Marcos Maidana, winning three straight bouts in one-sided fashion against low-level opponents. On June 20 he's stepping up his competition for the Premier Boxing Champions series, stepping in the ring with fellow Ohioan Shawn "Showtime" Porter.
Both men are former welterweight title holders, although Porter remained a welterweight after dropping his belt to Kell Brook. Broner's transitioned to junior welterweight, and as the A-side has instituted a 145-pound catch weight, as well as a re-hydration stipulation.
Neither fighter will be allowed to weigh more than 155 pounds on fight night. Per Ring Magazine, negotiations for this fight stalled for a time because of Broner's insistence on that re-hydration clause.
The matchup is intriguing because of the style and caliber of opponent. While Broner's last three wins have been dominant, he's failed to entertain much aside from a devastating knockdown of Emmanuel Taylor in September. He's won all three bouts by unanimous decision, and hasn't scored a knockout since February 2013 over Gavin Rees.
Porter will be no easy opponent; he fights an aggressive, smothering style and has plenty of power. They share a common opponent in Paulie Malignaggi; both fought him at welterweight and Porter knocked him out in less than five rounds, while Broner struggled mightily to a split decision.
A slate of fights under the PBC banner were announced in addition to Broner vs. Porter. On Saturday June 6 on NBC Robert Guerrero will fight little-known Aron Martinez in what appears to be a get-well bout after Guerrero was beaten by Keith Thurman in the PBC's debut. Former heavyweight champion Chris Arreola, and journeyman Alfredo "El Perro" Angulo will also be on the card.
One week later Erislandy Lara will try to take veteran Delvin Rodriguez to "Cuban School" on a June 12 Spike TV card.
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