Adrien "The Problem" Broner, boxing's most controversial star besides his mentor Floyd Mayweather Jr., is going to headline a PBC on NBC promotion this June in an all-Ohio showdown with Cleveland's own Shawn "Showtime" Porter, a former welterweight titlist just like Broner.
Porter represents the best opponent Broner will have shared the ring with since a late 2013 loss to Marcos Maidana that not only cost Broner his belt, but sent him down a weight class. Broner retreated to junior weltwerweight and has since won three consecutive unanimous decisions against lesser competition. Porter represents a step up, but the fight will be contested at a 145-pound catch weight, and their contract stipulates neither fighter may enter the ring on fight night at more than 155 pounds.
Even after being knocked down twice by Maidana, Broner never lost his confidence. Ahead of this fight vs. Porter, a defining one for his career, Broner's bragging hasn't ceased.
"It's time for AB on NBC and I can't wait for the opportunity," Broner said. "This is a great fight that the fans wanted and I wanted. I'm going to come prepared and I'm going to put on a show. I've never lost at MGM Grand and I don't plan on starting now. Porter is a strong guy but he's never been in the ring with someone like me."
Broner is convinced he will be boxing's next superstar, but a vast swath of boxing observers aren't so sure. Broner has easily outclasse B-level fighters such as Emmanuel Taylor, or the powerful, and one-dimensional, John Molina Jr., but struggled or lost to championship-caliber opposition like Maidana and Paulie Malignaggi.
Porter, a former champion, demolished Malignaggi and fought a competitive 12 rounds against undefeated IBF champion Kell Brook. Broner will have to deal with relentless pressure again, and could be in trouble if he reverts to his ultra-defensive reaction to pressure and stops throwing punches.
[ESPN]
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