Adrien Broner: The problem with “The Problem”

boxingnews24.com

By Jermill Pennington: Adrien “The Problem” Broner (33 -2-24ko) was in the ring this past weekend Versus a formidable foe in Adrian “Tigre” Granados (18-5-2). Granados’ claim to fame is knocking off the highly touted prospect Amir Imam in what was supposed to be an easy fight for Imam. Instead, Granados ruined all plans and finished Imam in shocking fashion with an 8th round TKO victory.

With the victory Granados had surely set himself up for another fight. Meanwhile Broner who’s last time in the ring was less than memorable versus Ashley Theophane, was doing more fighting in the court room than he doing was in the ring.

Troubles with the law combined with troubles making or finding a comfortable weight, Broner found himself in need of a rebuild. Once on boxing’s fast track to stardom, it had become apparent that the problem with “The Problem,” was indeed “The Problem” himself.

Adrien Broner promised us we’d see a new Broner, a more focused and dedicated version of himself. The sentiment surrounding Broner had always been that if he’d just take the sport more seriously sky’s the limit. Broner had been notorious for his partying, joint by his imminent rap career it had become clear that Broner had far too many distraction outside the ring. Broner swore we’d seen the last of the young and immature Broner and would now see the Broner that we had all been waiting for. As the fight drew closer, red flags began to surface that maybe we were still seeing the old Broner, just saying new things.

A week out from fight the already catch weight of 142 pounds had to be readjusted to a full 147 pounds due to Broner becoming ill during training camp which enabled him from working out. This was not only unprofessional as it gets, it was downright disrespectful, not only to Granados, but to the sport itself. This not only shines light on Broner’s life style (clearly having ample time to make weight and still doesn’t) but also on the lack of guidance from his team in the gym. I have a hard time believing the guy doesn’t have a chef and a nutritionist, if he doesn’t it just further exemplifies the lack of input his team has on his up keep as a fighter. At a mere 5’6, though muscularly built, Broner should have no problem making 140 pounds, However between fights we’ve seen Broner near 180 pounds, and that’s a problem.

All that said come Saturday evening I was still excited to see who I think we can all agree is one of the most entertaining characters in boxing return to the ring. Once the ring walk began I knew that nothing had changed, we were still seeing the same ole Adrien. How’d I know you ask? Well, let’s just saying extremely poor decision making on a number of levels. 1) You’ve had constant run-ins with the law, your perception to the masses is that of an ignorant thug and you think its cool to come out wearing a ski mask? Now I’m not one to let one dummy be a representative for me, however with the climate of the country at the moment, being a bit responsible for your image I think isn’t asking too much. Secondly, and way more important is that Adrien is a father of young men.(high pitched voice) Bro, you kiddin me? You have sons, and they sit ringside and see their dad doing all kinds of “millennial” dances while wearing a freaking ski mask, absolutely unacceptable on every level! That to me is a clear lack of awareness. I want to stress how tolerant I am of ignorant entertainment, I’m totally here for many of Broner’s antics in the past such as the hair brushing which I think may be the most signature move in the sport, however the ski mask I felt was irresponsible and distasteful.

Now the fight has come and gone the census review seems to again be the same ole Broner, not enough power for the weight class, too many clinches, not enough volume, fighting an over matched opponent who seems to have won the fight only to lose a controversial decision on the cards. I for one believe that Broner narrowly pulled out the win rightfully. In my account of the fight the last two rounds basically decided the fight as I had it four rounds to four at that point. Granados had to know the fight was up for grabs, however in the end it was Broner who took those championship round and secured a victory.

So what happens to Adrien Broner from here? Seemingly at a crossroad in his career and what direction to go the time now seems to be make or break. It’s only so long we can tolerate him fighting gate keeper level competition. We all know he has no shot at any of the top guys at Welter Weight and doesn’t seem capable of making 140, so what to do? If I’m Adrien it’s time for an honest self talk and ask himself if he’s capable of maintaining 140 pounds and never getting to far from it, if not then I’d say the clear decision would be a money fight versus Manny Pacquiao. This is a clear money fight and oddly enough both guys kind of need one another at the moment. Broner would revive the excitement surrounding a Pacquiao fight giving it that big fight feeling that they use to have. For Broner the pay day combined with an outside chance of winning is a cant lose situation.

So, we’ve learned nothing new, the problem with the problem is the problem. Same fighting style and amazingly so, possibly worse judgement then we’ve seen in the past. And in the end there’s me, and in perfect accord of an addict in love, I’ll quit another day. Shamefully honest, I will be there for whomever comes next, whether it be Ashley Theophane or Pacquiao, I will be there.