By Robert Jackson: With the news that Adrien Broner will be facing WBA 147lb Champion Paulie Malignaggi next, why this move and not Amir Khan, or Lamont Peterson both available 1 weight class up at 140lb? Furthermore after only 2 fights there, Broner hasn’t cleaned out the 135lb weight class he just moved into from the 130lb division. At 135lbs, Yuri Gamboa has been calling Broner out and this writer believes that would be a makeable, great fight. 135lb Champion Richard Abril also has Broner in his sights.
Promoted by Golden Boy Promotions both Malignaggi and Broner will be in a showcase fight, but I would expect Broner to win and maybe stop the Brooklyn native. It would probably resemble Mayweather/Gatti. This would be the best case scenario for Golden Boy, who as promoters of the heir apparent to Money Mayweather would have bragging rights and the next big star. Broner’s upward mobility, flashy style and good looks could even upstage Canelo Alvarez who’s also vying to be the next great fighter.
But don’t get it wrong, Golden Boy is moving Broner up to 147lbs for a reason and as every fight historian will tell you the torch is passed by the veteran fighter taking on the up-and-comer and LOSING to him. This happened in recent times when Kostya Tszyu fought Ricky Hatton and lost passing the 140lb torch to the Englishman.
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