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James Slater – I think most fight fans are in agreement right now: it will take a formidable 140-pound fighter to test, much less defeat, blossoming superstar Adrien Broner. Scotland’s reigning WBO lightweight champ (and soon to be IBF title challenger) Ricky Burns disagrees, naturally, but is there really a 135-pounder capable of clipping “The Problem’s” wings?
Broner was expected to be too much for Welshman Gavin Rees last night in Atlantic City, and the formbook was obeyed (despite the sheer heart and guts “The Rock” showed!). But how special a talent does the unbeaten 23-year-old look! His hand speed is amazing, Broner’s power and accuracy aren’t far behind and, to make things worse for any of his opponents, Broner has such a varied number of wicked punches in his arsenal – left hooks, right hooks, uppercuts from either hand, particularly his right, right hand leads and body shots. Broner seems to have it all.
What this latest Cincinnati Cobra has in his future is one huge selection of would-be super-fights!
A Burns showdown would be a major attraction, especially if Burns can add the IBF belt to his WBO by defeating Mexican string been Miguel Vazquez next month. But there is precious little else for Broner at the weight – unless Cuban sensation Yuriorkis Gamboa can relocate his top form and persuade his promoters to land him the fight. The really big match-ups, the testing fights that promise to bring out the best in the “Floyd Mayweather Junior clone” will come at 140 and maybe beyond.
Just look at some of the utterly mouth-watering match-ups Broner could soon be in in the coming months:
Broner-Amir Khan. Not much chance of happening, but you never know. And what a clash of speedsters this one would be. With Khan’s suspect chin, however, Broner would likely power his way to another eye-catching win should this one take place. Still, it sure would be interesting seeing Broner in there with a fighter as fast as he is; in the hand speed department anyway.
Broner-Danny Garcia. Garcia is the top dog at 140 right now and if he can do away with Zab Judah in April, a fight between he and Broner would be massive. The small-for-the-weight Rees was able to tag Broner with some hooks upstairs last night, and it would be interesting to see how “The Problem” would cope if tagged by “Swift’s” left hook.
Broner-Lucas Matthysse. Now, if you really want to see Broner’s chin tested! The current hardest hitter at 140, Mattysse can take down anyone – if he can land cleanly, that is. How would Broner’s defensive prowess serve him if he fought the Argentine banger? This showdown would be a definitive “don’t blink” affair.
Broner-Brandon Rios. Bad Boy Vs. Bad Boy! Just imagine the trash talk-dominated build-up to this one. Then would come the ring action itself. Rios loves to rumble and against Broner or anyone else “Bam Bam” would never dream of backing down. This fight could well prove the most physically demanding of Broner’s career. And of Rios’ come to that.
Yes, the future sure looks thrilling for Broner; the main problem promises to be getting all these great fights signed, sealed and delivered.
