Nowadays, the best and brightest don’t always find themselves in the spotlight. In the sports and entertainment worlds, it’s seemingly more lucrative to talk a good game than to actually put forth one. How else can one explain the rise and fall of Adrien “The Problem” Broner?
A few years ago, Broner (30-2, 22 KO) was a flaming hot prospect with lightning-fast fists and concussive power. As a super featherweight (130 lbs.), Broner possessed all the physical traits to build a lasting legacy in the sport of boxing. He linked up with pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr. and some proclaimed him as heir to the throne. The problem is, while “Money’s” protégé should have been studying the immense work ethic, the perfectionist mentality and the dedication to his craft, he was blinded by the antics and the lifestyle that make Mayweather the fighter everyone loves to hate.
Broner was hitting the club circuit instead of hitting the pads. Rumors suggest he was eating (and drinking) good instead of eating right. He was so busy practicing his interviews and dance moves that he forgot to practice his defense. As the competition and weight classes got higher, Broner performances became mediocre at best.
Saturday night versus the tough-but-limited Shawn “Showtime” Porter (26-1-1, 16 KO), Broner looked downright terrible. As Porter mounted his aggressive and sloppy attacks, Broner had no answer. Instead of channeling his “Big Bro” and using movement, angles and counter-punching to pick Porter apart, Broner just held. He initiated so many headlocks, neck locks, arm bars and clenches that he would’ve been better served fighting Ken Shamrock at the Bellator MMA match at Scottrade Center. At least Shamrock had the decency to get knocked out early by Kimbo Slice to spare fans of watching two old dudes roll around on the ground for an extended period of time.
Broner was completely unprepared for Porter’s relentless style. Nothing Porter did was a surprise, so I think it’s safe to that Broner just isn’t that good. Add him to the list of fighters blessed with physical gifts who could never put it together. To make it worse, even after embarrassing losses, Broner sticks with the tired, cocky and disrespectful shtick in his interviews and on social media. After a second loss and another lackluster performance, Broner’s spotlight is going dim. I’m sure “AB” wishes now he would’ve accepted Jay Z and Roc Nation’s offer for a five year, $40 million fight deal back in January. At the time, Broner cursed at Jay (and Rihanna) and talked about how disrespected he felt at the offer. Now the only way Broner will see $40 mil in his career is if he tags along on a bank trip with Mayweather.
Ward shines in comeback
Speaking of Roc Nation, around the time Sprewell Broner was turning down big money from Jay Z, Andre Ward was opening his arms and collecting it. In his first bout in nearly two years, Ward (28-0-0, 15 KO) reclaimed his rightful place at the right hand of the pound-for-pound throne. If there’s such a thing as an anti-Broner, Ward fits the bill. Ward is humble, respectful, hard-working and might very well be the most complete fighter in the game.
Despite his lengthy absence due to a contract dispute, Ward got in the ring like nothing ever changed. He destroyed Paul Smith over 9 rounds with stiff jabs and laser-guided right hands. Ward hit his opponent whenever and however he wanted. By the time Smith tried to punch back, Ward was out of range and preparing his next attack.
For the second straight bout, the man across the ring from Ward did not make weight. Despite having a significant weight advantage, it didn’t matter. In fact, it might have worked against him. As Ward locked in, it was clear he intended to close the show. Ward not only shut out Smith, but he pummeled and pounded Smith until his corner begged for mercy by throwing in the towel.
It will be interesting to see Roc Nation’s strategy in promoting Ward’s career. At 31 years old, he’s still in his prime, but not a spring chicken. Ward is arguably the best fighter in the world but his fan base does not reflect it. After his victory, Ward discussed the possibility of moving up to light heavyweight where saliva-inducing matchups versus champions Sergey Kovalev or Adonis Stevenson lay waiting in the wings. Unless he’s able to lure knockout artist Gennady Golovkin to super middleweight, there’s no question that the big money bouts are in the 175 lb. weight class. However, money doesn’t seem to be the driving factor behind the man whose boxing nickname, S.O.G., stands for Son of God.
If Ward was willing to sit on the sidelines for nearly two years during his prime over a contract dispute, something tells me he’d have no problem biding his time at 168 lbs. until a legitimate threat emerges in his natural division. Regardless of where he fights, I’ll surely be tuning in.
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