By Kirk Jackson
Adrien Broner is in quite the dilemma.
The self-proclaimed best fighter in the game aside from Floyd Mayweather, has to live up to his words if he plans on being successful going forward in his career.
He has a bout slated for September 6th in his home town of Cincinnati, Ohio, against an opponent yet to be announced.
Aiming to look impressive in front of his home town fans, the unknown opponent will more than likely be a guy that is overmatched and not on the same level as Broner.
Broner bounced back earlier this year in his comeback fight against junior welterweight contender Carlos Molina, on the stacked undercard of the Floyd Mayweather vs. Marcos Maidana event.
After initial difficulties, Broner dominated the fight from the 4th round on, although it’s evident some weaknesses in his style still exist.
With Molina’s constant pressure, he was able to land punches on a consistent basis, showing how hittable Broner still is. And for someone who has such a low punch volume, Broner stands in the pocket a little too much and is flat-footed at times.
Which can be frustrating to watch, given how athletic Broner is.
If the Cincinnati native wants to continue on with his triumphant return, he is going to have adjust his style of fighting in the junior welterweight and welterweight divisions.
Generously listed at 5’7,” the bigger and stronger fighters present problems for Broner if he decides to campaign at these higher weight classes.
His options vary, may also be dependent on the demand for certain match-ups and as a Golden Boy fighter, may depend on the newly renewed working relationship between Golden Boy and Top Rank Promotions.
At junior welterweight, his options may include Mauricio Herrera, Lamont Peterson, Lucas Matthysse and there’s the highly unlikely possibility of matching up against buddy Danny Garcia, who probably plans to move up in weight with his recent struggles.
Top Rank affiliates Jesse Vargas and Ruslan Provodnikov could be potential bouts.
All these match-ups present problems for Broner and he would not be heralded as a heavy favorite in any of these fights.
At welterweight, there is Devon Alexander, Keith Thurman, Kell Brook, Juan Manuel Marquez, rematch with Marcos Maidana, Shawn Porter, Amir Khan and Robert Guerrero.
Broner struggled in his two bouts at welterweight. He barely squeaked pass Paulie Malignaggi, earning a split decision victory in June of 2013.
Broner fell victim to Maidana’s pressure and power in December of 2013, suffering his first career defeat via annihilation.
That leaves Broner with a record of 1-1 at welterweight and his chances against the other guys in the division do not look too promising.
He may have to tread carefully, if he wants to continue racking up victories moving forward.
It’s easier said than done, in these stacked divisions.
Funny thing, just a year ago many people, albeit foolish, thought Broner was en route to becoming the next Floyd Mayweather.
The book is still being written in regards to Broner’s career. He has a successful career thus far and can still add to the list of growing accomplishments. But now instead of resembling a body of work similar to Mayweather, it looks more so he may end up like Zab Judah.
