By Kirk Jackson
Leading up to his fight with WBC Lightweight Champion Antonio Demarco, Adrien Broner said he would deliver a performance similar to Floyd Mayweather, when he faced the late Diego Corrales in their classic confrontation at junior super featherweight almost 11 years ago.
Photo: Tom Hogan/ Hogan Photos
There are many similarities between Broner and Mayweather especially at this particular point in Broner’s career and in Mayweather’s career at the time when he faced Corrales. Both Broner and Mayweather acknowledged as extremely talented boxers blessed with speed and defensive prowess, all while exuding an extremely confident persona.
Despite some of the comparable similarities, there was a different set of circumstances for Broner heading into this fight against the WBC Lightweight Champion Antonio Demarco. Moving up in weight to lightweight, many consider this fight the first major test in his young career.
For those keeping score, Broner definitely passed this test with flying colors. Easily defeating Demarco via 8th round TKO stoppage, who by the way is regarded by most critics as the best fighter in the division. It wasn’t the same demolition Mayweather administered to Corrales several years back, but it was impressive.
Showcasing an array of skills, defense, picking off punches, counter-punching, fighting close range in the pocket, accurate precision punching, landing multiple devastating upper cuts among other punches, it’s difficult to negatively critique Broner’s performance.
Even HBO Boxing Analyst Larry Merchant was impressed. “Broner was a 3 to 1 favorite heading into this fight, he looks like a 30 to 1 favorite,” said Merchant.
Here’s the problem. Who in the division can really challenge Broner going forward? No disrespect intended towards Gavin Rees, Miguel Vazquez and Ricky Burns, but I’m not certain if the current crop of lightweights can pose a serious threat to Broner.
There is quite the sea of names awaiting Broner a weight division higher at 140, guys like Danny Garcia, Brandon Rios, Amir Khan, Lucas Matthysse and Lamont Peterson. Many options available if he decides to move up again weight, but he may hold off on those plans and grow into his lightweight frame before making the move.
Broner wants to be recognized as the best fighter of his generation. It may be a little premature to acknowledge him as the best fighter out, especially with guys like Andre Ward, Nonito Donaire and many others with a firm hold on the pound for pound pantheon of greatness. But Broner definitely made a statement against Demarco, will soon be recognized as a pound for pound elite fighter if not already, and is well off on his intentions to be regarded as one of the best fighters in the world.