(Photo: Hoganphotos) By John F. McKenna (McJack): Budding superstar WBO junior lightweight champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner (23-0, 19 KO’s) will be tested Saturday night when he takes on Vincente Escobedo (26-3, 15 KO’s). The pair will clash at the US Bank Arena in Broner’s hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio.
The flashy 22 year old Broner is being hyped by many boxing observers as the new Floyd Mayeather. Broner does in fact appear to be a gifted fighter and it would seem at this stage of his career that he has the physical attributes required to make him a future force to be reckoned with in boxing. He has good boxing skills, and can fight at distance. Broner can also bang with the best of them and he has the ability to make war on the inside. He seems to excel in every aspect of the sport. To top it off Adrien has an abundance of self confidence.
Broner is heavily favored to add another notch to his gun on Saturday night, but there are some who feel that Escobedo is a significant step up in competition and will be a real test. Broner has not yet been tested against a truly elite fighter. Vincente has a good jab and throws decent combinations. Escobedo also has a good chin and has never been stopped thus far in his career.
“The Problem” however clearly has the edge in speed and power. While Escobedo is a top ranked fighter by almost anyone’s standard and appears confident it appears unlikely that he has the sufficient skills needed to hand Broner his first loss.
Broner has a great deal of flash and readily admits that along with being an aspiring boxer he is also an entertainer. He enjoys the limelight and to a large extent revels in all the attention he receives. Expectations are huge for Adrien and he has no intention of letting his quickly growing fan base down.
Fans have become familiar with Broner’s antics before and after he enters the ring. He sometimes dances during the walk from his dressing room into the ring. Once inside the ring Adrien has his ever present comb ready so that one of his corner people can comb his hair. During his fights Broner talks to his opponent, sometimes just before he delivers a KO punch.
Broner plans to move up to the lightweight division after his fight with Escobedo where he figures to capture more of the attention he craves.
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