(Photo credit: Esther Lin/Showtime) By Chester Rivers: A few months ago I penned my opinion about who I thought was the top 5 fighters under the age of 25. One name that was omitted was 24 year old Adrien Broner and the readers let me hear their opinions through negative comments and replies. This Saturday December 14, 2013, young Broner will have his chance to prove me wrong against hard hitting Argentine Marcos Maidana in San Antonio, Texas.
Some of you asked me why Broner’s name was omitted. I based my opinion largely on Broner’s limited resume against true punchers. Broner has only face one true power puncher Daniel Ponce De Leon. Against De Leon many feel Broner loss the fight because he struggled with De Leon’s power and awkward style.
The biggest question this Saturday will be can Adrien Broner hold up against a bigger man with a big punch? For those of you expecting to see the Marcos Maidana who fought Devon Alexander may be in for a big surprise. Maidana has improved significantly since changing trainers. We always knew Maidana had power but trainer Robert Garcia has now improved Marcos’ boxing and defense.
Adrien Broner can be hit. This was proven during his fight with Paulie Malinaggi. Adrien won a controversial split decision with many questioning Broner’s power at welterweight. Adrien seem to only throw one or two punches at a time because of Paulie’s counter punching. Broner’s performance drew criticism from mentor Floyd Mayweather Jr. Mayweather said that Adrien needed to work on his footwork and head movement in order to move to the next level.
Mike Tyson once said ” Everyone has a plan until they get hit in the nose.” This Saturday will Broner be able to stick to the plan when he get hit in the nose? Maidana has already proven he is most dangerous when hurt. Can Broner finish him if he hurt Maidana. A true champion is not measured by who stays on their feet but can he rise after getting knocked down. On Saturday I believe Adrien Broner will get knocked down and HE WILL STAY DOWN!
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