By Chris Williams: Adrien Broner fired back on WBC lightweight champion Devin Haney after he harmlessly called him out on social media by how many fans would be willing to see them fight at catchweight.
Rather than see it as a friendly thing that would make him a lot of money, the former 4 division world champion Broner (33-4-1, 24 KOs) fired back Haney (24-0, 15 KOs) in letting him know that he doesn’t want none of this smoke. Haney has been hanging around Floyd Mayweather Jr. recently. The two were bike riding this week.
Haney floats idea of a fight against Broner
“realdevinhaney: How many people would watch us fight at a catch weight? 😈 #BronerHaney #TheDream
Broner said this on his Instagram in response to Haney’s mention of catch weight fight against him:
“A @realdevinhaney you seen me a million times, and it was all “What’s up big bro?” Now you hang with Floyd [Mayweather] for one day, and he manipulates you into being a f— n—. Stop clout chasing and master your craft before you make me #5x [division world champion]. P.S. I ain’t paid my taxes. I’m too turnt up.
“adrienbroner They trying to turn 🆎 into MJ and have me touch this kid #YallGottaRelax🤦🏾♂️#YoungN—-HaveNoRespect,” said Broner.
Earlier in Broner’s career, he looked up to Mayweather, and seemed to pattern his fighting style after him.
Broner, 31, hasn’t fought since losing a 12 round unanimous decision to Manny Pacquiao in January 2019. The scores were 116-112, 116-112, 117-111. Not long after that, Broner said he’s retired from boxing. It’s unclear if Broner is serious or not, because he can still make money as the B-side opponent for PBC fighters like Danny Garcia.
Haney hanging out with Mayweather
Some would argue that Haney has taken Broner’s place as Mayweather’s right hand man. Broner was supposed to be the next Mayweather early in his career, and some thought he would take over for Floyd as the pay-per-view king when he retired. Things didn’t work out for Broner, as he lost to Marcos Maidana in 2014, and things have gone steadily downhill for AB ever since.
At this point in Broner’s career, he’d likely be embarrassed by the 22-year-old Haney, who is fighting at a high level. If ‘The Problem’ Broner lost to Haney, it would be a clear signal that his career is done.
Thus far, Broner has been able to absorb losses to Marcos Maidana, Shawn Porter, Mikey Garcia and Manny Pacquiao without it completely destroying his career. But a loss to Haney would surely be game over for AB.