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Bleacher Report - Boxing: Adrien Broner's Despicable Actions Should Overshadow His TKO Victory

Bleacher Report - Boxing
Bleacher Report - The open source sports network
Adrien Broner's Despicable Actions Should Overshadow His TKO Victory
Jul 22nd 2012, 05:47

Throughout his career thus far, Adrien Broner has shown both the skills of a champion and the showmanship of a star.

Have his antics in the ring bordered on going over the line, like when he danced right in front of Eloy Perez mid-fight? Yes, but that was part of his draw, a great fighter who was entertaining to watch.

Well, in his fight with Vicente Escobedo tonight, Broner crossed that line. Surprisingly though, he didn't even do so in the ring.

You see, on Friday, Broner weighed in three pounds over the 130 pound limit.

Now, this could have been a terrible mistake. After all, Adrien is a young fighter, and three pounds could have amounted to one mistake of a night.

On the other hand, he had been tweeting pictures of Twinkies less than a week before the weigh-in.

Still, the day of the fight, both camps agreed to weigh in again. This time, as long as Broner hadn't gained ten or more pounds, the fight goes off without a hitch.

Broner weighed in at 143.2.

What does that mean? Broner is stripped of his WBO belt, but the fight still goes on.

So why is this so despicable?

Let's count the reasons.

First, let's talk about why Broner was okay with doing this. You see, he plans on moving up a weight class soon. Hence, that belt meant nothing to him. In fact, there were hardly any repercussions from the weigh-in issues.

Second, let's talk about his opponent's weight. You see, Escobedo had been a lightweight (135 pounds) for his entire career until less than a year ago. Thus making weight at 130 was still an issue for him. So, while Escobedo's struggling to make weight, Broner is left at his ease, getting as big and strong as his heart desires.

Finally, let's talk about Escobedo's situation. You see, the 30-year-old fighter's wife just gave birth to their first baby. Could he celebrate this occasion? No, Escobedo was forced to train for the fight. A fight, mind you, in which Broner pulled the rug out from under him.

Escobedo himself described the situation best in his interview post-fight with HBO's Max Kellerman. When questioned about the fight and his family, the former US Olympian began to break down in tears before explaining his emotion with: "To be away from my family, and just to come here and not get a fair fight it's just emotional."

Would Broner have beaten Escobedo without those extra few pounds? Yes, he probably would have with his superior speed and accuracy.

Throughout his career, those traits have been hallmarks of Adrien's style, and he's used them to prove that he's a great fighter with a bright future.

Not tonight, though.

Tonight, Mr. Broner, you proved that you are a fighter that has no respect for his opponents and is willing to cut corners to win.

There is no honor in that, sir, just plain cowardice.

 

For the latest news in the world of boxing, follow me on Twitter.

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Boxing News: Broner poised to be one of the great ones if he keeps improving

Boxing News
Broner poised to be one of the great ones if he keeps improving
Jul 22nd 2012, 04:59

By Chris Williams: Adrien Broner (24-0, 20 KO’s) continues to make believers out of the doubters in the boxing world after defeating Vincente Escobedo (26-4, 15 KO’s) by a 5th round TKO on Saturday night in a fight where Broner could do nothing wrong. He opened up with both barrels in the 5th, and it [...]

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ESPN.com - Boxing: Broner stops Escobedo in 5th to remain perfect

ESPN.com - Boxing
Latest Boxing news from ESPN.com
Broner stops Escobedo in 5th to remain perfect
Jul 22nd 2012, 04:54

Adrien Broner was stripped of his WBO junior lightweight title on Friday when he weighed in more than 3 pounds overweight.

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Bleacher Report - Boxing: Adrien Broner Easily Beats Vicente Escobedo by Round 5 TKO

Bleacher Report - Boxing
Bleacher Report - The open source sports network
Adrien Broner Easily Beats Vicente Escobedo by Round 5 TKO
Jul 22nd 2012, 03:45

Adrien Broner went out of the 130-pound division in impressive fashion, beating Vincente Escobedo by TKO in Round 5.

ESPN's Dan Rafael tweeted:

 

 

As Broner beats the living crap out of bloody Escobedo in rd 5, Escobedo trainer Joel Diaz throws in towel. Utter destruction #brush#boxing

— Dan Rafael (@danrafaelespn) July 22, 2012

 

Using a tactical body assault early on, Broner (24-0, 20 knockouts) used that to his advantage, opening up Escobedo's (26-4, 15 KOs head in the fourth and fifth round. That allowed Broner to land power shot after power shot, ultimately causing the referee to stop the bout after Escobedo's corner threw in the towel.

Entering the fight at 147 pounds, Broner had a big weight advantage over Escobedo, who came into the bout at 142 pounds.

At the weigh-in Friday, Broner came in at 133.5 pounds, 3.5 pounds over the 130-pound junior lightweight limit, causing the WBO to strip Broner's belt and almost caused the bout not to take place (per RingTV)

Escobedo will still get a shot at the WBO junior lightweight title that he was supposed to get tonight despite the loss.

Broner will now make the jump to the 135-pound, lightweight division for the time being. He has as bright of future as any current boxing prospect in any weight division.

Broner entered the in ring his typical flashy fashion, having rapper Waka Flocka Flame accompanying him in his walk, rapping one of his hit songs.

Broner continued his show after the bout, when he fooled the crowd and the HBO audience that was watching on TV. During his post-fight interview he had everyone thinking he was about to propose to his current girlfriend. Instead, he asked his girlfriend to brush his hair—brushing his hair is something he does after every fight—down on one knee.

Look for Broner's antics inside and outside of the ring to continue, as he's poised to lead the sport after current fan favorites Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather are no longer active in the sport.

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Bleacher Report - Boxing: Adrien Broner Takes out Escobedo in 5 Rounds at 130

Bleacher Report - Boxing
Bleacher Report - The open source sports network
Adrien Broner Takes out Escobedo in 5 Rounds at 130
Jul 22nd 2012, 03:51

Adrien Broner (24-0, 20 KO) showed his superior skill and speed in what was being billed as his last fight at super featherweight (130 lbs) against Vicente Escobedo (26-4, 15 KO).

Broner's speed was apparent from the very beginning. He scored flashy jabs and some very powerful hooks up top and to the body.

Though Escobedo managed to get a few right jabs through, Broner's Philly shell, emulating Floyd Mayweather (43-0 26 KO), made any offense virtually null and void.

In Round 5, a powerful flurry against the ropes hurt a bewildered Escobedo badly as he bled profusely from his nose.

While Escobedo was covering up in a failed attempt to defend against the Broner onslaught, his trainer Joel Diaz threw in the towel to stop the fight.

Broner caused a bit of pre-fight controversy by not making the 130 lb weight limit. Escobedo's side threatened to back out of the fight until a financial agreement could be met.

Broner was fined, and Escobedo received an additional $120,000 to his purse.

After the fight, Broner reiterated that he had outgrown the division and called out the likes of WBC lightweight (135 lbs) king Antonio DeMarco (27-2-1, 20 KO).

 

For more Boxing news, analysis and reaction, follow me on Twitter @justindavidtate

By: TwitterButtons.com

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Bleacher Report - Boxing: Broner vs. Escobedo Results: Adrien Broner Wins Fight, but Loses Belt

Bleacher Report - Boxing
Bleacher Report - The open source sports network
Broner vs. Escobedo Results: Adrien Broner Wins Fight, but Loses Belt
Jul 22nd 2012, 03:58

As if boxing needed any more crazy, Adrien Broner happened. He won his fight against Vincente Escobedo but lost his belt due to the fact that he missed his weight.

According to ESPN.com's Dan Rafael:

Broner was stripped of his junior lightweight title at Friday's weigh-in for missing weight. He weighed in at 133.5 pounds, 3½ more than the division limit. Escobedo was 130 and will fight for the vacant belt.

Escobedo's team demanded a Saturday morning weigh-in...Broner weighed 143.2 pounds, with his camp insisting he was within the 10-pound limit of the 133.5 pounds he weighed in at Friday.

This fight almost didn't happen. Per Rafael's report, Golden Boy had to pull off some fierce negotiations with Escobedo's side to get them to consent to the fight. 

It turned out to not be a fair fight, either, as Broner destroyed Escobedo.

Per ESPN's Rafael:

As Broner beats the living crap out of bloody Escobedo in rd 5, Escobedo trainer Joel Diaz throws in towel. Utter destruction #brush #boxing

— Dan Rafael (@danrafaelespn) July 22, 2012

Emotion gets better of Escobedo as he cries during postfight interview. He got beat in unfair situation but took the $, didnt make excuses.

— Dan Rafael (@danrafaelespn) July 22, 2012

 

Then, to make matters worse on an already ridiculous night, Broner faked a proposal to his girlfriend, bending down on one knee and then pulling the rug out from under her by asking her to brush his hair. 

Black Sports Online's Robert Little was on the scene to catch this priceless gem:

Broner's chick a little salty twitter.com/BlkSportsOnlin…

— Robert Littal (@BlkSportsOnline) July 22, 2012

 

The last thing that boxing needed was another spectacle like the one Broner and his camp pulled.

You can't blame Escobedo for taking some extra cash in order to keep the fight alive, but the only thing it really accomplished in the grand scheme of things is that Broner was given a platform to behave like a buffoon.

It's also a shame that Broner's obvious talents as a boxer aren't the story of the night. Poor management allowed him to show up way overweight, and he will have a lot of work to do repairing his image after this scandal.

Tell us what you think about the weigh-in, the fight, the fake proposal or all of the above. Thanks for making Bleacher Report your source for all your boxing news, analysis and opinion.

 

Follow @JesseReed78

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Boxing News: Gesta ready for Barnett on August

Boxing News
Gesta ready for Barnett on August
Jul 22nd 2012, 04:47

By Chris Williams: Unbeaten lightweight/light welterweight contender Mercito Gesta (25-0, 13 KO’s) is ready for his 10 round bout against Ty Barnett (20-2-1, 13 KO’s) on August 3rd on Friday Night Fights at the Texas Station Casino, in Las Vegas, Nevada. This will be a great chance for the 24-year-old Gesta to show what he’s [...]

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Boxing News: Broner could replace Mayweather and Pacquiao in a year or two

Boxing News
Broner could replace Mayweather and Pacquiao in a year or two
Jul 22nd 2012, 04:31

By Scott Gilfoid: Adrien Broner (24-0, 20 KO’s) is quickly becoming a household name after making light work of Vincente Escobedo (26-4, 15 KO’s) in a 5th round stoppage on Saturday night in Cincinnati, Ohio. Broner’s body work was out of this world, and he did a number on Escobedo when he trapped him in [...]

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Boxing News: Cano defeats Perez, captures WBA interim light welterweight title

Boxing News
Cano defeats Perez, captures WBA interim light welterweight title
Jul 22nd 2012, 04:15

By Jim Dower: Pablo Cesar Cano (25-1-1, 19 KO’s) defeated WBA interim light welterweight champion Johan Perez (15-1-1, 12 KO’s) by a 7th round technical decision on Saturday night to capture the belt at the Oasis Hotel in Cancun, Mexico. The fight was halted in the 7th after Cano was badly cut by a head-butt, [...]

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Boxing News: Broner too much for Escobedo; now will be #1 WBO contender at lightweight

Boxing News
Broner too much for Escobedo; now will be #1 WBO contender at lightweight
Jul 22nd 2012, 04:01

By Scott Gilfoid: Adrien Broner (24-0, 20 KO’s) made it look too easy in bloodying and halting Vincente Escobedo (26-4, 15 KO’s) in the 5th round tonight in becoming the first fighter to ever stop the 30-year-old Escobedo. Broner went after Escobedo in the 5th and was really working him over big time when Escobedo’s [...]

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Boxing News: Joan Guzman stops Pimentel in 1st round!

Boxing News
Joan Guzman stops Pimentel in 1st round!
Jul 22nd 2012, 03:49

By Jason Kim: Former two division world champion Joan Guzman (33-0-1, 20 KO’s) kept his unbeaten record intact with a 1st round TKO win over journeyman Jorge Pimentel (25-16, 19 KO’s) on Saturday night at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, in Hollywood, Florida. Guzman, now 36, blasted the overmatched Pimental out with a [...]

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