A lot of people would love to see WBA welterweight champion Adrien "The Problem" Broner (27-0, 22 KO) defeated by anyone. It just so happens that his opponent on Saturday is Marcos "El Chino" Rene Maidana (34-3, 31 KO).
So for at least one night, Maidana will be Broner haters' favorite fighter.
Think I'm exaggerating about the widespread hate for Broner? This is just a sample of what came up when I searched "hate Broner" on Twitter:
Now that we got that established, let's get something straight. The chances of Maidana beating Broner are slim to none. He doesn't possess the hand speed or in-ring guile that is necessary to give Broner any issues.
That said, there is always a method of attack—a game plan that gives a fighter the best chance to win a fight, even if a win is highly unlikely. Here's El Chino's:
Be Poised
Broner's in-ring antics can be distracting and maddening for some—that's part of the reason he does what he does. It's the equivalent of a street basketball player who talks tons of trash. Of course, this only works if the man with the ball has game. In Broner's case, he has the skills to back up his talk.
This is what makes him dangerous, irritating and polarizing.
The Problem's trainer told Lem Satterfield of The Ring Magazine that Broner has been learning Spanish so he can talk to the Argentinian in the ring. That could get quite annoying for Maidana—especially if Broner is having success.
If Maidana is going to have a chance to be competitive in this fight, he can't be flustered or allow Broner's clowning to take him out of his game.
Be Dirty
You hate to say this is a game plan, but for Maidana in this fight, it is a necessary evil. He has the reputation of a fighter who isn't above bending the rules for an advantage. I've watched him throw hip shots and elbows and barrel in with his head from time to time.
In an article by Francisco Hernandez of Boxing News 24, Erik Morales' camp questioned whether trainer Rudy Perez was teaching Maidana dirty tactics. In any case, El Chino better add some roughhousing to his approach against Broner.
He has to give Broner something to think about in the ring. Based on physical skills alone, Maidana doesn't match up. However, if he can make it an ugly fight, he would have a better chance to have his moments.
Go to the Body Consistently
During the Paulie Malignaggi fight, Broner's body seemed vulnerable. Malignaggi didn't have the power to do much with the opportunity, but Maidana does. The biggest issue here is when a fighter commits to going to the body, he opens himself up to being countered with head shots.
That problem becomes even bigger when there is a speed advantage like the one Broner holds over Maidana.
Still, El Chino is going to have to eat some shots to put money in the bank with consistent body work. If he just does it for two rounds and then starts head hunting, it won't work. He has to stay committed to it to see the benefits later in the fight.
The Outlook
My prediction is still a Broner win by decision, but if Maidana wants to surprise us, he'll need to use the strategies mentioned above to pull off the upset.
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