There comes a moment in every fighter’s career when it’s time show who and what you’re truly about, and for Adrien Broner, that time is now. Broner finally has gotten the fight he has wanted for a long time as he battles Manny Pacquiao on Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. (Showtime PPV).
Broner, who is a four-division world champion, has a lot of talent, but has never been able to beat an elite fighter, but according to his trainer Kevin Cunningham, that will change on Saturday night.
“Preparation has been great. Camp has been tremendous. Adrien is ready to go and extremely focused for this fight,” Cunningham said on Tuesday. “He came into camp that way, and it’s stayed that way.
“We added some things this training camp because we know he’s fighting a legendary fighter. This is one that he has to have, and he realizes it. I expect a spectacular performance.
“I think on Saturday night that Adrien is going to be that guy that everyone expected him to be from day one. It will open a lot of eyes. I believe that we put the work in. I can’t see Adrien coming out of there without a victory.”
While Cunningham believes Pacquiao still has good hand speed, he believes Broner is quicker, which will help Broner in this fight.
“Pacquiao still throws combinations, but they don’t come in as fast or as sharp as they used to,” Cunningham said. “He can throw as many punches as he wants to throw, but if they’re not landing, it doesn’t mean anything.
“I think Adrien is the quicker fighter. Quickness offsets speed, all day, every day. It’s all about being quick enough to time the guy with your hand speed. It’s different than just throwing a bunch of fast punches.”
If Cunningham is right, Broner will finally get that elusive victory against an elite fighter, but if he is wrong, Broner continues to be that guy with a lot of ability.
The Showtime PPV begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature two-division world champion Badou Jack battling unbeaten top-rated contender Marcus Browne for the WBA Interim Light Heavyweight Title, former world champion Rau’shee Warren taking on France’s Nordine Oubaali for the vacant WBC Bantamweight World Championship and unbeaten WBA Interim Featherweight Champion Jhack Tepora defending against former world champion Hugo Ruiz.
Photo: Nabeel Ahmad/Premier Boxing Champions