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For the first time in years, Adrien Broner is thinking big picture in his boxing career.
The former four-division titlist is still on the hunt for an opponent to face atop a Feb. 13 Showtime-televised tripleheader. The date remains in place for Cincinnati’s Broner, who has trained through Thanksgiving and the year-end holidays with the intention of not just returning to the ring but remaining a constant presence.
“I’m gonna try to fight three times this year,” Broner insisted during the most recent segment of Last Stand Podcast with Brian Custer. “Right now my weight is low, I can make [140-pounds] next week. I see myself champion again at 140.”
Broner (33-4-1, 24KOs) has not fought since a 12-round decision defeat to legendary eight-division titlist Manny Pacquiao in Jan. 2019. Regarding his ambitious future, skeptics will quickly point out that Broner’s last three fights cover a span of 3 ½ years dating back to a July 2017 points loss to then-unbeaten Mikey Garcia.
In fact, it’s been nearly four years since the last time Broner saw his hand raised in victory. That moment came in a 10-round split decision win over Adrian Granados in a Feb. 2017 homecoming at Cintas Center on the campus of Xavier University in Cincinnati. Since then, Broner suffered aforementioned defeats to Garcia and Pacquiao, with a 12-round draw versus Jessie Vargas in April 2018 wedged in between the two.
Of course, the last several years have also been spent wrestling demons. Broner has never been shy about flaunting his partying lifestyle, although that has come to an end. The 31-year old gave up alcohol several months ago and has since reunited with his old head trainer Mike Stafford. The two have since taken their talents to South Florida, where Broner has endured a rigorous training camp along with longtime stablemates Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis, Robert Easter Jr. and Rau’shee Warren.
Recent videos and photos bear witness to a slimmer and fitter Broner, who has lost nearly 40 pounds since entering training camp as he remains focused on conquering the 140-pound division. That journey begins with his next fight in February, with expectations of a fifth title reign and restoration as one of the sport’s leading attractions by year’s end.
“I definitely believe you will see in a Pay-Per-View fight this year,” believes Broner, whose Jan. ’19 Showtime PPV headliner with Pacquiao sold 400,000 units. “I will look good. After this next fight, everyone will know that Twin is back. The way I’m feeling and the way I’m looking right now in sparring, [a major title will come] probably by my next fight.”
Jake Donovan is a senior writer for BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox