In his hometown of Cincinnati Ohio, Adrian “the problem” Broner entered the ring in his first title shot and danced his way out of the ring with a new WBO Junior Lightweight strap.
Broner who at times tried to look a little like Floyd Mayweather Jr with his style displayed good speed and power against the overmatched Rodriguez. Rodriguez made every effort to make the fight a brawl but didn’t make it far as Broner hurt Rodriguez and sent him on his backside with a left and Rodriguez was not able to beat the count.
The 22 year Broner, is now the owner of a title belt and as he stated after the fight “the sky is the limit”. While Rodriguez may not have been the best match up that could have been made, there is plenty of time and Broner will have to face better competition in order to be considered more than a paper champion.
On the undeclared card prospect turned contender Gary Russell Jr displayed more power then most fans are used to seeing from the fast fisted Russell. Russell needed only 2:12 in the 1st round to knock out Heriberto Ruiz of Mexico. Russell would admit after the fight that he did get caught with a right early on and that while he can be exciting it’s not necessary to be reckless as well. Russell, is still young in his pro career yet he seems to be handling his level on competition with relative ease and being showcased on HBO televised status usually means your opponent is a respectable one and yet the last two televised fights for Russell were better suited for ESPN than HBO.
Also on the undercard Heavyweight prospect Deontay Wilder displayed his
Power and a fighter to watch in the coming years with a 1st round knockout of David Long. Myboxingfans was able to sit down with the talented Wilder and Wilder stated he set the goal of being undefeated with all by knockout. So far, 20 wins all by knockout. While Wilder may not have been in the ring long than 4 rounds so far in his career, Wilder stated he could go 15 rounds if need be. When asked who he wanted to fight next, Wilder stated diplomatically any of the champions but also mentioned that he heard Tyson Fury call him out. Wilder thought that would be a good fight and would be willing to face the European if and when the time came. While Americans may not have many prospects in the Heavyweight division, Wilder looks to be a bright spot, 2012 should only help boost his name and if he keeps knocking guys out, Wilder will be put in the mix of Heavyweight contenders.
It was a good night of Boxing in Cincinnati this Holiday weekend. I was able to attended fights in Pittsburgh and Cincinnati in a matter of 4 days and both venues had good local crowds. It’s nice to see local cards being supported. Hats of to the promoters for making local cards a success and for the fans that came out.
And then…
The next 3 weeks, boxing has a string of good fights. Cotto-Margarito look to end their dispute in NYC this upcoming weekend. If anyone as watched HBO 24/7, it’s compelling stuff. Madison Square Garden should be electric.
Dec. 10th Amir Khan looks to up his record as faces talented Lamont Peterson. Peterson is talented enough to beat Khan and should be a good test for both men. Finally (cross your fingers) Carl Froch and Andre Ward will finally meet in Atlantic City on Dec 17th. It also will be the finale of the Showtime Middleweight Tournament. It’s a fitting bout to end the year.
All I have to say is “tis the season”