Adrien Broner (current Super lightweight world champion), set to battle London’s Ashley Theophane, was all bravado during Monday afternoon’s press conference to promote the boxers’upcoming April 1 bout at the DC Armory, hosted by Events DC.
“This is really a big fight for me”, Broner said.
Remarks about Broner's 'showmanship' during the presser were numerous and were summed up as Broner being a work in progress.
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| Adrien Broner speaks during promotion of his April 1 fight against Ashley Theopane. Photo/ CD Brown. |
Arriving an hour and a half after the scheduled 1 p.m. press conference was to begin, Broner entered the W Hotel’s rooftop Altitude room with plenty of attitude.
Joining Broner was his team that included rapper Rick (aka, The Boss) Ross. Broner and Ross, who are friends, took their seats on stage, the two resembling each other with similar chain-styled necklaces, dark sunglasses, diamond encrusted rings and seemingly matching beards.
Theophane, The Money Team's newest fighter, referred by Floyd Mayweather as “very humble”, and “very hungry” commented on Broner's lateness.
“That’s Adrien”, said Theophane. “I was here at 1 p.m. I knew he would come here late; that’s part of his showmanship. So, I expect this from him for the next month.”
The two boxers have been training hard for this moment. Theophane (39-6-1, 11 KOs) is looking to relinquish Broner (31-2, 23 KOs) of his world title. Broner admits the upcoming bout will be tough for him, and was forthcoming when speaking about Theophane.
[See Theopane: "I've watched Broner."]
[See Theopane: "I've watched Broner."]
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| Ashley Theophane addresses the media during promotional press conference for his April 1 fight against Adrien Broner. |
“I know why Ashley Theophane is coming after me; cause he got something to prove. He[‘s] gonna try come take my world title; I know he’s gonna come to fight.”
Broner reflected on how far he’s come in his career.
“A lot of people told me I wouldn’t be here, man”, Broner said.
[See Broner video, "Get him a day job."]
[See Broner video, "Get him a day job."]
“Like, I really come from nothing. Like, cereal and water nothing”, said Broner as he reflected on his humble beginnings to being mentioned alongside retired boxer Floyd Mayweather.
“For me to be as fortunate as I am, [to] looking up to somebody like Floyd.”
Broner has often been compared to Mayweather, but insists he’s following his own style.
“I don’t want to be like Floyd”, said Broner. “I don’t want to be like nobody, but I admire him for what he’s done for this sport.”
Will The Real Adrien Broner Please Stand Up?
After all, there is a fight to be promoted.
And promote, Broner did. While The Money Team (Mayweather and Theophane) and Team Broner may have admiration and respect for each other it’s still all about the business, and that business is boxing.
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| Floyd Mayweather (taking on the role ofboxing promoter (post his boxing career) addressed the media. |
After the civil remarks were made, Broner became the Broner that he is known for.
“At the end of the day, they’re not on my [expletive] side”, said Broner. “So, I gotta say [expletive] them guys.” [See Video]
As the two fighters stood staring down at each other, Broner began jabbing the air saying what he’d do to Theophane.
Said Broner, I’ll [expletive] you up, [expletive] N-word.”
Not wanting to pose any more for the cameras Broner exited the stage and said if anyone wanted him he’d be at the gym working out.
Hard work, and showmanship.
As Theophane prepares for the fight that could propel his boxing career to next level, he’s confident he can beat Broner.
“We’ve just been working on the game plan, day in and day out”, Theophane said. “He’s [Broner] been in some tough fights in the past where he’s shown his limitations, and we have to capitalize on them.”
Remarks about Broner's 'showmanship' during the presser were numerous and were summed up as Broner being a work in progress.
"We're working on him", said Barry Hunter, HeadBangers trainer and mentor to boxing brothers Anthony Peterson and Lamont Peterson.
"When you take a young guy from the city who - like he said - grew up with nothing and all of a sudden has millions, at that young age, you're going to have some problems."
"When you take a young guy from the city who - like he said - grew up with nothing and all of a sudden has millions, at that young age, you're going to have some problems."
We asked Theophane if showmanship wins fights.
“I don’t know if it does. You know, the hard work wins the fight; the hard work.”
A talent-packed night of boxing.
The April 1 card, which will be televised on Spike, doesn’t stop with Broner vs Theophane. The card will also feature former world champion Algenis Mendez (23-3-1, 13 KOs) against up-and-coming boxer Robert Easter, Jr (16-0, 13 KOs).
This fight is another stepping-stone for me towards a world title”, said Easter, Jr.
“It’s a blessing to be on a card like this and I’m very excited for the opportunity. I’m going to bring my style and true boxing skills to the ring and put on a great show."
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| Gervonta Davis addresses the media during Monday's press conference. Photo/CD Brown. |
A great show will also be expected from Mayweather Promotion's Gervonta Davis (14-0, 13 KOs) who will take on Mexico’s Guillero Avila (15-5, 12 KOs) in a 10-round super featherweight bout. Another local favorite Anthony Peterson (36-1, 24 KOs) who will go toe-to-toe with Kareem Martin (7-0-1, 3 KOs).
Also expected on the under card are Patrick Harris (8-0, 5 KOs) and Demond Nicholson (16-1, 16 KOs).
A full under card will be announced in the coming weeks, a press release stated.
"You never know who will be in the building", said Rick Ross. "I know The Boss will be."
Visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.mayweatherpromotions.com and Spike.com for ticket info and fight details.
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