Adrien “The Problem” Broner is set to take on Mikey Garcia on July 29th at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. On Monday morning both fighters, their teams and promoters were in NYC at the Dream Hotel to talk about next month’s big time matchup which will be available on Showtime.
Broner entered the conference room in a baggy velour track suit, iced out and looking to entertain the crowd. Conversely, Garcia was more subdued and focused on fulfilling his obligation. Where have we seen this before? It is a common schtick in boxing. You heard the adage style makes fights, and that is what we have here. So much so, Showtime’s video promoting the fight offers up that very narrative.
Putting all that aside, this fight makes sense and is good for a number of reasons. It’s a payday for both men. Broner joked during the q+a he owes his baby mamas a lot of money, so he has to keep all the proceeds from this fight and can’t afford to not make weight. Both men are undefeated at 140 and below. Broner is a 4X weight class champion and Garcia is a 3X champion. Garcia is a great fighter and a bout against a top name like Broner is the next progression for him. Plus, this is a potential title eliminator fight. The winner could be next up to fight Bud Crawford, although nobody is saying that yet.
Broner has set up training camp in Colorado Springs to avoid all distractions and get back to what made him such a success in his career. He quipped:
There is nothing to do in Colorado Springs besides train and look at the mountains. I might go bowling. I train, crap, and sleep.
Say what you will about Broner, and there is a lot to say. He has experienced his struggles and many of his problems are self inflicted. He is a personality in a sport that thrives off fighters with big personalities. By all accounts he is saying the right things and looks to be taking the fight seriously. Being away from his hometown and training in the place he did early in his career when he had so much success, are good signs. Maybe the biggest factor, is Broner needs a win. In order to remain relevant and prove that he is still one of the best, he’ll have to prove it in the ring.
See video of Broner talking about his preparation and confidence level for the fight.
Flip the pages to see more video and pics from today’s presser.