Adrien Broner was set to defend his junior welterweight world title against Ashley Theopane, but after he failed to make the 140-pound weight, that won’t be happening.
The fight will go on, but there are some major consequences. Details via ESPN:
Broner was 140.4 pounds. He had two hours to lose the extra 0.4 pounds, but he never returned to the scale in an attempt to make weight. The fight will still go on with Theophane able to win the vacant title. If Broner wins, the title will remain vacant.
In order for the fight to go forward, the Broner and Theophane camps made a deal under which Broner will have to pay Theophane a portion of his purse. Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe, Theophane’s promoter, said they made a deal, but he declined to disclose the terms. Multiple sources told ESPN.com that Broner would pay Theophane $50,000.
That is a hefty price to try and save face after this blunder. After the swarm of out of the ring issues, the future doesn’t look promising for Broner. I’m still shocked that while he has arrest warrants out in Ohio, he will be fighting in Washington D.C.
Broner has promised to turn himself in after the fight. Hasn’t anyone been watching The People v. O.J.????