Despite thinking the problem had disappeared, it has resurfaced in the form of Adrien Broner, causing chaos in the welterweight division. Tonight, Broner will be fighting at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, live on Triller TV, as part of the ‘Fists of Fury’ bill. It seems like Broner may have fallen from grace, especially with the humorous question on Don King’s fight poster about whether Broner will even show up to fight. However, Broner is determined to work towards another world title opportunity and plans to dedicate any title he wins to his late career coach, Mike Stafford, who passed away in 2023.
At a press conference with Broner, King, and Cobbs, there were moments of light-hearted entertainment. Surprisingly, Broner made candid admissions about alleged violent activities, which may have been strategic or simply to intimidate Cobbs. Broner, once expected to follow in Mayweather’s footsteps, is now in a promotional partnership with King, focusing on delivering one fight per year.
The bout has been framed around journeys, with Broner’s quest for a world title or relevancy and Cobbs’ comeback after nearly two years out of the ring. The WBC has created a “People’s Championship” for the winner, although the identity of these “people” is unknown.
Once considered in the same league as Crawford and Spence Jr., Broner has faced Pacquiao, Garcia, and Porter. Despite being seen as an underachiever compared to early predictions, Broner has become a four-weight champion. However, he is displeased with how titles are currently being distributed in the sport.
Adrien Broner
“The way this boxing stuff goes, you never know what’s going to happen. They’re just giving out world titles. They’re going to give one of these YouTubers a title. I tip my hat to Errol Spence and Terrance Crawford; they’re doing their thing.
“Like I said before, my main focus is to become a world champion. All my life, I just wanted to be a world champion, and every time I won one, I cried tears. I’m pretty sure I’ll do the same thing when I win one again,” said Broner.
As for opponent Cobbs, the Las Vegas resident is seeking to reinvent himself after a spell with Golden Boy Promotions and the aforementioned ring absence.
Blair Cobbs (Getty Images)
Last seen defeating Maurice Hooker in 2022, ‘The Flair’ is prepared for things to take a turn for the strange and believes Adrien will need to adjust to the fact that he is not the craziest cat in the ring.
“He has to adapt because there is someone in his midst that has a bigger and stronger personality and energy,” explained Cobbs.
“Honestly, I’m just having a good time – I’m having a ball. I don’t think anything’s gotten too personal, and it’s kind of hard to get too personal. I’m a clown, he’s a clown, and that’s how we get down.”
The Don King undercard -in association with Kris Lawrence- hosts some potentially entertaining scraps, including Michael Hunter, who is looking to get his career back on track, against once-beaten Cassius Chaney, who defeated Trevor Bryan last time out.
Former cruiserweight world champion Yuniel Dorticos and middleweight contender Ian Green also feature. In a battle of unbeaten Antonios, Antonio Perez (9-0) boxes Antonio Williams (16-0-1) for a couple of regional belts.