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Adrien Broner Returns To Boxing This Weekend

Posted byBy Rhett Butler | Published on: CommentsComments (0)

“The Problem” is back.

Former four-division world champion, Adrien Broner ends his two-year hiatus from boxing against Jovanie Santiago this Saturday, February 20.

The Premier Boxing Champions event will be live on SHOWTIME from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.

“I can’t wait to get back into the ring. It’s been a while, ” said Broner. “This will give me a chance to display my talents and show everybody what they’ve been missing,’’ Broner said. I’ve been training and working very hard and everybody will see all of that hard work come together on February 20.’’

Hailing from Cincinnati, Broner’s (33-4-1, 24 KOs), personality has been selling more than his athletics the last few years. Although initially he rose to prominence by combining supreme boxing with a brash outspoken personality.

By the age of 26, he had captured world titles at 130, 135, 140 and 147 pounds, becoming one of only eight active fighters to win a world championship in four divisions.

Broner has faced several multi-division world champions such as Paulie Malignaggi, Marcos Maidana, Mikey Garcia, Jessie Vargas and Manny Pacquiao. Broner now returns to the super lightweight division where he dominated Khabib Allakhverdiev to win a 140-pound title in 2015.

“February 20 is going to be an exciting night with the return of Adrien Broner, one of boxing’s ‘must see’ attractions,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc.

“A former world champion in four weight classes, Adrien remains one of the sport’s most popular and well-known athletes.

However, with he last three outings against Mikey Garcia, Jesse Vargas, and Manny Pacquiao yielding a disappointing loss-draw-loss, respectively, many have questioned Broner’s hunger for the fight game.

“There is no question that Adrien Broner is a bona fide boxing attraction and he’s never in a boring fight. His credentials as a four-division world champion are unquestioned. It’s good to see him back and ready to go,’’ said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions.

Hailing from Dorado, Puerto Rico, the undefeated Santiago (14-0-1, 10 KOs) will make his stateside debut against Broner.

Santiago is just two months removed from a dominating first-round knockout victory over then-unbeaten Juan Zegarra in the Dominican Republic. In 2017, Santiago defeated former super lightweight world champion DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley via unanimous decision, marking the only time he has allowed his opponent to go the distance since 2015.

Known for his come-forward style, Santiago has campaigned at 140 pounds for the majority of his career and ascended to 14th in the WBA’s super lightweight rankings.

“I’m very excited about the opportunity to step into the ring against Adrien Broner. I believe our styles are perfect for each other. But I feel like I have the skills that are necessary to beat him. I just fought a couple months ago so I feel good with the way my training has gone. I’m going to shock everyone on February 20.”

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast also pits former heavyweight world title challenger Dominic Breazeale against highly touted contender Otto Wallin in the 12-round co-feature.

The show opens with former world champion Robert Easter Jr. facing off against contender Ryan Martin in a 12-round super lightweight bout.

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