FORMER four-weight world champion Adrien Broner has warned punters not to bet against him in his upcoming clash with Mikey Garcia as he aims to reach “superstar level.”
The brash American has been installed as a significant underdog for his July 29 clash with three-weight king Garcia at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
After recent struggles on the scales, Broner insists he will be able to make the 140lb limit for this fight and prove his doubters wrong.
“I’ve been in some crazy situations and I’m blessed to be here. To get a fight like this is huge. Boxing is going back to the old days where the best fight the best. Mikey is definitely one of the best out there today,” he said.
“This can take our careers to the next level. I’m taking this seriously. I’ve been training in Colorado Springs. The weight will not be a problem. This gives me a reason to make 140. I’m not paying a man to put hands on me.
“I’m training hard and I think this will be one of the best performances of my career. This will take me to the superstar level where I need to be. I heard Mikey is a big favorite – they aren’t giving me much of a chance. I hope no one puts their house against me on this fight, because it won’t work out well for you.”
Since moving to welterweight – from lightweight – in 2013, Broner’s ascension was stymied after an unimpressive win over Paulie Malignaggi was followed by an embarrassing loss to Marcos Maidana. In 2015 he was beaten by Shawn Porter before moving down to super-lightweight.
In February he outpointed Adrian Granados on a split decision but insists that a fight against some as good as Garcia – considered by many as one of the best fighters in the world – will force him to draw on all his talents.
“This fight will definitely bring the best out of me, because Mikey isn’t a sloppy fighter, he isn’t an awkward fighter. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a Mexican, but he boxes like an African American. We’re going to have a nice fight and I can’t wait to put on a show,” he said.
“When you’ve got two athletic fighters that have skills, it can only bring the best out of each other. And the cream always comes to the top.
“I’m more focused this training camp. There are so many distractions in Cincinnati or D.C. There is nothing to do in Colorado but look at the mountains and box.
“It’s going to be a great fight. Robert Garcia is a great trainer for his little brother. We’re both undefeated at 140-pounds and under. Something has to break. I want everyone to tune in on July 29. You will see a real serious Adrien Broner in the ring. It might get ugly for Mikey on July 29.”
