Broner puts his belt on the line against Theophane in what many see as a one-sided defense at the DC Armory in Washington DC. ‘The Problem’ is a massive favorite to retain his title for the first time and was full of confidence at the kick-off press conference as Theophane’s mentor Floyd Mayweather watched on.
“A lot of people told me I wouldn’t be here. I come from nothing. Like cereal and water nothing,” said Broner.
“I’m very fortunate to have someone like Floyd to look up to. I don’t want to be like Floyd though, I don’t want to be like any man. I admire him and respect him, but I’m creating my legacy.
“At the end of the day, Floyd and Ashley aren’t on my side. I’m against them. They’re coming to dethrone me. They’re my enemy right now and I’m going to beat Ashley down.
“There’s nothing Floyd can teach [Theophane]. At the end of the day, it all goes out the window. The trainers and entourage can’t help. They can’t help Ashley Theophane.
“I want everyone to come out. Big brother Floyd Mayweather is gone, everyone else is too boring, so I’m taking over the sport.”
At just 26 years old, Broner has packed an awful lot into his 33-fight career having won or challenged for championships in four separate weight classes. Losses to Shawn Porter and Marcos Maidana are largely seen as the Ohio man running before he could walk at the higher welterweight limit and the general consensus is that Broner would be undefeated if he’d have stayed on a slower rise through the divisions.
An expected win over Theophane could open the door to a potential unification with Viktor Postol or Terence Crawford in the summer as Broner looks to make his mark at 140 before once again moving up to 147.
