Four-division world champion Adrien Broner suffered a huge setback in his comeback to the throne when he was outpointed by Blair Cobbs at the weekend, seemingly ending any chance of a return to the world titles. Just days after the defeat, Broner has made a decision on his future in the sport.
Broner made his ring return last June where he won a comfortable unanimous-decision against Bill Hutchinson and after 12 months away from the squared circle, ‘AB’ stepped through the ropes to fight fellow American welterweight Blair Cobbs in Hollywood. However, after being knocked down in the second-round and having his tooth knocked out, Broner was rightfully declared the loser.
During the aftermath, Broner was quick to reveal that he was fighting with a fractured elbow and a torn shoulder. Although, whether he would choose to continue to fight the uphill battle to return to the peak of the division or walk away from the sport after an impressive career remained to be seen.
On Instagram, Broner confirmed that he would not be hanging up the gloves and declared that ‘The Problem’ will be back.
“God sent me a message and I see he isn’t done with me I’ve been doing things the wrong way and tarnishing all the blessings and chances he has been giving me I’ve made my mind up and I’m taking full advantage of this opportunity he is giving me today I see everything more clear and I have a better understanding with myself “The Problem” will be back soon!!!!!!!!! #AboutBillions🆎”
Of all of the divisions, welterweight seems to be the place to be if Broner is ever going to pick up a world title, with Terence Crawford’s move to super-welterweight meaning that each of the WBC, WBO and WBA titles are expected to become vacant imminently as Crawford’s previously undisputed crown continues to be fragmented.
At 147lbs, Broner’s name alone is sure to be able to still secure him major fights in the division, even if his positioning in the rankings is not. Currently, the likes of Conor Benn could be tempted into a showdown with Broner, as Benn seeks a big name on his résumé to raise his superstardom in both the United States and back home in the United Kingdom.
Benn has called for Broner’s name in the past after receiving messages from the American in the past and Benn’s poor performances in his last two outings, as well as his world number two ranking with the WBC could provide Broner with the perfect route to a world title but the damage done to Broner’s image from the defeat to Cobbs could prove costly.
Before the Cobbs fight, Broner was ranked at #14 with the WBC and #10 with the WBA but he is likely to lose that position now, with Cobbs entering their contest unranked with any of the sanctioning bodies.
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