‘The Problem’ just won’t go away. Four-weight champion Adrien Broner will end a two-year break from boxing when he returns against Jovanie Santiago in a 12-round super-lightweight attraction at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, on February 20.
“I can’t wait to get back into the ring. It’s been a while. This will give me a chance to display my talents and show everybody what they’ve been missing,’’ said Cincinnati’s Broner (33-4-1, 24 KOs), who was last seen losing to Manny Pacquiao on the scorecards in January 2019.
“I’ve been training and working very hard and everybody will see all of that hard work come together on February 20 on Showtime.’’
Puerto Rican pressure fighter Santiago (14-0-1, 10 KOs) will be making his US debut, two months after a first round KO of the previously unbeaten Juan Zegarra in the Dominican Republic.
“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,” said Santiago.
The Showtime Championship Boxing broadcast will also pit two-time heavyweight title challenger Dominic Breazeale (20-2, 18 KOs) against Swedish contender Otto Wallin (21-1, 14 KOs) in the 12-round co-feature.
The opening bout features former IBF lightweight champion Robert Easter Jr. (22-1-1, 14 KOs) against ex-WBSS competitor and Josh Taylor victim Ryan Martin (24-1, 14 KOs) in a 12-round super-lightweight skirmish.