Via Brad Marchetti: Saturday, August 20, welterweight contender Adrien Broner will return from an 18-month layoff to face top 30 veteran Omar Figueroa Jr in a match that could make or break career of one of the two boxers. Broner vs Figueroa odds for round 12 from Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida have been widely regarded by Broner as a favorite -200 with 80 action favorites.
Figueroa, 28-2-1, 19 KOs, was defeated by Ko6 in his last match against Abel Ramos and is in a must-win to stay fit. Floyd Mayweather protege Broner, 34-4-1, 24 KOs, didn’t live up to expectations as a professional but was able to take a decisive win as a craftsman in his final bout against the competition. Jovanie Santiago painting.
Adrien “The Problem” The biggest problem of Broner’s career lies with himself, will he be able to put together another quality performance by the end of his career? Figueroa’s best victories are against famous boxers who are usually in the hills, will he be able to find a veteran as smart as Broner?
Brandon Figueroa – Profile
Strengths: “Panterita” equips a 5’7 1/2 long weapon with a 73 range. A man who is durable and has a good punch to the head. Good air conditioning with larger than usual fuel tank. His clumsy style and constantly crafty moves make him tough against time with just one hit. Throw multiple skins to try to impose your will on your opponent.
Scary fighter that can flatten those who can’t fight in the kitchen. Uppercuts are his best weapon, using them as mini-axes in close quarters. Battles are mostly head-to-head but can be fought with Southpaw, delivering punches from difficult angles. The experienced award-winning player held the WBC lightweight belt on two defenses before moving up to jr. welding weight.
Weaknesses: A bit small for the welterweight class without a lot of power for a top level boxer. Legendary trainer Angelo Dundee once said that “The smaller the move, the better” means that small defensive moves are better than big moves.
Figueroa’s style is filled with unnecessary defensive moves that limit his ability to position and score. Excessive defensive moves also caused the Texans to take their own punches. Coming from a family that fights and puts his heart into his sleeve for better or for worse, often bickering over when he would be better served to the box.
Adrien Broner – Profile
Strengths: Fast twitch athlete with a lithe style like his idol Mayweather. The boxer is larger than his mentor “Money” and physically a bit stronger at around 157-158 Lbs. on the night of the battle. A slick boxer with added foresight, hand placement and use of the bar. Being able to fight at different distances gives him versatility in different styles. The puncher counters well, especially with a leveraged check from a wide stance.
Go into body with authority and agility to best counterattack at mid-range against slower opponents. An above-average chin with a tough look from the streets of Cincinnati, Ohio. Know how to end a performance when an opponent is injured. Bring power to the end of the match. A talented general can be considered a knowledgeable old general even though he is only 32 years old.
Weaknesses: Short for welding weights at 5’6 1/2″ with questionable concentration and training habits. Can be hammered upwards in temples because of low and reduced hand position Reflexes Excessive footfights often expose yourself to glove punches to the head and up the middle of the solar plexus Use the jab more as a range finder than a tool effective attack.
Punch volume is poor for a top level contender. A slow starter often gives away rings early trying to get rid of ring rust. With millions in the bank and options beyond boxing, his determination to win is questionable.
Combat options: Broner passed unanimous decision 115-113
