As previously announced yesterday, Adrien “The Problem” Broner will return to his hometown arena following a two-year absence to headline a Showtime Boxing event on Saturday, Sept. 6 at U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio. We have more details on the card, which also features Lucas Matthysse and Andre Berto, here.
Broner will face talented young prospect Emmanuel “Tranzformer” Taylor in a 12-round super lightweight bout. In the co-main event, scheduled for 10 rounds in the same weight class, Argentine powerhouse Lucas “La Máquina” Matthysse will attempt to continue his road back to the top of the 140-pound division when he meets unbeaten Mexican slugger Roberto Ortiz.
In the opening bout of the live SHOWTIME telecast (9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT) former two-time world welterweight champion Andre Berto (28-3, 22 KO’s) will return to the ring after a one-year layoff and shoulder surgery against an opponent to be determined.
“It’s always good to fight at home,” said Broner, who, in his last bout at U.S. Bank Arena in July 2012 stopped Vicente Escobedo in five rounds.
“It’s overdue. I will not disappoint my Cincinnati fans. I’ll make sure to put up a good show for them. Taylor is a young, talented fighter, but he’s not ready to solve this ‘Problem.'”
“This is the biggest fight of my career, and I won’t let it get away from me,” said Taylor, who has raised his profile this year with a marquee win over Karim Mayfield just two weeks ago, and a close decision loss to Chris Algieri in February.
“All of those hours in the gym were for a moment like this, and I can’t wait to show the world what I can do in the ring.”
The dynamic punching Matthysse is rebuilding from his stunning decision loss in an incredible fight with Unified 140-pound champion Danny Garcia last September. Matthysse is coming off a thrilling bout against John Molina in April, one that may rank as 2014 Fight of the Year.
“The title is my only goal, and to get there, I have to beat Ortiz,” said Matthysse, who is never in a dull fight.
“I’ve heard that he’s a tough fighter, but I’m not worried about him. I just have to make sure I’m ready.”
“I respect Lucas Matthysse and know how dangerous he is, but this is my time to make a statement, and I will on Sept. 6,” said Ortiz, the highly regarded power punching Mexican.
“I see holes in his game and I think I’m the better all-around fighter. The world will see that very soon.”
“It’s been a long time and I can’t wait to get back in the ring on September 6,” said Berto.
“I feel stronger and better than ever, and I’m ready to make another run at the title. But first I have business to take care of in Cincinnati, and I’ll be looking for the knockout.”
“This doubleheader represents what Golden Boy is all about – scintillating, action-packed fights that will get fans out of their seats and clamoring for more” said Oscar De La Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions.
“Adrien Broner is a top-level talent who always elevates his game on the biggest stages, and there is never a bigger stage than in front of your hometown fans. But with speed, power and a golden opportunity, Emmanuel Taylor is a tough test. This is a life-changing fight for him, which makes him particularly dangerous. . In the co-main event, one of the hardest punchers in the game, Lucas Matthysse, will also have to dig deep to win when he fights Mexico’s Roberto Ortiz. The winner of this fight should be right in line for a title shot in 2015.”
“The September 6 edition of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING delivers big stars and dangerous fights,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports®.
“Adrien Broner and Lucas Matthysse are two of the most exciting and entertaining boxers in the sport today, and each is facing a formidable challenge. Broner’s opponent, Emmanuel Taylor, is a very talented young contender who has put together a string of impressive performances. Matthysse will be taking on Roberto Ortiz, who has steamrolled through his competition, piling up knockout after knockout en route to an undefeated record in 32 fights. Add to that the return of fan favorite Andre Berto, and you have perhaps the most action-packed tripleheader of the year.”
