On Saturday evening at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, defending WBA Welterweight champion Adrien Broner will square off against the powerful Marcos Maidana. The clash between the two men will be the final major showdown of the year. How can Broner defeat a strong and willful fighter that is coming into this fight with a ton of confidence?
Reason #1: Ring Generalship & Boxing
Broner’s goal is to fight smart, avoid getting hit, and to control the fight from the outside of the ring. Maidana can fight aggressively against the likes Josesito Lopez and it pays off, but what about a fighter such as Broner? Broner’s lateral movements will keep Maidana chasing, as Broner whacks him with stiff jabs and uppercuts.
Broner has underrated ring generalship, ensuring that he fights his fights just the way he wants to — just ask Antonio DeMarco about that. Broner may never be the superior craftsman that “Big Brother” Floyd Mayweather is, but he has strong boxing skills, and good defense when he wants to apply himself in that direction.
Reason #2: Broner’s Speed & Athleticism
Adrien Broner’s strong attribute, and no, it’s not the hairbrush and it’s certainly not his rapping skills, is his speed and athleticism. Broner’s speed will not only keep Maidana alert and on his toes, it will keep him at bay, forcing him to fear the counter. This will tune down his aggression and enable Broner to get off first, and get away from the return fire before it’s too late.
Broner is simply too quick and athletic, and Maidana struggles against that type of fighter. If Devon Alexander was able to so easily out-box him, Broner should be able to have even more success.
Reason #3: Maidana’s Faulty Chin
Marcos Maidana is one tough son-of-a-gun. He has proven that time and time again, as he shows tremendous heart in every fight he partakes in. Yet, he has hit the canvas five times during his professional career.
Yes, he always gets up, and he seems to come back stronger than ever. But having a faulty chin, and body, and being sent down to the canvas is never a positive attribute. Especially when you’re going against a guy who has the speed to light you up the way Broner can.
What we don’t know is how Broner will respond to real adversity in the career, and what kind of chin he has. Maybe we’ll find out this Saturday night. Either way, expect Adrien Broner to emerge with his undefeated record intact.
As the saying goes, “speed kills.”
