Adrien Broner confirmed today that he’s decided not to retire after his ten-round unanimous decision loss last Friday night against Blair Cobbs in Hollywood, Florida.
Broner turns 35 on July 28th and has lost three out of his last six fights since 2017. It’s unclear if promoter Don King will continue to put Broner’s fights on his cards.
The former four-division world champion Broner (35-5-1, 24 KOs) posted a message on Instagram, telling his 1.2 million followers that he was sent a message from God not to retire and that he “will be back soon.”
Broner’s Reflection and Promise
AB says he’s been “doing things the wrong way,” suggesting that his training methods have held him back. However, the main issue causing Broner’s problems is his aging and lack of power, speed, and work rate to fight at a high level at welterweight.
“God sent me a message, and I see he isn’t done with me. I’ve been doing things the wrong way, tarnishing all the blessings and chances he has given 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 clearly, and I have a better understanding of myself. ‘The Problem’ will be back soon,” said Adrien Broner on Instagram.
Unfortunately, Broner lacks the physical tools to compete at 147, which will not change with additional training. He’s not capable of beating any of the contenders at welterweight.
We saw that with his loss to 34-year-old Blair Cobbs, who isn’t ranked in the top 15 at welterweight and was recently knocked out by fringe contender Alexis Rocha.
During Broner’s best years, he competed at super featherweight, and his power, size, and skills were perfect for that weight class.
When Adrien moved up to welterweight in 2013 in search of bigger paydays, his career began rapidly going downhill, with loss after loss and numerous poor performances.
Broner arguably should have an additional four defeats on his resume from his fights against Adrian Granados, Jesse Vargas, Jovanie Santiago, and Paulie Malignaggi. He would have nine losses, and he fit in the journeyman category, which he is now.
A Potential Solution: Return to Super Featherweight?
If possible, Broner needs to try to return to the 130-lb division, where his power will be more of a factor, and stay as active as possible.
It might not be possible for Broner to move back down to super featherweight because he’s gained so much weight due to his eating habits, and his body would likely resist him returning to that division.
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