Adrien Broner stopped Ashely Theophane in round nine of their scheduled 12-round Super Lightweight bout at the DC Armory in Washington, D.C.
Broner was in control of the bout as he landed some hard shots and had Theophane in trouble several times. Each time Theophane was able to dodge serious damage until round nine, Broner landed a body shot (replays showed the punch was low) that sent Theophane across the ring. Brone stalked and landed two more power punches and then referee stopped the bout at 1:10 of round two.
Broner, 140.4 lbs of Cincinnati, OH lost his title on the scales at Thursday’s weigh in. Broner was wanted on charges back home in Cincinnati for an alleged assault that took place in January. Broner is now 32-2 with 24 knockouts. Theophane, 140 lbs of London, England is now 39-7-1.
After the bout, Broner called out Floyd Mayweather for a potential fight.
“When people fight me, they come with their ‘A’ game, and he came with his ‘A’ game. But even his ‘A’ game wasn’t enough tonight.
“As you know, I’ve been going through a lot and for me to come in here and bottle everything up and do what I did, I want to give myself a pat on the back.”
Theophane was disappointed and didn’t agree with the stoppage.
“I thought the stoppage was premature because I thought I was in the fight. Me and Broner were going at it. It looked like he was starting to get tired because he started to move around and wasn’t able to stay there with me as much.
“I thought the fight was back and forth and I think the next four rounds would have been the same. No way should the fight have gotten stopped. It’s a shame the referee did that. I was telling the referee, ‘I’m okay, I’m okay.’ Then he waived it off. I don’t know what he was thinking.”
Broner and Mayweather, who promotes Theophane, have been engaged in a war of words throughout the promotion. Broner challenged the 11-time world champion immediately following his victory.
“I’m a man, but at the end of the day, somebody that I look up to, someone that I admire took the chance to do an interview and talk bad about me. I’m a man – Floyd has got to see me.
“I come from nothing. I’m talking about water and Cornflakes. And I would never let a man disrespect me like that. So you gotta see me. I don’t care if we’re sparring or if we’re fighting, let’s get it on.
Mayweather did not address the comments.
Robert Easter remained undefeated with a fifth round stoppage over former world champion Algenis Mendez in a scheduled 10-round Lightweight fight.
In round five, Easter landed a booming right that sent Mendez to the canvas. Mendez got up but was wobbling and his eyes were glazed and the bout was stopped at 2:43.
Easter, 133 lbs of Toledo, OH is 17-0 with 14 knockouts. Mendez, 134.2 lbs of San Juan, DR is 23-4-1.
“My performance was okay. I could have done better, but I’m happy. I got touched more than I expected. Once I settled down, I knew I was going to catch him. I had to stay patient.
“Two boxers makes for a boring fight. I wanted to go in there and brawl, but be smart. I knew when I stepped on the gas I would put him to bed and that’s what I did. He was definitely the toughest opponent I have faced in a shorter fight. He is a former champ and he came in ready.
“This was a huge opportunity for me and I’m just happy I got the knockout. For what it’s worth, I feel good…at least physically I do. I’m pretty disappointed because of the way things turned out, but boxing is a difficult sport.
“I don’t have any excuses. I’m glad that I feel fine physically, that’s the most important thing right now. Robert Easter is a good fighter, he did really well and I wish him the best in his career.”
Gervonta Davis remained perfect by stopping Guillermo Avila in round six of their scheduled of their ten round Super Featherweight bout.
In round three, Davis landed a blistering right hook that opened up a big cut under the left eye of Avila. At the end of round five, Davis dropped Avila with a right hook.
In round six, Davis opened up with heavy power shots that were highlighted by flush uppercuts that rocked Avila to the ropes and referee Michelle Myers stopped the bout at 29 seconds.
Davis, 131.2 lbs of Baltimore, MD is 15-0 with 14 knockouts. Avila, 130.6 lbs of Jamay, MEX is 15-6.
“I knew he was a strong opponent. He kept bouncing back and I actually thought he was going to get up at the end too. He is very experienced and I thank him for taking the fight. He brought out the best in me.
“There is always room to get better and better, but this is another step toward my dream. I’m happy with my performance and it is even more special to have done it where I made my pro debut, so close to home.
“I’m happy I could get this victory for my team, Floyd Mayweather and everyone that supports me.”
“We prepared really well and think we did well,” said Avila “The cut came from a head-butt which complicated the situation for me as it didn’t let me see properly from that point forward. But it is what it is -he won. He’s good, and he hits hard.
“I appreciate everyone who was supporting me and my team. This is not the end of my career. I’m young and this is the type of sport where you just have to bounce back. We’re going to move on with our head up. There’s no other choice.”
