Broner Arrested for Battery

World Lightweight champion Adrien Broner was arrested on Monday in Miami for Battery.

Broner allegedly bit a security guard while trying to break up a fight. Broner was released on $1500 bail

“It was just a misunderstanding,” Broner told ESPN.com. “They thought it was this big fight, but it wasn’t. And I didn’t throw a punch. It’s OK. I’m OK.”

Here’s The Problem

This is how Saturday ended after Adrien “The Problem” Broner defeated Gavin Rees by corner stoppage in the fifth round.

Max Kellerman: “You beat the hell out of him, would you like to see, and comment, some?”
The Problem: “I mean, everybody knows sex sells. I’m pretty. I want to keep seeing myself on TV.”

Max Kellerman: “And then in round 5?”
The Problem: “Man, I cooked him. He was underwater like a neckbone.”

Max Kellerman: “What’s your best shot?”
The Problem: “Um, my best shot is when I take a picture. Somebody take a picture of me.”

Very good writing happened last week, with Adrien Broner as its subject. Much of it, though, thinned as it progressed, both gaining and losing animus as it applied itself to the chore of Broner’s excavation. Some of it craftily ended with a shrug, other of it marched towards a preordained conclusion, a tariff for what exhaustive access brought an exhausted broadcast, Saturday, once Broner finally did the one thing he is good at, which is fighting. His prefight appearances on camera betrayed a boredom with his own shtick, a boredom arrived at him prematurely as forehead wrinkles. His previous events were preceded and succeeded, immediately, by a self-consumption that betrayed either lunacy or immaturity. If it was lunacy, “The Problem” is cured; if it was immaturity, he is now aged. Broner is not fascinated by Broner any longer – which is one attribute of Floyd Mayweather’s, a genuinely childlike enthusiasm at his own voice amplifying clichés, Broner has not borrowed.

It is not possible a person adept at interpreting the rhythms of other men’s physiques as Broner is does not sense his inquisitors’ growing boredom, and the audience boredom it anticipates. Sycophants’ overwrought mirth convinces no one, finally, and sends natural showmen to the reservoir of their own emotions. But in this sense Broner is akin to the retreaded recording characters hip-hop cynically grinded out after Dr. Dre’s solo album in 1992, guys who rapped, effectively, about how much they wanted to be like other, better guys, rappers passable in the compulsory round – rims, guns, hoes – but bereft of material for the freestyle round, the meaningful one, and ignorant of how much stock even the naivest listener placed in an element of discovery.

Broner, too, confronts an audience conundrum hip-hop’s now-anonymous laggards did not. The Mayweather shtick of which Broner is already tired was not created for aficionados; it was invented years later to capture a millionth pay-per viewer. Mayweather already had aficionados’ esteem, begrudging as it was – for retiring in only his 18th prizefight Genaro Hernandez, for dropping Diego Corrales five times, for granting Jose Luis Castillo an immediate rematch – when he later invented “Money May,” a rapacious character designed to capture revenue by fulfilling stereotypes to provoke strong reactions, beggaring what shallow plots action movies provide.

Aficionados do not go for this. They generally compose an older, smarter set enchanted by violent competition, not special effects. They make ethnic identifications but care little for biography because their identities are settled, and because they’ve been force-fed the same “boxing saved him from the streets” script often enough to know fewer than one in a 100 kids from the streets can fight a lick – rendering such biographical tidbits useless to someone thoughtfully hoping to understanding an athlete whose prowess he admires.

Mayweather had a supporting cast Broner does not yet have; a crazy dad, a crazier uncle, charismatic and accomplished opponents like Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton, and an innovative set of producers at HBO who knew more about creating documentaries than they didn’t know about boxing. Broner has a hairbrush.

He also has a hell of an idea what he is doing in a boxing ring, and while he is not quite the beast he appeared across from tiny Gavin Rees, he is good a fighter as the world has under 147 pounds. He changes men, professional fighting men, from aggressors to targets. By round 4, Saturday, he made Rees do the very thing Antonio Demarco did in his own fourth round with Broner in November: Nervously rest his head someplace Broner’s right fist couldn’t help but find it. As noticed by analyst Lee Wylie, whose deconstructions of boxing’s language are consistently excellent, Broner’s left hook, whether leading or checking, is now among the most formidable punches in prizefighting. It makes rugged men look for refuge inside it – Demarco set his head against Broner’s right glove, Rees occasionally tried Broner’s left elbow – which is the place Broner wants them, and from which he snuffs their fighting spirits.

There is nothing Broner does so well as fight, and he should stop permitting others to ask him to do more than that. Broner is now told, by folks too inexperienced to know better, he should capture aficionados with a formula invented for casual fans, to whose heights a prizefighter does not build without a sturdy and committed foundation. Thoughtless as his detractors may imagine him, Broner does sense this. The very reflex that tells him to rock away from an opponent’s right hand in the first round but step into the same punch in the fourth is one that told him to end things Saturday just as Max Kellerman crashed their postfight interview into a monitor of highlighted knockdowns. Everything about Kellerman’s comportment told Broner the episode was a flop, and better to end it. He didn’t, and discomfited sighs everywhere else were the result.

It is time for an imagined slight of some kind to make Broner stop talking. The best thing Mayweather did after the way he finished the FaceLube spokesman, in 2011, was refuse to talk about it, subsequently bending a sucker punch into a dark bit of strategizing. To the myriad of things Broner borrows from Mayweather, he should now add silence.

Bart Barry can be reached at bart.barrys.email (at) gmail.com

ADRIEN BRONER, GAVIN REES, NIKOLA SJEKLOCA AND SAKIO BIKA ATLANTIC CITY MEDIA ROUNDTABLE QUOTES

ADRIEN BRONER, WBC Lightweight World Champion

“It’s not a gimmick. It’s not fake. It’s not a game. I don’t put on a show for the cameras. You might take it as an act, but this is just me.

“Antonio DeMarco is a hell of a guy. He has a nice spirit. When we fought, there wasn’t any trash talking. This guy [Rees] comes in talking trash. People think that I’m playing [games], but I’m serious. I don’t know Gavin. I don’t even know his name. I don’t know if he’s playing. I just know I’m not.

“I don’t know this guy’s name, but he can probably tell you my middle name.

“I motivate myself. It doesn’t matter if I’m by myself or if there are 100 people around. I’m going to train my heart out.

“I’m always motivated and it isn’t about the money. I know that’s going to be there. I’m worried about my legacy. I want to be the best boxer ever. That’s why I do things that people haven’t done before.

“Watching tape is useless. You can watch me fight a million times and [when you get in the ring with me] you’ll say ‘He isn’t doing the things I saw before.’ When you’re looking over a fence, the grass looks green and when you get inside that fence, it’s brown as hell.

“Saturday night is going to be fun. I’ve been boxing for so long. I’ve seen so many styles. It takes me a round or two to adjust to a certain style. You never know what your opponent will bring to the table. People think I’m overlooking this guy, but I respect every boxer 110 percent.

“Everyone that’s fighting me knows what they are going up against. I’m the best boxer of this era.

“I’m a professional entertainer as well. I love to entertain. I love to put on a show. I’m a legal bank robber. The way I make these fights look, you don’t think I’m robbing a bank? It’s easy money.

“I know people don’t take me seriously sometimes. I was always told that if everybody likes you, then somebody’s lying. You’re going to have people that like you and some people that dislike you.

“I am going to do whatever I have to do to get the victory. I can take it to whatever level.

“If I have to take a shot to give three, I’ll do it. Name somebody who can hit me three times with a significant shot.”

GAVIN REES, Former World Champion

“I need to outwork him, out point him and make a big statement when I knock him out.

“It isn’t really personal. I’m quite calm and he disrespected me a little bit at the press conference. He [Broner] gave it to me and I gave it back to him a little bit. It’s just the type of character that he is.

“I want to give him [Broner] a smack in the mouth, but I’ll wait for Saturday night.

“We have fans coming over [from Wales]. By the end of the night, I think all of the fans will appreciate my skills and talent when I beat the next big thing in boxing.

“My dad worked in the mines when I was a young boy. He is a steal worker now. No one in my family is a boxer except for me.

“I lost six fights as an amateur. I turned pro at the age of 18, so I’ve lost seven fights in 23 years of boxing which isn’t too bad.

“Of course I’ve watched tapes of Broner. Some of his tactics he used against his opponents are baffling. He picked them apart. I’ll make sure there is movement in this fight and that he doesn’t have the opportunity to do to me what he did to them.

“He tries to get in your head and when DeMarco got in the ring, he lost his game plan.

“People keep asking me if he is the best guy I’ve ever fought. On paper he is, but we’ll determine that on Saturday night only after being the ring with him.”

NIKOLA SJEKLOCA, Undefeated Number One Rated Super Middleweight Contender

“I know that he [Bika] is very strong. I saw it online and on television. He can hit very hard. I don’t think he’s good technically.

“I think I have a lot of things to show [in the ring].

“My tactic is to box technically all the time.

“This is my first professional fight in the United States. I boxed in an amateur world championship fight in 1999.

“I only think about boxing. My expectations for this fight are huge.

“I watch tape. I’ve seen Sakio Bika fight. So has my coach. We have a game plan for him.”

SAKIO BIKA, Number Two Rated Super Middleweight Contender

“I have my new trainer, Kevin Cunningham. We’re working on different strategies. We’re working to beat this guy.

“I can win on a knockout to make people happy

“I have been boxing since I was seven or eight.

“For me, we learned a lot from that fight [against Jean Mendy in 2010]. That was the past and this is the present. Every single day you learn.

“I don’t want to do anything too crazy or rushed in this fight. I want to take my time.

“Everything we are working on, we need to bring it on Saturday night.”

# # #

Tickets priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes and service charges, are available for purchase at the Boardwalk Hall box office, by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 736-1420 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

ADRIEN BRONER VS. GAVIN REES FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Adrien Broner, WBC Lightweight World Champion

“What can I say? I’m 23 [years old]. I’m young and I’m getting it.

“I don’t underestimate him [Rees]. If we stood face-to-face, I probably couldn’t see him, but I respect him as a fighter.

“I respect every fighter because only a boxer knows what we go through once we get into that ring.

“Training camp was great. We don’t watch tape. I’ve never seen him [Rees] fight before.

“They took away my Twinkies during this camp. [Referring to Hostess going out of business.]

“He [Rees] is a former champion at light welterweight. He’s coming down in weight so he is used to getting hit by strong fighters.

“I am not about to miss the boulder on this man’s shoulders. He is going to be there all night or until I put him to sleep.

“We are going to be eating ice cream in no time.

“This is going to be a fun year for me. I’m not looking past this fight, but I’m ready to fight whoever. We’re going to take care of business Saturday night.

“To this day, right now, I could literally leave boxing and be like, ‘I did more than anybody in my family ever did.’ I could provide for my kids and my family, but I’m not going to settle for that. I’m trying to be the best boxer to ever lace up a pair of gloves. That’s my goal.

“I have my own legacy. Everybody has their own legacy. Who knows? Maybe I go all the way up to 154 and win a championship. I know I could do it.

“Put your glasses on because I am going to shine [Saturday night]. Hook, right, goodnight.”

Gavin Rees, Former World Champion

“I’m going to knock this [expletive] out Saturday night and I can’t wait.

“His attitude stinks man. He shows fighters no respect, but he hasn’t even earned the right to do that. What has he done? I’ve been in the States for five weeks now and American boxing fans don’t like him. They tell me they hope I beat him and shut him up. I think he acts like a fool for no reason and no one really likes that.

“Who has he fought? I’ve seen his fights and half of those guys just stood in front of him letting him dictate the pace of the fight. I’m not going to let him do that. This is the first fight that I have trained away from home because I’m going to show him I’m no walk in the park.

“I’ve never been stopped. I can take him out in the first round, but I am ready to go into deep water if I have to. Ether way, I have trained hard and will be ready to dictate the pace of the fight and not let him get away with a lot of what other fighters have let him do.

“I have to watch for his right uppercut which he throws from down low, but he’s not the best on his feet either. Work rate is going to be important.”

David Itskowitch, COO of Golden Boy Promotions

“Adrien Broner’s last fight in Atlantic City was a great success. We raised close to $50,000 for Hurricane Sandy relief.

“Adrien [Broner] is known for rapping himself into the ring and getting his hair brushed before his interviews, but he is also one of the hardest working fighters you will ever see. There are no days off for Adrien Broner.”

Eddie Hearn, Managing Director of Matchroom Boxing

“This is a huge opportunity for Gavin. Adrien is a great champion.

“Gavin accepted this fight in one and a half nano seconds before even seeing the purse.

“We’re extremely confident that we are going to have a massive upset on Saturday night.”

# # #

HBO to air Bika- Sjekloca with Broner / Rees

After the fallout of the Jonathon Banks – Seth Mitchell co-feature for this Saturday’s HBO World Championship boxing card featuring WBC Lightweight champion Adrien Broner battling Gavin Rees, HBO has decided iy will air the WBC Super Middleweight elimination bout between Sakio Bika and Nikola Sjekloca according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“I think it’s terrific,” said Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer. “It is a fight which I was hoping get televised anyway and I didn’t have a spot, but the fight had to happen [because it’s an official eliminator] so we put it on the card and it wasn’t going to be televised. Bika is a come-forward guy who makes good fights and my matchmakers tell me that Sjekloca is an exciting come-forward guy as well, so it should be a terrific fight and I am happy HBO is picking it up.”

The winner of the fight is due to become a mandatory challenger for super middleweight champion Andre Ward, already an owner of a lopsided decision win against Bika, who has won two fights in a row since that defeat.

“Obviously, since HBO is deeply invested in the 168-pound weight class, I feel this is the right spot for this fight to air,” Schaefer added.

PLUS CHARLES WHITTAKER VS. DEMETRIUS HOPKINS,

VICENTE ESCOBEDO VS. EDNER CHERRY AND

2012 UNITED STATES OLYMPIANS RAU’SHEE WARREN AND

JAMEL HERRING SET FOR UNDERCARD

ATLANTIC CITY, February 13 – After a broken thumb forced Johnathon Banks to withdraw from his February 16 rematch with Seth Mitchell, Golden Boy Promotions has announced that a pivotal 12-round WBC super middleweight title eliminator between unbeaten number one rated contender Nikola Sjekloca and number two rated contender Sakio “The Scorpion” Bika will move into the HBO World Championship Boxing co-main event at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey before Adrien Broner defends his world title against Gavin Rees.

Plus, the stacked non-televised undercard will feature a USBA Junior Middleweight title fight between Charles Whittaker and Demetrius Hopkins, a junior lightweight bout pitting Vicente Escobedo against Edner Cherry and appearances by 2012 United States Olympians Rau’Shee Warren and Jamel Herring.

Budva, Montenegro’s Nikola Sjekloca (25-0, 7 KO’s) is a skilled boxer whose long hours in the gym and the ring are finally starting to pay off as he makes his way to the ring in Atlantic City for his first fight in the United States. A professional since 2006, the 34-year-old Sjekloca has been dominant while fighting in Europe, winning the WBC International and WBC Mediterranean titles along the way. His quest won’t be complete until he adds a world title to his resume and a win over Bika will put him one win away from that goal.

A punishing puncher whose aggressive style has stopped 21 foes in their tracks, 33-year-old Sakio “The Scorpion” Bika (30-5-2, 21 KO’s) has been among the best in the world for years, with the only thing eluding him being a world championship belt. A 2000 Olympian for Cameroon who also won NBC’s hit boxing reality show “The Contender” in 2007, Bika’s list of vanquished opponents includes Sam Soliman, Jaidon Codrington and Peter Manfredo Jr. The winner of two straight and coming off of a 10th round technical knockout over Dyah Davis last June, Bika is fired up for his February 16 showdown with Sjekloca.

Back in a fighting rhythm after a layoff of over a year, Philadelphia’s Demetrius “The Gladiator” Hopkins (32-2-1, 12 KO’s) has looked sharp in his new weight class of 154 pounds, shutting out Doel Carrasquillo and stopping Joshua Snyder in his first two fights in the division. However, the truest test of his ability to challenge the elite at junior middleweight thus far will come on February 16 when he meets up with Miami’s Charles Whittaker (39-13-2, 23 KO’s). A hard-hitting late bloomer who has won 15 of his last 16 bouts, the 39-year-old Whittaker will push Hopkins hard for 12 rounds if necessary in defense of his USBA Junior Middleweight title, but the “Killa” would love to end matters sooner than that.

2004 United States Olympian Vicente Escobedo (26-4, 15 KO’s) will make his first start since a July 2012 title fight loss to Adrien Broner on Saturday night and the 31-year-old Woodland, California native can’t wait to score a win and get back on track for another shot at a world championship. Standing in his way will be Miami veteran Edner “Cherry Bomb” Cherry (30-6-2, 16 KO’s), a former world title challenger at 140 pounds whose return to his optimum weight class of junior lightweight has seen him go unbeaten in his last seven bouts.

Three-Time United States Olympian Rau’shee Warren (2-0) has left the amateur game behind as he searches for professional gold and he’s off to a good start thus far wins in both of his bouts. On February 16, the bantamweight prospect will join his fellow Cincinnati native Adrien Broner on one of the most highly-anticipated cards of the year in a four-round battle against Wharton, Texas’ Richard Hernandez (0-5).

Rockville Centre, New York’s Jamel Herring (1-0) proudly represented the United States at the 2012 London Olympics and after his professional debut win over Puerto Rico’s Jose Valderrama on December 8, the lightweight prospect will seek his second victory the weekend against Carlos Lopez (4-2) of San Juan, Puerto Rico in a four-round.

In lightweight action, Toledo’s Robert Easter Jr. (2-0, 2 KO’s) will meet up with the aforementioned Valderrama (3-3, 3 KO’s) from Manati, Puerto Rico in a four-round fight and opening up the show will be Philadelphia’s Wahid Rahim (3-0, 1 KO) facing Allentown, Pennsylvania’s Ismael Serrano who will be making his professional debut.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/AdrienBroner,www.twitter.com/ChenteEscobedo, www.twitter.com/RausheeWarren, www.twitter.com/RobertEaster_Jr, www.twitter.com/JamelHerring, www.twitter.com/BoardwalkHall and www.twitter.com/HBOboxing, follow the conversation using #BronerRees or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/HBOboxing.

VIDEO: ADRIEN BRONER

VIDEO: EDDIE HEARN

VIDEO: BRONER – REES PRESS CONFERENCE

VIDEO: GAVIN REES

WBC LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION ADRIEN BRONER, NABO & WBC INTERNATIONAL HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION JOHNATHON BANKS & HEAVYWEIGHT CONTENDER SETH MITCHELL SHARE THEIR SOFTER SIDES WITH VALENTINE’S DAY MEMORIES

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (February 5) – When it comes to Valentine’s Day, even the toughest guys can be softies. This is the case with WBC Lightweight World Champion Adrien Broner, NABO & WBC International Heavyweight Champion Johnathon Banks and heavyweight contender Seth Mitchell. Despite being deep in training camp for their respective February 16 fights at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City which will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing, Broner, Banks and Mitchell took time to discuss their Valentine’s Day memories, secret admirers and their special some ones for this year.

Even Broner, whose ring name is “The Problem,” offered his recipe for a successful relationship saying, “If you feel like you have somebody special, hold on to them, don’t let them go and fight for them.”

VALENTINE’S DAY Q&A:

Q: Do you remember your first Valentine? If so, what grade were you in and why was she your Valentine?

Adrien Broner: Should I name all eight? I was in first grade and they were all cute. I have had all types of Valentines. I even had teachers as Valentines.

Johnathon Banks: My first Valentine was in the third grade. I thought she was pretty. She was in the same class as me and was the smartest girl in the class. Brains and beauty, I fell for her like a sack of rocks.

Seth Mitchell: My first real Valentine was in the 10th grade. She was my first Valentine because we were actually dating at the time. I didn’t have a car, so her mom came, picked us up and dropped us off at Red Lobster. We ate dinner and then went to a movie. Then her mom came and picked us up and dropped me back off at home. I was able to sneak in a hug, but that’s about it. It was a fun night though.

Q: What was the nicest Valentine you ever received?

Adrien Broner: I have gotten too many to count. I got a huge heart shaped cake once, which was pretty tasty. Other than that, I would rather not say…

Johnathon Banks: The nicest Valentine I received was a teddy bear, candy and a card with money from a girl when I was 15. She became my girlfriend after that. She knew that I liked her and I knew she liked me, but I was too shy at the time.

Seth Mitchell: When I was a junior in college, my girlfriend at the time invited me over. When I walked into her apartment, slow jams were playing. I could smell something good cooking in the kitchen. I sat and watched her put the final touches on the meal she was making for me, while she wearing my favorite pumps. It was the beginning of a very romantic evening…let’s just say that girl ended up being my wife.

Q: What was the best/most exciting Valentine’s Day gift you have given someone?

Adrien Broner: I am usually in training camp so that’s tough, but I always send gifts. This year, I am sending my girlfriend a huge teddy bear, it’s as big as a couch. All I can say is when it comes to Valentine’s Day presents, you have to go all out, every time. Every year, presents should be better than the year before.

Johnathon Banks: I gave my mom a large sum of cash on Valentine’s Day a couple of years back. The smile on her face was priceless.

Seth Mitchell: When I’m with my wife, I pay attention to comments she makes about things she likes while we are at the mall or out and about. I make mental notes of these things and Valentine’s Day is one day out of many days of the year, where I try to surprise her by getting her a gift to make her day special.

Q: Did you ever have a secret Valentine or crush that you always wondered about?

Adrien Broner: All the girls that were cute back then have kids now and are all out of shape…so no.

Johnathon Banks: I don’t remember having a secret Valentine, but I have always had a crush on [actress] Halle Berry.

Seth Mitchell: Growing up, [actress] Nia Long was my wish for a Valentine. I thought she was beautiful and I have a thing for dark-skinned women. I thought she was a natural beauty.

Q: When was your first kiss? Who was she and how did it happen?

Adrien Broner: Whew. I don’t know. I can’t think that far back. It was like really early. I was a ‘baby kid.’

Johnathon Banks: It was in the fifth grade, after a choir assembly in an after school program. I was scared and shaking-I kissed her on the lips.

Seth Mitchell: My first kiss was when I was in the second grade. The girl I kissed was in the fourth grade. She lived next door to me. It happened on her porch. We were just talking and one thing led to another. I was scared and I didn’t know what I was doing. It took a few more years to perfect my technique.

Q: Even though it will be two days before your fight, who is your Valentine this year and why?

Adrien Broner: My girlfriend. We are going to celebrate Valentine’s Day after the fight. It’s going to be good.

Johnathon Banks: I don’t have one this year, I’ll send flowers to my mom like I do every year.

Seth Mitchell: My Valentine this year is my wife. She’s my best friend. She knows what makes me happy. She has given me my children, who are my two most precious gifts. I trust her and I can confide in her. She makes me feel special by just being around me.

# # #

Broner vs. Rees, a 12-round fight for Broner’s WBC Lightweight World Championship will take place Saturday, February 16 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, R&R Promotions, sponsored by Caesars Atlantic City, Corona and AT&T and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT. The co-main event will be a 12-round heavyweight rematch between Johnathon Banks and Seth “Mayhem” Mitchell for Banks’ NABO and WBC International Heavyweight titles which is co-promoted by K2 Promotions.

Adrien Broner, Gavin Rees, Johnathon Banks and Seth Mitchell Media Conference Call Transcript

Adrien_Broner Kelly Swanson
Thank you, everybody, for calling in. We appreciate you participating in this conference call. We are here on the line with a wonderful card that we’re going to be announcing February 16th. It’s really kind of a return of three of the participants that were in Atlantic City on November 17th last year, again, bringing a lot of relief to the residents of Atlantic City because it had just happened after the hurricane.

So, the guys did a great job. It was a wonderful fight night and now we’re back again. And we’re going to just start the call with the heavyweights and then move into the lightweights. I’m going to go ahead and introduce Oscar de la Hoya who is going to talk a little bit about the fight and then make the introductions. Oscar.

Oscar de la Hoya
Yes, I’m here. Thank you very much. We’re extremely, extremely excited to once again return back to Atlantic City where first and foremost we were able to raise a big amount of money that went towards the Boys and Girls Clubs there in Atlantic City.

In our last outing with Adrien Broner, with Banks, also with Seth Mitchell, so it was an exciting, exciting event and a very successful event in terms of giving back to Atlantic City.

The main event, as you know Adrien Broner vs. Gavin Rees will be at WBC Lightweight World Title fight and we also have the co-main events, which will be a 12 round, NABO and WBC Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship fight, which will feature Johnathon Banks vs. Seth Mitchell. This event is being promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Caesars Atlantic City, Corona and AT&T.

We are very pleased to be televising this event live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. eastern time and the tickets are priced relatively cheap, with ringside being at $200, going down to $150 and you can watch this incredible event for only $25.

At this moment I would like to take the opportunity to introduce one of the participants who will be fighting on the co-main event. His record is 25-1 with 19 knockouts. He is from Brandywine, Maryland. He’s a former standout at Michigan State University, where he was a linebacker. And he’s become relatively quickly one of the fighters in the heavyweight division to bring back excitement to the heavyweight division here in the United States.

He is no stranger to Atlantic City. People, the fans there love him. He brings an exciting style. He’s a puncher who definitely brings a lot to the table when it comes to excitement. Let me introduce to you Seth Mitchell.

Seth Mitchell
Thanks, Oscar. Appreciate that. First and foremost I’d like to say Happy New Year to everybody that’s listening on the call. And I want to thank my promotional company, Golden Boy. I want to thank my team, Al Haymon at HBO for just providing me with this opportunity again. I also want to thank Johnathon Banks for accepting the rematch and fighting me again.

It was a tough defeat for me. Mentally and physically I was fine after the fight, but just experiencing that first loss it was a tough pill to swallow, but I tell people it’s a gift. I’ve been in the game for, actually, yesterday was six years all together amateur and pro, so I’m learning on the job, but I’m a quick learner and I definitely learned a lot from that fight. And a lot of people said Emanuel Steward had a lot to do with the fight and things of that nature.

I don’t really look too much into that because I said if I had gone out there and I had blown Johnathon Banks out in the first round people would have said, well, he had a lot on his plate and things of that nature, so I learned a lot. I’m excited for this fight. I’ve been in training camp basically since December. I’ve been training so I’m very focused for the fight.

Again, I want to thank Johnathon for accepting the fight and I’m definitely looking forward to the fight and looking forward to a difference. I tell people I’m fighting at the same time, same venue, same opponent, just a different outcome this time. So, I’m definitely looking forward to putting on another great fight for the fans and I’m excited.

De La Hoya
Thank you very much, Seth. And just to add, Seth Mitchell is the one who wanted this rematch and it goes to show you the character, it goes to show you the hard work that he’s putting into this rematch. I strongly believe we will see a stronger, faster and, most importantly, wiser Seth Mitchell, one fighter who was on the canvas, got back up and is going to fight even harder, so this is one fight that we’re really, really looking forward to live on HBO Championship Boxing.

So, now it is my pleasure to introduce to you, who will introduce Johnathon Banks; he is a managing director of K2 Promotions, to introduce his fighter, Tom Loeffler.

Tom Loeffler
Thank you, Oscar. We’re excited to be working again with Golden Boy on this fight and with the rematch. As everybody saw in the first fight it was a very exciting heavyweight fight. Seth Mitchell was touted to be, at that time, the fastest rising American heavyweight and he had a lot of exposure on HBO, had tremendous knockouts in his career, so what Johnathon accomplished in that fight with training Wladimir Klitschko the week before and then going through the funeral services of Emanuel Steward and then coming back and having his win on HBO again. So, Seth Mitchell was a tremendous accomplishment.

We’re looking forward to the rematch. I’d like to at this point introduce Banks. He’s rated number three right now in the WBC and number five in the WBO, America’s Heavyweight right now, Johnathon Banks.

Johnathon Banks
Thanks a lot, Tom. First of all, I want to say hello to everybody who is on the call. I look forward to the fight February on HBO. I look forward to the rematch. As always, my hat continuously pulls off to Seth Mitchell because he always shows a lot of character, which is something I personally admire in fighters because a lot of fighters don’t do that. So, I personally just want to take my hat off to him, as always.

And I know he’s going to come back stronger. I know he’s going to come back even more prepared than the first time and I’m really looking forward to a good competitive fight.

Q
Seth, can you just kind of give us an idea of what you learned from the last fight against Johnathon Banks and what you want to do differently this time to get a different outcome?

Mitchell
We had a great game plan going into the fight, but as I watched the fight tape, even though hands down I won the first round, my balance and my distance were terrible in that fight. And I got a little overzealous, audacious, so just patience and I’m definitely working on my balance and my distance and it’s just a learning process, but I’m a sponge, man, and learning lessons sometimes you’ve got to get knocked down to grow.

In my case you’ve got to get knocked down three times. And I’ve got to say it was a tough pill to swallow, but it definitely made me a better fighter and we’ve just been working on my eyes and my balance and my distance, just not being so aggressive naturally. If you know me, when it comes to competing I’m a pit bull; I’m very aggressive, but I’ve just got to learn how to channel that and use it and do it at the right time.

Q
Seth, I just want to ask you, I heard what you said about it’s a learning experience and the things you said you were working on with the balance and the distance, but I think you know as well as anybody that if you go into a big time, any kind of fight, but especially a big fight on network like HBO with a lot of people watching, fans, media, etc., and you lose a second time in a row, it’s extraordinarily bad for somebody’s career.

How much pressure do you feel that this is a, they’re all must wins I guess in this business, but even more than your must win fight?

Mitchell
Well, absolutely. I like to be where the stakes are high. When I went back in the dressing room after the fight, when I talked to Al Haymon I asked him two questions. I asked him how much did this set me back and when can I get a rematch.

So, I just want it to be known that I wanted this rematch. It’s not like I was forced into the rematch. Not taking anything away from Johnathon Banks, but I feel that I can beat Johnathon Banks and that’s just the type of person I am. That’s my character. It’s not me being arrogant or anything. But I would be lying to you if I didn’t know that this was a vital fight in my career, not to say that it’s a career ending fight, but it definitely would set me back.

I want to be where the stakes are high. This is the classroom that I want to be in and I understand that I’m young in the game and I’m learning, but I’ve got to learn and win at the same time and that’s something that I know and I’m very focused and I definitely expect to win the rematch.

Q
Seth, could you just address also that when the fight was over and you’re back in the dressing room and it’s starting now to sort of set in what happened, what were you thinking about? Were you like I can’t believe what just happened or were you just in shock? What was your emotion at that time because, no disrespect to Johnathon, it was considered to be a major upset because of what happened. And not only that you lost, because we knew that John was also a good fighter, but it was the manner in which you lost that was probably most surprising.

What were you feeling? Were you just dumbfounded, like you couldn’t believe that that just happened?

Mitchell
The first two days, it was like you just said, did this really just happen? Did I just lose this fight? But actually, it was better that it happened that way than if I’d have went out there and just got totally outclassed with four, five, six rounds and then got knocked out.

So, I’m an optimistic person. I try to look at the glass as half full, but it was difficult. Like I say, thanks to Johnathon I didn’t enjoy my Thanksgiving. Even though, it was funny, I’m looking at my wife, she’s cooking dinner and everything and the kids are running around, all of the blessings that I have around me, but I still had that sickening feeling in the pit of my stomach.

So, it’s just going to make me a better fighter and a stronger fighter, but it took me about a week to get over the fight. But then, after that, it was just you got to get better. It’s a learning experience and that’s how I took it.

Q
John, a question for you about the fight. You won the fight. It was a resounding victory. You scored a bunch of knockdowns and stop a highly touted guy in the second round. You know, it’s pretty definitive. So, my question for you is he had a rematch clause that he exercised, obviously. You were contractually bound to take this fight and you’ll be once again on HBO. I assume you’re getting a better payday than you got the first time around.

But after scoring such a big victory, are you a little disappointed maybe that you have to go back in with him as opposed to moving on to something bigger and better?

Banks
You said, am I disappointed?

Q
Yeah, because when you score that kind of win in a resounding fashion, most times guys, it’s not like it was a close decision or it was controversial, or was a draw. You went out there and basically did what you had to do. You got rid of him in two rounds and most guys after that move on. But he had the rematch clause, so now you really didn’t have a choice, I suppose, to take this.

So, some guys might be a little resentful of that because you might have had an opportunity to move on to something bigger and better, unless this is the better fight for you?

Banks
Yeah, I mean, I definitely wanted to move on to something different or, I wouldn’t say bigger or better any time. But I would have wanted to move on to something different, but you’ve got to go with what the paper, what’s in black and white. And he chose to exercise the rematch clause. That’s what he wanted so that’s what we’re going to do.

I think that I can’t stop taking my hat off to the dude because I would have done the same thing if I was in his position. He’s a true fighter at heart and that’s what fighters do. So, I wasn’t shocked about it, but I thought I would have been there doing something different, but it didn’t totally shock me because I knew going into the fight, I knew what type of guy I was facing.

I knew I was facing an extremely relentless dude that was all straightforward, that was coming for a victory. No matter how he was going to get it, I knew he was coming for that. So, I wasn’t surprised that he wanted that. So, it’s no resentment as far as I should be doing something else. This is what’s in front of me and that’s basically what I’m focusing on.

Q
And you just expect to do the same thing once again?

Banks
In my opinion I look forward to a victory. I don’t know how. I didn’t know how the first one was going to come and I don’t know how the second one is going to come, but I’m confident about Johnathon and I do believe I’ll be victorious.

Q
Seth, I was looking up, I know you haven’t used the word revenge or anything like that. But you did talk about the sick feeling, so I looked up a word, redemption, and I came up with a couple of definitions. And I wanted to see how you thought this applies to you.

It says, “to make good, to get over or to win back, to change for the better or to eliminate blame or doubt.” Does that word apply to you in this situation and, if so, how?

Mitchell
I want to get this nasty taste out of my mouth, I want to win the fight. This is what I do to support my family as of right now and I have to continue to win. So, I wouldn’t necessarily say that it’s redemption because Johnathon, he came out there and he did what he was supposed to do and that’s what I plan on doing this time.

I plan on coming out victorious. But I definitely want to; I’m the type of person, I don’t get too high off the praise and I don’t let the criticism bring me down to much. So, when you say that I want eliminate doubt, just like he said, he believes in himself, I believe in myself. I believe in Seth Mitchell.

And I just want to go out there and not prove to myself because I believe in myself already. I just want to go out and get this victory, I want to right this wrong, that’s basically what I want to do.

Q
Johnathon, one of the things that you said about Seth and you also I think mentioned about Travis Walker kind of goes along with some of the things that Evander Holyfield once told me and he said that he really appreciates when a bigger fighter comes to him because he feels like he can set him up and he feels like there’s a lot of real estate to hit.

You kind of implied that one of the best things about Seth is that he’s going to come to you. Can you characterize what you mean by that and why that was, I don’t know if we want to call it an advantage, but preferable to you possibly?

Banks
Well, it’s not an advantage of any kind, but it’s just my particular style, that when a guy comes forward a lot of times it’s almost you can see or not too much see, but you almost know. If someone’s coming forward you pretty much know they’re coming forward to punch.

So, that’s basically the situation. But that’s what happened, I guess, the first time around, but what I’m understanding and the reality of it is that happened the first time around, but I’ve really got a big guy feeling that I’m going to get a different opponent the second time around because like the dude said, he said he’s a sponge and he soaked up a lot of knowledge and he’s forever continuously learning so I believe the second time around everything will be really different on his side.

But that’s usually what I mean when I say about someone coming forward towards me is that’s just me; I see things a little different.

Q
When you say you think he’s going to be different, how do you fathom him being different as a fighter and you’re a boxer? I’ve seen fights where you will just go ahead and box your way to victory. So, how do you imagine this being a different fight?

Banks
The only thing we can do, especially as fighters and trainers actually, too, the only thing we can do is assume how this guy is going to be. The difference is knowing that you’re going against a top level guy, knowing you’re going against someone who’s, like he said, you want to right a wrong that’s done, he has to look at himself; he already said he knew what he did wrong. So, that’s already being corrected as we speak.

So, therefore the way I just figure that when I say I’m facing a different guy, I think he’s going to come at me a little different and I have to come at him different because we’ve been in a square circle once before. So, we’ve both got to come at each other a little different. It would be very ignorant of me to walk on this fight thinking the same thing, that I’m fighting the style of guy, same type of guy I fought the first match. I’m not going to do anything like that.

Q
How difficult has it been to recharge your battery since a loss that can be described as stunning no less. Was it tough for you to get back in the gym and have you worked harder than you did before or have you pretty much been the same?

Mitchell
It wasn’t hard at all. The eighth of this month has been six years total that I’ve been boxing and I’ve never been out of the gym longer than three weeks. And so we fought November 17. I was back in the gym on December 1, I was back in the gym training. I hadn’t started a training camp yet.

I start my training camp usually about two months out, but I never underestimate any opponent before I get into the ring and I’m always in shape when I get into the ring, so as far as me training harder and getting in better shape, I was in tiptop shape when I fought Johnathon the first time and we definitely have just made a conscious effort on some technical things as far as balance and things of that nature, so we’ve really been focusing on that.

But I’ve been getting good work and just learning. Like I said, I definitely learned a lot from this fight and I think the people and the fans, they’ll see a better Seth come the 16th of February.

Q
So, you had no problems regaining the vigor that you had previously as an undefeated fighter? Were you at all despondent at all after that loss or did you just say, okay, it’s in the past, I’m moving forward?

Mitchell
I mean, to say it didn’t hurt I would be telling a bold faced lie. I didn’t want to eat for three or four days. It took me a week. We fought on Saturday and I didn’t stop having that sick feeling in my stomach until Friday. But I never was discouraged like, oh, shit, I’ll continue boxing. That never crept into my mind at all and physically I was fine right after the fight.

But that competitor inside of me, that was hurt. And another thing I think it’s easier for one to overcome something like that. Before this fight I never once said that I’m the best, I can’t be defeated. I believe that any time somebody steps into that ring, they can be defeated, especially in the heavyweight division. It only takes one shot.

So, my mentality was there before the fight as well as afterwards. It was a tough pill to swallow. It took me about a week to get over it, but then after that it was back to the gym and you look at the fight and you learn from it and I just try to grow as a fighter. And I think I’ve done that and I believe it’ll show on the 16th.

Q
But was it hard to watch the fight again?

Mitchell
It upset me because, like I said, even though I felt that I won the first round, when I watched the first round some of the technical things that I was doing in my lunging and my reaching, it could have been over in the first round.

One time I threw a right hand and I just reached with it so bad and Johnathon stepped back and threw a little chopping shot and it just missed me and that happened. Even though I won the first round and I felt I was winning the second round, but eventually my mistakes and my lunging and reaching caught up with me, caught me with a shot that I didn’t see, equilibrium shot and the rest is history.

But it was just frustrating to watch the fight because I don’t feel that Johnathon beat me necessarily. I think that my technique and my stuff was so bad that it wouldn’t have been hard for anybody to beat me that night if they could.

Q
All right, thanks. Johnathon, you, obviously, won’t have the distractions that you had first time around. Is that going to help you do you feel?

Banks
Well, I didn’t feel I had any distractions the first time around.

Q
You didn’t? Training Wladimir and then flying to Detroit and then coming back for the fight, you didn’t look at that as being distractions?

Banks
No. It was the situation that I had to handle, but it wasn’t a distraction.

Q
Did you talk to Wladimir after the fight and did he see it and did you discuss the fight at all?

Banks
Me and Wladimir talked and yes, he saw the fight.

Q
What were his thoughts?

Banks
He just said congratulations.

Q
Seth, you indicated that you’re much like a sponge. Part of the problem with that is you seem to absorbing yet not handling very well some of the power of the heavyweights that you’ve fought before. The Witherspoon fight was an example and Johnathon taking you out like that. Does that cause you any concern going in and as you move up, assuming a victory here against some of the bigger heating heavyweights in the division and what do you to counter that?

Mitchell
No, it doesn’t concern me. With the Johnathon Banks fight, when I watched the fight, I was like wow, that shot didn’t even look that hard or whatever. But when you don’t see shots coming and by me lunging and my eyes weren’t on my target and when you don’t see shots coming, they affect you a lot more.

It’s like if you’re scared of spiders and you see a spider across the room it doesn’t affect you that much. You might still have those nerves, but you’re not as scared versus you coming into the room and I tell you, stop, there goes a spider. You know what I’m saying? You’re going to jump and you’re going to move because you don’t know where it’s at and when you don’t see shots coming, it can affect you even if they’re not that hard.

And that’s what happened in the fight. My eyes weren’t on my target. I was lunging, I was leaning over. I actually have a picture that I keep in my phone. It was right before I got knocked down and my legs were spread so far apart and I was lunging so bad and it was right before Johnathon knocked me down. I just keep that as a reminder.

But the shots that you don’t see affect you a lot more. But I’m not worried about it. You can’t let that fester in you. You’ve just got to work on getting better and doing better the next time out. That’s what I plan on doing.

Q
Coming into this fight and I know that you’re both professionals, you never overlook an opponent. Two questions for you really. One is do you think that Mitchell’s inexperience contributed to the win and will contribute to another win? One of the things that I thought I noticed was that on the inside you got the better of him. Do you expect him to change his strategy and try to keep you at the end of his punches a little bit more this time?

Banks
Well, first of all, a lot of people said something about Mitchell’s inexperience. I didn’t see, even on his previous fights, a few of them, I didn’t see his inexperience that everyone says that he has. In my opinion, what I said was, they said how can you go up against a guy – this was all before the first fight, how do you feel going against a guy that don’t have as much experience?

I said it doesn’t matter. If he catches me with a punch that first round I can’t come back from it. Experience no longer matters at that point. So, I’ve never seen Mitchell’s inexperience. Every fighter makes mistakes. We have to learn and we grew from them.

Mentally, that’s not even in my mind because all I’m looking at is there’s a big guy, he’s a big heavyweight, he can punch and he’s coming for a victory. That’s all I’m seeing. So, I don’t see no inexperience.

Q
And lastly, assuming a win in this fight, which I know you will not assume the win, but should you prevail, moving forward is a fight with Klitschko something you would consider or how difficult would that be given your familiarity and your training of Wladimir?

Banks
That’s a question that I really, really have no clue to the answer. Yes, I am the trainer of Wladimir Klitschko, so a fight with him would be so less likely. But all I can think about is Mitchell. So, to be honest about it, I can’t see past that because if I don’t go past that then everything is irrelevant.

Swanson
Okay, great everybody. Thank you so much. Heavyweights Johnathon and Seth, we appreciate you being on the phone. Any last comments before we get to the lightweights?

Banks
See you on February 16th.

Mitchell
Yes, I’ll just see everybody February 16th and I’m looking forward to putting on a good show and I’m just thankful to have this opportunity again and thankful that Johnathon accepted it.

Swanson
Okay, great. Thank you, guys. Now, if you could drop the phone, go ahead and get off the line because we have now our main event feature Adrien Broner vs. Gavin Rees for 12 rounds of WBC and Lightweight World Championship. And, again, as we mentioned at the top of the call, the card is set for Saturday, February 16th Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City promoted by Golden Promotions and RR Promotions, sponsored by Caesars Atlantic City, Corona, AT&T, televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:30 p.m. eastern and pacific.

Tickets are available. Price $200, $150 and $25 and you can call Ticketmaster or call Boardwalk Hall box office. Now, for this segment of our call we are going to hold the champion, Adrien Broner, and do the introductions. We certainly welcome this young man from across the pond and we appreciate him staying up late because we know it’s late over in the U.K.

So, to join us now is Anthony Weaver. He’s the director of PR for Matchroom, Gavin Rees’ promoter.
Anthony Weaver
Hi, how are you doing?

Swanson
Good. Do you want to make an opening statement and introduce Gavin for us and then Gavin can make a quick statement and then we’ll introduce Adrien and then we will open it up for questions from the press.

Weaver
Sure. Thanks very much. Thanks for inviting us on the call first of all. It’s not a secret these two guys are going to meet and it’s great that we’re formalizing everything now and ready to talk about the fight.

I know, from our point of view, Matchroom Boxing we’re delighted to be working with Golden Boy again and I know also with Gavin as well, you’ve got someone who’s on the cusp of something big and something that Adrien, who we’ve got massive respect for, is an incredibly talented fighter and I know Gavin is chomping at the bit to go over and cause a problem in itself.

We’re really excited. The part we’re very excited about, we think it’s going to be a great fight for North American fans and I know one that U.K. fans will stay up for because these two guys. So, thanks for having us on and let’s bring Gavin on.

Swanson
Okay, Gavin, go ahead if you want to make an opening statement and, please, somebody needs to mute their line because it’s really hard to hear. So, if you’re in a location that you could get to a quieter spot, it’s really hard to hear. So, Gavin, if you want to make an opening statement? Then we’ll introduce Adrien. Thank you. Gavin.

Gavin Rees
Hi, all. Hi to everyone who is listening. We’ll put on a good show on the 16th of February and cause a massive upset. Adrien’s a great fighter and I can’t wait for the meet.

Swanson
Okay, thank you so much. Great accent. Okay, now I’m going to go ahead and introduce Dave Itskowitch from Golden Boy Promotions who is going to make the introduction for Adrien “The Problem” Broner. Dave.

David Itskowitch
Thank you, Kelly. I am once again honored to be introducing one of the most talented fighters in the world, a rising star who is gaining recognition and notoriety with every fight as he gets better and better and more aggressive with every fight.

Most recently he captured his second world championship in his second weight division with an immediately dominant performance and knocking out Antonio DeMarco in Atlantic City in November. He’s known for his charisma, having his hair brushed in the ring, rapping himself into the ring, but he’s also known for his unbelievable talent.
It’s my pleasure to introduce to you now, from Cincinnati, Ohio with a record of 25-0, 21 KO’s, the current WBC Lightweight World Champion, Adrien “The Problem” Broner. Adrien.

Broner
Hey, what’s going on everybody? You all know what to expect. I know I’m going against a guy who’s just exciting, 140 or something like that. I really haven’t heard too much of him, but I know he’s going to come and fight. Everybody comes to win a world title when they fight for a world title.

So, I’m going to train like I always do, like it’s the biggest night of my life. It is what it is. I’m a two time world champion, two time at the age of 23. There aren’t too many people who can say they’re a two time world champion. And we can fight today. I’ve been training. Training camp has been going well. After the DeMarco fight I was right back in the gym on Monday.

So, February 16th I want Gavin, Gavin, Gavin, like I said, I really don’t know this guy. I just want him to bring his A game because if you want to get things just right you have to bring nothing but you’re A game, so I just hope he’s ready and I hope he is in shape because it’s going to be a long night.

Rees
It’s going to be a long night for you, Broner.

Broner
It’s going to be a hell of a night and I just want him to bring his A game and I want to thank him for taking this fight, too.

Rees
Well, thanks for keeping my belt warm.

Swanson
All right, fighting words already.

Q
Thank you very much. Hello, everybody. Hey, Gavin, it’s good to talk to you. I’ve had a chance to see you on video several times during your career, but I don’t think many people in America have gotten a chance to watch you. Could you just describe your style for those who have never seen the type of fighter that you are?

Rees
I think I heard a bit of that coming forward, boxer fighter. I know it will be a great and fight that’s why I’m confident of winning.

Q
You held the world title at 140 pounds and then a few years ago you dropped down to 135. Could you talk about just for a minute what was the decision-making process to do that and do you feel that because you have had experience against bigger opponents that that set you up nicely against Adrien who has only had one title fight in the lightweight division since he came off junior lightweight.

Rees
I was never a 140 fighter, but going down to, yeah, 135, I’ve seen no titles being offered and they offered the 140 so I obviously took it. I won that title and defend and lost it. I liked the party life so I didn’t train. Didn’t really like boxing at the time, so I knuckled down after I lost and I came down to 135 and I won at the next level.

Q
And you feel like, after seeing the way Adrien disposed of DeMarco, who at the time was considered to be maybe the number one fighter in the lightweight division, you felt like even after seeing that that you would stack up well against Adrien’s abilities?

Rees
Yeah, of course, I’m a fighter. I’m a real fighter, I’ll fight anybody. I’ll go in there to fight anybody. I know he’s a great fighter. I’m going over there to give out the fight of my life and I know it’ll be one hell of a fight. So, I’m fully confident. I’ve got a game plan, so we’ll see on the night what happens.

Q
Adrien, question for you, when the process was going on where your promoter and your management and everything, they were looking for a good opponent for you to take on, Gavin’s name didn’t exactly come to the foreground right away. It took a little while to try to go down the list and talk about him and see if he would take the fight.

During that period of time, did you ever at that point contemplate about maybe going right up to junior welterweight to find a name that was maybe more known to the American fans?

Broner
Negative. That’s what everybody wants you to do. They’ve just seen me dominate and put on a great performance, a hell of a performance that I certainl don’t want to downgrade on my performance against the world champion, he was the world champion, DeMarco, and they want me to just automatically go up to 140.

No, I just moved up to this weight. I still make the weight eating steak and potatoes every night at training camp. I make the weight comfortably, so I’m going to stay here for a lot of good fights that I still can have at 135 pounds. So, I’m going to flush out this lightweight division and then we can go up to the light welterweight and crush their dreams. So, we’re going to stay here for a while.

Q
Okay, now one thing you said, I don’t know who’s downgraded your performance against DeMarco. Everything I’ve heard and read and seen with my own eyes was that you got a lot of credit for the way you took him apart and because it seemed like to many of us that watched that fight or that covered that fight that you did it in such a dominant and pretty easy fashion, quite frankly, I wonder from your point of view because it did seem like it was such an easy win for you, how do you keep that hunger to make sure you’re in the best possible shape and that you are as focused and hungry to do that because you were able to take out the number one guy so easily, how do you get yourself up for somebody like Gavin, who’s not that big a name in this country, even though he’s been a world champion in a different weight class, been the European champion, but has no particular reputation in the United States?

Broner
Like I said before, he’s a former world champion so he has to be somebody, even though I really don’t know him that much, I have to keep throwing that in there because I really don’t know these guys. I just fight whoever they put in front of me. People come to me and they’re like you’re handpicking fighters.

I don’t pick my fights. I just fight whoever is weighing in on the time it’s to weigh in. Sometimes I don’t even know, sometimes I don’t even know until three weeks out or a month out. So, this is new to me. I know Gavin’s not just a walkover. He was a world titlist and he’s got to have a record, 37-1 or something like that with a draw. That’s a hell of a record on the professional level.

I just prepare like it’s the last fight of my life. I put my heart on the line and I’m one who does take the chances because I believe in myself, so if he’s coming to fight it’s going to be a hell of a fight.

Q
I just have one other question for you, Adrien. I saw the video of you hanging out with Mayweather. I believe you guys were in Las Vegas and I think there was some discussion on that video about you saying that, or maybe him saying it; I forget who said it, about you wanting to fight on his undercard when he goes back in the ring on May 4th and I’m wondering that if you’re able to take care of this title defense against Gavin Rees on February 16th is that something that’s actually possible or were you guys just messing around that maybe you could be back in the ring as soon as May and beyond that in big mega Pay-per-View undercard?

Broner
Listen, with Adrien Broner anything is possible. I don’t get hit that much. I don’t. I’m just being honest, I don’t get hit that much and my fights don’t last that long. I’m not saying that I’m coming in looking for a knockout, but I’m just blessed with the best of both worlds. I’ve got the speed and I’ve got power in both hands, so it only takes one mistake.

And that’s for both fighters, that’s for me and him. And in boxing it only takes one mistake and a fight can be over, so with that being said if I do come out of this fight untouched there is a great possibility that I will be on the May 4th card.

Q
Okay. Thank you, very much, Gavin. I appreciate your time. Thank you, Adrien. Look forward to seeing you guys duke it out. Thanks.

Q
Listen, I do this a lot with you because you get a lot of people comparing you to Floyd and to other fighters of other eras and so what I find myself doing is talking to those fighters from other eras and one of which I talked to today, I just posted a story with Sugar Ray Leonard. I talked to him about you, I talked to him about Canelo, Gary Russell, Brandon Rios and Danny Garcia.

And with everyone but you he had kind of a caveat. With you he said he has everything, talent, he’s offensive, he’s defensive, he’s got a lot of power. When you hear someone like Sugar Ray Leonard say that without qualifying anything, does that mean anything to you? What does that mean?

Broner
It means a lot. But honestly, he told me that when I was 10 years old at the national tournament. He probably doesn’t even remember. He took me up to his room, he let me play the game, he signed my picture and everything. He’s a real down to earth guy. I remember meeting him. He probably doesn’t remember, but like I said, I’ve got a hell of a memory.

Just for him saying that, it brings a smile to my face. I work hard and now I’m really getting to show the world who Adrien Broner really is and honestly, I still haven’t showed everything I have. So, just tune in. You’ll see a lot more.

Q
When and where was that, you said you were ten years old, when was that and what competition was that?

Broner
Yeah, yeah.

Q
When was that when you met Sugar Ray Leonard and in what competition was that, where was that?

Broner
I was ten years old so it was the national tournament in Kansas.

Q
The last question I wanted to ask you, you made a reference to the fact that you’ll take chances, you’ll stand and fight. And I think that’s another thing he commented on is that you’ll fight. Why do that if you have, just playing devil’s advocate, if you have the ability to not get hit, why take those chances? Is that something that is a fighter in you or is that to please the fans?

Broner
No, it’s not about the fans. It’s just different strokes for different folks. Like I said, I can still stand in front of a guy and not get hit. You don’t have to move just to not get hit. There’s a lot of certain ways, you can do certain things that you just won’t get hit and I was blessed with the talent and I can do it all.
Like I said, I can brawl like a bang, but at the end of the day, people don’t hit me much.

Q
Hi, Gavin. You were supposed to fight somebody at the end of last year. Was it a blessing in disguise now that that didn’t work out?

Rees
Yeah, of course, the fight got called off just before Christmas and New Year and the fight is now getting confirmed and we’re in great shape and looking forward to the fight. I think Adrien is a great fighter, so we’ll both bring our A games to the table and it should be a great fight.

Q
And I’m glad that you have no hesitation to accepting the fight, you didn’t want to get very much money or anything like that, which is surely what boxing is about for you, it will surely be your biggest fight yet.

Rees
Yeah,the guy said we’ll discuss the money. I said don’t worry about me, get in the fight. I’m a real fighter. I’ll fight anybody, like I said, I’ll go anywhere. So, the fight first, money second to me. It’s a massive fight and a massive opportunity for me so I’m looking forward to it.

Q
You’ve had 39 fights. Do you think you’ve yet to get the recognition you deserve?

Rees
I will get it after this fight, no problem, that’s for sure.

Q
And Adrien said he hasn’t seen much of you, he doesn’t know much about you. Do you think he’ll underestimate you?

Rees
Maybe, I don’t know. I’m sure he’s got a great team going into it, so I am not worried.

Q
Will you be doing anything different with your training? You’re staying in well?

Rees
Well, we’ve gone out about three weeks before, something like next week sometime, just sorting that out. So, it’s going well that’s about it really.

Q
And just finally, we know about Adrien’s boxing. He’s also got his own style outside the ring, brushing his hair. What do you make of all that?

Rees
I’ll brush if for him if he wants.

Q
Thanks for doing this. Adrien, I’ll come to you in just a second if that’s okay, if you’re there?

Broner
I’m here.

Q
Awesome, thank you. Gavin, I was curious. You’re fighting outside of Europe for the first time I think and also that you’re nearly ten years older than your opponent. So, I’m curious as to how you think you’re going to overcome those challenges.

Rees
Yeah, no challenges. I’m a better fighter than I’ve been in last two performances, my best was where I went to Paris, went over there and beat the European Champion. And back at home in my early career everyone knows I didn’t live the life of a true fighter, partying a lot and didn’t live the lifestyle and I’ve turned it round now before it’s too late.

Q
And the fact that you’re fighting in the States, you must find that exciting, I guess, or glamorous?

Rees
Yeah, every kid’s dream, every person’s dream to box in a big show in America and fight the champion. And, obviously, a dream come true to win a title off him. He’s a great fighter, as I said, and come home victorious and be a world champion myself.

Q
He’s said, hasn’t he, on this conference call that he doesn’t know an awful lot about you and your style. Do you think that will be an advantage to yourself?

Rees
Like I said, I’ve certainly got a great team and they can all look into it and have a game plan themselves. But, like I say, he’s a great kid so it should be a great fight.

Q
How much do you know about he fights?

Rees
Oh, a fair bit. There’s loads of videos. I see him box all the time, he’s always on Ringside. He’s, obviously, a very talented boy for his age, even for anybody’s age. He’s a great kid, so I’m really looking forward to the fight and just glad they’re giving me this chance to prove how good I am.

Q
We’ve heard an awful lot, haven’t we, from these American journalists joining on this call about how this Broner guy is. From what you’ve seen, from what you’ve read how are you going to combat what he does and how are you going to beat him? I appreciate he’s listening in, by the way, so you might not want to give too much away.

Rees
I’ll just go in with my own game. And I’ll let him worry about that. He’s a tricky customer. I’m not only too daft, you know he’s clever. So, we’ve got a plan, okay, no problem.

Q
All right. Thank you for your time. I’m curious about the fact that you said that you don’t know an awful lot about Gavin’s style. How, between now and the evening of the fight how are you going to get acquainted with what it is that he’ll bring?

Broner
I don’t need to get acquainted with nothing he’s going to bring because whatever he brings to the table I’m going to be ready for. Like I said before I don’t watch tape of fighters. I don’t study their best move. I don’t study their best punch because at the end of the day if you got your best punch or if you’ve got your best move, all of it means nothing if you can’t land a shot.

So, my main focus is just staying sharp, staying focused and be mentally and physically prepared for this fight and I will be.

Q
Do you think that this fight against Gavin, and everyone has been talking about how you’re the favorite, are you looking upon this as a stepping stone to bigger fights?

Rees
No fight is a stepping stone because in any fight you can be knocked out or beaten. So, like I said before I’m going to make this real clear for everybody who’s listening. Every fight I train for it like it’s the last and the biggest fight of my life, so just because I don’t know much of Gavin Rees, I really don’t know him, I don’t know him. Just because I don’t know much of him that makes him even more dangerous because I don’t know what he can bring.

I don’t know if he hits like Mike Tyson and got more speed than me. I don’t know, I just don’t know much of him. What I’m saying is whatever he brings to the table I’m going to be ready for it.

Q
Is there, in any of what you’ve just said, a certain arrogance, the fact that you don’t know anything about the fighter you’re going to be taking on?

Broner
No, it’s not arrogance, it’s just the truth. Like I said, I’ll fight anybody. I’m here to fight anybody. Whoever comes inside that ring when it’s fight time, I put my heart on the line, I put it out on the line and I leave it all in the ring.
Q
Hey, guys, how are you? Good. Gavin, a quick question for you, have you been to the States before, vacation, recreation, anything like that or will this be your first trip?

Rees
No, I went to Las Vegas and New York to see Hopkins and Jones.

Q
Oh, so you’re somewhat familiar with the travel. You think that shouldn’t be any issue for you at all?

Rees
No, that’s okay. I’ll be out three weeks before, two and a half, three weeks before, something like that so I’ll be acclimatizing already.

Q
Hey, Gavin, I’m sorry I didn’t get to you earlier. When you hear Adrien say that he might stand and fight you what do you think of that? Is that better for you? Does it make a difference?

Rees
It’s whatever he brings to the table and I’ve got the same, too. I’ve got a great guard and fast hand, so I have seen a lot of videos and things like that so he might not admit it now, but they know what they’re doing.

Q
Going into his last fight DeMarco by a lot of us was perceived to be the best lightweight before Adrien beat him, what do you think, did he do anything wrong or was Adrien just that much better than him in every possible way? Is there anything you can capitalize on?

Rees
Loads of them after he lost.. What I would say he was in for a great fight, put on a great display, and he beat him easily. Surely won’t be doing that.

Swanson
Let’s get final comments from the fighter. Gavin, if you’d like to go first. Any final thoughts and we’ll see you in America soon?

Rees
Yeah, you’ll see me on the 16th and put my name on the world map when I become two weight world champion. Thanks very much.

Swanson
Thank you. And, Adrien?

Broner
All right, Gavin, welcome to America. Train hard, man.
Rees
You, too.

Broner
You can come and watch training camp. I’ll help you out.

Rees
I’ll be over tomorrow.

Broner
Okay. I’ll see you in February.

Swanson
Okay. Thanks, everybody. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate the opportunity to have all the fighters on today’s call. Thank you so much. Bye, everybody.

END OF CALL

Broner vs. Rees, a 12-round fight for Broner’s WBC Lightweight World Championship will take place Saturday, February 16 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, R&R Promotions, sponsored by Caesars Atlantic City, Corona and AT&T and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT. The co-main event will be a 12-round heavyweight clash between Johnathon Banks and Seth “Mayhem” Mitchell for Banks’ NABO and WBC International Heavyweight titles, which is presented in association with K2 Promotions.
Tickets priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes and service charges, are available for purchase at the Boardwalk Hall box office, by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 736-1420 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

EXPLOSIVE HBO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® DOUBLEHEADER TO HIT BOARDWALK HALL IN ATLANTIC CITY ON FEBRUARY 16

Atlantic City, January 10 – Boxing’s brightest star and one of the sport’s most eagerly anticipated rematches will both take center stage on Saturday, February 16 when HBO World Championship Boxing telecasts a doubleheader from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey featuring the WBC Lightweight World Championship fight between Two-Time and Two-Division World Champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner and former World Champion Gavin “The Rock” Rees and the second showdown between heavyweights Johnathon Banks and Seth “Mayhem” Mitchell.

This event marks Golden Boy Promotions’ return to the boardwalk after a stellar card on November 17, 2012 that saw Broner capture the WBC Lightweight World Championship with an eighth round stoppage of former World Champion Antonio DeMarco and Banks scored one of the biggest upsets of the year with a second round technical knockout over previously unbeaten Mitchell.

Tickets priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes and service charges, go on sale on Friday, January 11 at 12:00 p.m. ET and will be available for purchase at the Boardwalk Hall box office, by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 736-1420 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

“We’re pleased to bring fans another exciting night of boxing live from Atlantic City in the beginning of 2013,” said Golden Boy Promotions President Oscar De La Hoya. “We are witnessing the emergence of Adrien Broner as a superstar in the sport and now he faces his next test in Gavin Rees who, with his ring experience and already proven tenacity, should give Adrien a very tough fight. With Johnathon Banks vs. Seth Mitchell we are going to see if Seth can overcome defeat and disappointment and avenge his loss to Johnathon in the same ring they fought in this past November. I’m looking forward to a great night of fights and a great show.”

“Atlantic City here we come again and it will be great to have my first fight of 2013 in the same ring and place as my last fight of 2012,” said Broner. “I see the outcome of this fight against Rees being similar to my last fight as I plan to knock him out in too. I am a two-time world champion now, feel great at this weight and can’t wait to show the world why I am the best boxing has to offer. A new year, a new era and it starts on February 16.”

“I didn’t think twice about taking this fight,” said Rees. “Broner is a fantastic boxer and a huge talent, but I am confident I can upset the odds on February 16th and become a Two-Division World Champion. I’ve got the edge when it comes to experience and under my trainer Gary Lockett, I have a new lease of life. I believe that besides DeMarco, I am the toughest opponent he’s faced and I think I will cause him plenty of trouble, especially if he underestimates what I can do. This is a massive opportunity for me and it would be a dream come true to do it in the United States. I am going to be putting it all on the line to make my dream a reality.”
“Here we go again. Same thing, different day,” said Banks. “I’m looking forward to putting on another terrific performance for the fans in Atlantic City and those watching on HBO. I will prove again that I’m the best at what I do.”

“I’m very excited and motivated for this rematch against Johnathon Banks,” said Mitchell. “My training is going well. This is the first time I’ve been away from my family during training camp. I’m very fortunate and blessed to be back on this stage for my next fight.”

“We are excited to launch an all new season of World Championship Boxing with Adrien Broner meeting Gavin Rees in a 135-pound title showdown in Atlantic City,” said Kery Davis, senior vice president, programming, HBO Sports. “Along with the rematch between Johnathon Banks and Seth Mitchell as the opening bout in a high-stakes heavyweight fight, it is a night fight fans are going to enjoy.”

“Caesars Atlantic City is once again pleased to work alongside Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions and elated to sponsor an event-card of this magnitude,” said Daniel Brockdorf, Regional Vice President of Marketing for Caesars Entertainment Atlantic City. “Last November, I had the pleasure of seeing, first hand, the level of excitement a fighter like Adrien Broner generates. This February 16th world-class event at Boardwalk Hall is proof that championship boxing is not only alive and well in Atlantic City, but thriving.”

Breaking into the spotlight in a big way in 2012, Adrien “The Problem” Broner (25-0, 21 KO’s) made statements in two weight classes last year en route to a 3-0 record. Kicking off 2011 with a fourth round technical knockout over previously unbeaten Eloy Perez in February, the Cincinnati native ended his championship run at 130 pounds with a fifth round stoppage over former world title contender Vicente Escobedo in July. He closed the year at Boardwalk Hall with a dominant November win over former World Champion DeMarco that earned him his second divisional world title. On February 16, the charismatic 23-year-old plans on extending his five-fight knockout streak against Rees.

One of the United Kingdom’s top competitors, 32-year-old Welshman Gavin “The Rock” Rees (37-1-1, 18 KO’s) is unbeaten in 11 fights since the lone loss of his career in 2008 against former World Champion Andriy Kotelnik. Now firmly established at 135 pounds after years of fighting bigger opponents, Rees, a former WBA Super Lightweight World Champion, has proven with European and British lightweight title winning victories that he’s clearly in the best form of his 14-year professional career. All that’s left is to bring another world title back home to Newbridge.

The owner of one of boxing’s most inspirational stories, perennial contender Johnathon Banks (29-1-1, 19 KO’s) captured the imagination of fight fans around the world last fall. After losing his mentor and trainer with the passing of Emanuel Steward, Banks took over for the legendary Hall of Famer as the trainer for World Champion Wladimir Klitschko (who was also trained by Steward) for his title defense win over Mariusz Wach in November. One week later, the 30-year-old from Detroit stepped into the ring himself and stunned the boxing world with a second round technical knockout win over the hot and then-undefeated contender Mitchell. On February 16, he’ll look to do it again.

A thrill a second heavyweight with the power to end a bout with a single blow, Seth “Mayhem” Mitchell (25-1-1, 19 KO’s) is eager for the opportunity to avenge his only professional loss against Banks. A former standout linebacker at Michigan State University, Mitchell tore through his opposition in the boxing ring for over four years, most notably beating Taurus Sykes, Timur Ibragimov and Chazz Witherspoon, all by knockout. Now he’ll have to show the resilience of a champion as he attempts to even the score on February 16.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/AdrienBroner, www.twitter.com/SethMayhem48, www.twitter.com/BanksBoxingEnt, www.twitter.com/BoardwalkHall and www.twitter.com/HBOboxing, follow the conversation using #BronerRees or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/HBOboxing.

Name Game: Broner plans to beat them without knowing them

Adrien Broner calls himself The Problem. He had one Thursday. He couldn’t remember his opponent’s name. Or, at least, he chose not to, perhaps because confidence has never been a Broner problem.

“Gavin, Davin,’’ said Broner, who during an international conference call also called his newest challenger Ted. “I really don’t know his name.’’

Might not have to either.

For the record, Broner faces a Welshman named Gavin Rees on Feb 16 in an HBO-televised bout from Atlantic City, N.J. In a fight for Broner’s 135-pound title, Rees might prove to be just another marker on what many believe is a fast track to stardom for the fast-talking lightweight from Cincinnati.

Broner has no doubts about that. No surprise there. Call Broner whatever you like. If it’s cocky, you’ll never be wrong. During Thursday’s call, there was a question from the UK about whether that confidence was arrogance.

“No, it’s not,’’ Broner (25-0, 21 KOs) said. “It’s just the truth. I want to be known as the best guy who has ever laced up a pair of boxing gloves.

“That’s my goal.’’

Broner said it as though that goal is just matter of time. Gavin, Davin, Ted, Manny, Moe & Jack are just guys in the way of what the 23-year-old foresees. With his mix of speed, power and elusiveness, he has been called the next Floyd Mayweather Jr. He and Mayweather are friendly. He’s been seen hanging with Mayweather in Las Vegas. There’s already talk about Broner fighting on the undercard of a Mayweather return projected for May 4, possibly against Robert Guerrero.

“Anything is possible,’’ said Broner, who hold the World Boxing Council’s version of the lightweight championship. “I don’t get hit that much. My fights don’t last that long.’’

Yeah, he said, there’s a “great possibility” he will fight on a card featuring Mayweather’s first bout since his release from jail.

The assumption is that Rees won’t leave Broner with a painful reminder of who he is. Rees, whose brief reign as a junior-welterweight titlist ended in 2008 with a loss to Andreas Kotelnik, promised an upset. Who in a conference call doesn’t? But Rees (37-1-1, 18 KOs) did so with a flourish

“After I knock him out, I’ll brush his hair for him,’’ Rees said in a mocking reference to the hair brush that has become a theatrical prop for Broner, who climbs into the ring as though it were a stage.

Much of what Broner does is playful. He enjoys the spotlight. He reminds reporters that they have his phone number. He’s having fun, yet there’s an understanding that he’s just one big punch away from being turned into a fool. Not knowing your opponent, he concedes, might not be wise.

“The fact that I don’t know him makes even more dangerous,’’ he said.

Nevertheless, Broner has yet to see danger he can’t conquer and won’t court.

“I don’t need to get acquainted with anything he brings,” Broner said of Gavin or Davin. “Whatever he brings I’m going to be ready for. Like I said before, I don’t watch tape on fighters. I don’t study their best moves. I don’t study their best punch. At the end of the day, if you’ve got your best move or your best punch, all of it means nothing if you can’t land a shot.’’

AZ NOTES

Phoenix super-bantamweight Emilio Colon-Garcia is scheduled to begin the New Year with his first bout since a victory last May on Jan. 18 on a Michelle Rosado-promoted card at the Arizona Event Center in Mesa. The card represents a return of boxing to the Phoenix suburb, once home for late junior-welterweight Scott Walker, best known for an upset that ended Alexis Arguello’s comeback. The eight-fight card is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.

Broner to defend against Rees on Feb 16 in AC

WBC Lightweight champion Adrien Broner will make the first defense of hos crown when he takes on Welshman Gavin Rees on February 16th in Atlantic City according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

Rees got the fight after WBO champion Ricky Burns priced himself out of the fight.

“Gavin Rees was one of the fighters on the short list of approved opponents by HBO,” Schaefer said. “I guess he wanted the fight more since Ricky Burns outpriced himself. I can understand that a fighter would want a career-high payday when fighting Adrien, but when a fighter asks for three or four times his highest payday and wants payment tax-free, then it is simply a way of saying, ‘No, I don’t want to fight Broner.’

“My respect goes out to Gavin Rees for stepping up to the plate and fighting, in my opinion, one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.”

“We have agreed to terms and are proceeding to contract,” Matchroom Sport promoter Eddie Hearn, Rees’ promoter, said. “Gavin is a tenacious fighter. I really feel he will give him a great fight. It is a great opportunity for Gavin. He is a former British, European and world champion, and this kind of fight and occasion is what you are in the game for. Of course, he will be a heavy underdog, but he is a tenacious man with nothing to lose. I believe he will give Broner one hell of a fight.”

The co-feature will pit the r

Adrien Broner: Adjustment required

Saturday at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City Adrien Broner fought the man aficionados asked him to fight, WBC lightweight champion Antonio DeMarco, a southpaw Tijuanense known to possess chin and heart and strength more than speed, and soundly whupped him. Broner did not flee DeMarco, clinch DeMarco or endeavor to outpoint DeMarco. Broner beat DeMarco down in a way not even the late Edwin Valero could, stopping DeMarco at 1:49 of round 8 – four minutes sooner than Valero did. It was 2012’s most important statement, for assuring Broner’s blossoming fanbase it will not look instantly foolish and Broner’s entrenched critics their assessments need adjusting.

A grim realization now settles: Adrien Broner is boxing’s foreseeable future. He is the anointed one, and unlike others prematurely blessed – Amir Khan and Victor Ortiz leap to mind, though Seth Mitchell is more timely an example – he will persuade even begrudging adults he’s deserving of what young enthusiasm now cloaks him like a sparkly pink robe, aglitter with sequins, he donned Saturday, to complement what pink gloves both fighters had to wear to show solidarity with a breast-cancer-awareness industry whose Month began Oct. 1 but now stretches past Thanksgiving*.

Broner reduced a very tough champion, a man whose garish green belt was earned as an underdog, which anymore might be the only way a belt’s merit can be trusted, to a shuffling, plodding, broken spirit. That is no criticism of Antonio DeMarco, whose tactical mistakes, time will show, were not mistakes at all – even as his supporters surely wonder why DeMarco set his chin on Broner’s right fist in the fourth round, eliminating his one advantage, height, to continually collect five flush shots in exchange for a pair of glazing ones. DeMarco went there for safety’s sake after he tasted Broner’s counter left hook and decided it was not worth suffering on his way to the table, and after he tasted Broner’s right-cross lead and decided if right hands had to be consumed, better to eat them at short range where even Broner, despite his excellent leveraging, would be unable to load them with what sauce he’d spread at full extension.

When his fans thought DeMarco was warming up, after Broner retreated to the ropes and collected left hands in round 3, DeMarco was realizing the whole enterprise faced long odds if not abject hopelessness (that would come in the fifth) and decided to get on Broner’s chest and see if luck mightn’t intervene. It sure as hell did not. Demarco accepted right uppercuts, or planned to accept them at least, in an expectation that in landing Broner would lower his fist enough to be open to a counter, or in missing thrust his right elbow far enough from his lowest rib to permit DeMarco some body work. The calculation was wrong, Broner is too conscientious of an opponent’s strengths to forget to protect himself, but flawed more because Broner’s right uppercut, now the best punch in the lightweight division, jarred DeMarco and moved him entirely off-course, forcing him to reset and put his chin back in Broner’s power alley, to try all over again.

Broner was able to take a Mexican with a granitic chin and make him think about safety by landing accurate and hard punches, and therein lies the secret to Broner’s staying power, and it is not his fast hands: Broner throws every punch hard, and he is able to throw every punch hard because he is extraordinarily well conditioned because something more than hairbrushing happens in his training camps, though confessing it might drop a gaggle of followers from the @AdrienBroner account.

The Mayweather defense, a shell of sorts Cincinnati’s Broner employs that has nothing to do with Philly, only works if the potshots that lead it are stinging blows. Anyone who’s spent time in boxing gyms since Floyd Mayweather decisioned Oscar De La Hoya – the day Mayweather replaced Roy Jones as the model for gifted athletes told they can make a fortune in boxing – has seen what devastation results if the right hand, cross or uppercut, shooting from behind the cocked left shoulder and low lead glove, fails to stun.

DeMarco did land some punches, and Broner walked through them. That’s important because it goes to what makes Broner, if not enticing, at least palatable to serious persons who are otherwise seriously repulsed by his shtick, one informed by a philosophy Broner annunciated in an interview with Larry Merchant, an octogenarian who wrote well about our sport before Broner’s father was born, to whom Broner explained the problem with contemporary prizefighting is that most of its fighters are “just boxing” – which likely came as a revelation to Merchant and other aficionados who foolishly contend the problem with prizefighting is that its practitioners aren’t “just boxing” fractionally often as their predecessors did.

Now there will be other supposedly tough opponents proposed for Broner by well-intentioned and hopeful folks desperate to avert another five years like the last five, when prizefighting’s best talent named himself “Money” then acted accordingly, but it’s of no use. Broner can clean out the lightweight division if he so chooses or go to 140 pounds and do the same – though fans are forgiven their transaction fees this week if they transfer the remaining balance of their DeMarco investment into a Brandon Rios account.

Those of us bound to be dragged dustily behind the Broner bandwagon have a single request that oughtn’t be too unbearable but likely will be: Make the fights, three a year, people ask of you, Adrien; for the longterm health of the sport and your place in its annals, remove the most important fights from hypothetical’s seductively painless grasp, as you did Saturday. Do that, and in time you’ll surpass Mayweather.

*Readers interested in the troublesome implications of having such an industry are encouraged to view “Pink Ribbons, Inc.”

Bart Barry can be reached at bart.barrys.email (at) gmail.com

Broner wins Lightweight crown with stoppage over DeMarco

Adrien Broner won the WB Lightweight title with an eight round beatdown of previous titleholder Antonio DeMarco at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

It was a good fight for Broner as DeMarco obliged him by fighting on the inside which gave Broner the opportunity to show off his blazing handspeed that started to carve up DeMarco as early as round two. DeMarco had a good land three as he landed some solid hooks to the body. That was short lived and Broner started to rev up the engine and started to rip hard shots to the head of DeMarco. Broner had dominat round’s four and five and it became appear-ant that it would be a Broner crowning.

The fight was stopped after Broner landed a big left hook that sent DeMarco down to the canvas and the fight was waved off by DeMarco’s corner at 1:46 of round eight.

Broner, 134 1/2 lbs of Cincinnati, OH is now 25-0 with twenty-one knockouts. DeMarco, 134 1/2 lbs of Tijuana, MX is now 28-3-1.

Johnathon Banks scored an upset second round stoppage over previously undefeated Seth Mitchell in a scheduled twelve round Heavyweight bout.

Mitchell had a good first round as he buckled Banks with a good right hand. In round two, Banks landed a right that set off a turbulent second round for Mitchell. Mitchell went down from a follow up punch and was clearly shaken. With both guys swinging wildly, Banks landed a big right hand. Mitchell was in a heap of trouble when Banks ended things with hard left hook and referee Eddie Cotton stopped the bout at 2:37

Banks, 218 1/2 lbs of Detroit is now 29-1-1 with nineteen knockouts. Mitchell, 242 1/2 lbs of Brandywyne, MD is now 25-1-1.

Broner – DeMarco Preview

Only a few weeks after Superstorm Sandy hit Atlantic City, a new storm will make landfall. Adrien Broner and Antonio Demarco are both expecting to inflict damage tonight at the Boardwalk Hall. DeMarco has his WBC lightweight title on the line for this bout scheduled for twelve rounds.

“I am very excited to fight in Atlantic City. I was on my toes when Sandy came through, but even Sandy couldn’t stop this fight from going on, so it must have been meant to be,” said Broner this week. Broner is considered by many to be the best young fighter in boxing, but he has yet to face an opponent that poses a legitimate threat. But Antonio DeMarco is more than just an opponent and more than just a threat. He brings with him a world title, thirty one professional bouts, and experience against undefeated opposition. To top it off, he is in his prime years at the age of twenty-six.

And Broner fully understands what DeMarco is capable of, saying, “DeMarco is definitely my best opponent so far on paper. [He] has fought good guys, but he hasn’t fought me. You are going to see a totally different Adrien Broner on Saturday night.”

“I’ve faced undefeated boxers in the past and I have learned my lessons. I’m coming into the fight ready. I’ve been defeated in the past and that experience has helped me to be ready to succeed this time,” stated DeMarco. He has faced young opposition as the underdog multiple times in the past. He won most and even in losing, was never out classed.

“I’m confident that my training will pay off. I can assure you that we will put on a good show. May the best boxer win,” added DeMarco.

Indeed.

Tonight’s fight takes place at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and R & R Promotions in association with Gary Shaw Productions, sponsored by Caesars Atlantic City, Corona and AT&T and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. The co-main event will be a 12-round heavyweight clash between Seth “Mayhem” Mitchell and Johnathon Banks for Mitchell’s NABO title and the vacant WBC International Heavyweight title.

ANTONIO DEMARCO 134.5 ADRIEN BRONER 134.5

Broner vs. DeMarco, a 12-round fight for DeMarco’s WBC Lightweight World Championship will take place Saturday, November 17 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and R & R Promotions in association with Gary Shaw Productions, sponsored by Caesars Atlantic City, Corona and AT&T and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. The co-main event will be a 12-round heavyweight clash between Seth Mitchell and Johnathon Banks for Mitchell’s NABO title and the vacant WBC International Heavyweight title.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.randrpromotions.net, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/GaryShawBoxing, www.twitter.com/AdrienBroner, www.twitter.com/De_Marco07, www.twitter.com/SethMayhem48, www.twitter.com/BanksBoxingEnt, www.twitter.com/BoardwalkHall and www.twitter.com/HBOboxing, follow the conversation using #BronerDemarco or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/HBOboxing.

ADRIEN BRONER, ANTONIO DEMARCO, SETH MITCHELL AND JOHNATHON BANKS MEDIA ROUNDTABLE QUOTES

ADRIEN “THE PROBLEM” BRONER, Undefeated Former World Champion
[On visiting the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City on Wednesday.] “It’s very important to have an affect on kids. I’ll do anything to make a kid’s day better.

“As my career is going on, I’m starting to become a lot more of a busy man.

“Once someone sees me on TV, they always think that ‘he is just a cocky brat,’ but I’m not. Once you get to sit down with Adrien Broner, you will fall in love with me. I don’t want the world to dislike me in any way. I just want you accept me.

“You can probably catch me in my sleep and I’m dancing or throwing a hook. That is just me.

“I’m not looking past anybody. I just feel like there is nobody in this game that can beat me.

“You never know how you are going to win, but I know I’m going to be victorious.

“I’m mentally strong and physically strong. I’m just a special guy and I understand that you have people that know they have the talent, but sometimes they get scared when success is in their face. I’m ready to go to the next level.

“DeMarco is a great champion. He’s a world-class fighter. He has the talent to bring something out of Adrien Broner that the world hasn’t seen yet.

[On traveling to California to watch the 2012 U.S. Olympians turn pro this past weekend.] “Rau’shee Warren is my big brother. I knew how much it meant to him. I know how much it meant to me. I would have felt bad if I had to watch him on TV. I was in the gym two or three times a day out there. It doesn’t matter where I am. As long as I have a pair of boxing gloves, a pair of boxing shoes and a cup, I’ll give 120 percent. I’m always focused.

“Once that bell rings, I make my adjustments and usually with a couple of adjustments the fight is over.

ANTONIO DEMARCO, WBC Lightweight World Champion

“It’s an important fight for my career.

“My fight with Edwin Valero will help me get in the ring with more confidence.

“I know it’s a difficult fight for both of us. Because of his talent and my heart and hunger, it’s going to be a great fight for the fans.

“Broner is very elusive and he’s an intelligent fighter, but we came prepared for that and more.

“A very difficult fight in my past that I can compare to this one is my fight with Kid Diamond [Almazbek Raiymkulov]. He also was elusive, but I won that fight by knockout and got a lot of exposure with the victory.

[On whether or not his weight gives him at an advantage.] “It’s a little bit of an advantage for me because I’m the world champion and I’ve been fighting at this weight a little bit longer, but I’m ready to go and if he wanted to fight at welterweight then I’d fight him there as well. It’s not a problem either way.

“It’s amazing what has happened in my personal life and my professional career. Every day I feel better and now I believe I can become anything I want to if I believe in myself. I wake up every morning and know I’m a world champion and that brings me great comfort.

“Every fight is different and we don’t know until we get in the ring, but don’t be surprised if you see me box.

“I’m well prepared and my mind is on winning. I have ‘The Solution’ for ‘The Problem.’

“Because my family is so important to me, I’m very hungry. I always fight for the people of Mexico, my team, my fans and especially my family.”

SETH “MAYHEM” MITCHELL, Undefeated NABO Heavyweight Champion

“I think having a strong jab is critical in any fight. I’ve been varying my jab since my last fight. I am trying to bring it from different angles.

[On a recent injury keeping him out of the ring.] “Ever since starting in this sport, I’ve always been in the gym. I just want to stay in shape and stay sharp. I’m used to fighting three or four times a year. This is the second time this year so it was very important to stay in the gym.

“When I look back, I wish I would have had a relationship with my father. Through football and basketball, I had a lot of father figures in my life. I had a lot of role models that helped and guided me. Looking back knowing the relationship I have with my son and how I cherish that, I do wish I would have had a relationship with my father.

[On being a stay-at-home dad] “I get up in the morning and I fix breakfast. I take the kids to school. I run, go to the gym and then I pick them up from school. My wife works, so we are a team.

[On visiting the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City] “Once you’re put in a certain position, I think it’s good to give back. Nobody has made it without somebody. No matter how successful an individual becomes, he or she didn’t get there by themselves. When I speak to kids, I know nine times out of 10 I’m not going to reach 100 percent of them, but if I can inspire one or two, then it’s worth it.

“I’m a competitive person by nature. If we were playing tic-tac-toe, you would see that same aggressiveness. My wife gets mad at me because I don’t let my six year old daughter win at anything.

“I believe including this fight, Lord willing, if I do what I’m supposed to do, I believe I’m two or three more fights away from a title shot. I don’t think I’m that far away at all.

[On Washington Redskins rookie Robert Griffin III] “I think RGIII is special. The reason I think so highly of him is that he’s a tremendous athlete and he thinks about the pass first. He’s very humble which is another characteristic I admire about him. I think in the next few years, the Redskins are going to be a force to be reckoned with.

“It feels good to be here in Atlantic City. This is like a home away from home. I love fighting in my hometown and in Vegas too, but I had like five or six busloads of people drive in from Maryland for my last fight here. You’re going to hear a lot of people screaming for me Saturday night.”

JOHNATHON BANKS, Top Heavyweight Contender

[On stepping in to serve as trainer for Heavyweight World Champion Wladimir Klitschko this past weekend.] “The only thing I had to do was be his trainer. It didn’t affect me in a bad way. If anything, it motivated me in a way that I’ve never been motivated before.

“Training him was not an advantage or disadvantage, but it enhanced something inside of me. My family has even noticed it. My mother said ‘There is something different about you. Something I haven’t seen before.’

“This is my time. Whatever happens, let it happen.

“Do you think last November I thought I would be here talking to you all this November? If you don’t see something in your future, you don’t think about it, but the position I’m has been wonderful.

“I started working with Wladimir Klitschko in 2004. When I met him I was 1-0. I just turned pro and we were training in California. Wladimir and I clicked right away.

“Emanuel [Steward] turned me pro. I was on his amateur team. Once I turned pro, I traveled with him wherever he went.

“James Toney called Emanuel and said that he wanted a ‘real Detroit guy’ on one of his undercards. He put me on his undercard and that was my second fight.

[On his experience being a sparring partner.] “You can’t say ‘I am just a sparring partner.’ I sparred guys when I was coming up in this sport and I sparred guys as a grown man. Mentally, I was never a sparring partner, so there is nothing to put aside. I am always looking to learn.

“I am expecting a really, really tough fight. I expect him to be as aggressive as he always is and I expect him to be as aggressive as he can be. It’s going to be a spectacle.”

# # #

Broner vs. DeMarco, a 12-round fight between Adrien “The Problem” Broner and Antonio DeMarco for DeMarco’s WBC Lightweight World Championship will take place Saturday, November 17 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and R & R Promotions in association with Gary Shaw Productions, sponsored by Caesars Atlantic City, Corona and AT&T and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. The co-main event will be a 12-round heavyweight clash between Seth “Mayhem” Mitchell and Johnathon Banks for Mitchell’s NABO title and the vacant WBC International Heavyweight title.

ADRIEN BRONER & ANTONIO DEMARCO MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL QUOTES

Adrien Broner, Undefeated Rising Star
“I am very excited to fight in Atlantic City. I was on my toes when Sandy came through, but even Sandy couldn’t stop this fight from going on, so it must have been meant to be.

“I have been training very hard. I want to thank DeMarco and his team for taking the fight and coming to the U.S. to fight me. I know he is a great champion. He is ready and I am ready. It is going to be an electrifying fight and I am ready to go.

“Legacy is very important. It always starts locally. If you don’t have a big name in your hometown, how do you expect to have a name anywhere else? I am trying to go global here.

“Visiting the Boys & Girls Club is something I am looking forward to. I want to put smiles on people’s faces. I want to make someone’s day better. I would do it every day.

“DeMarco is definitely my best opponent so far on paper. It is the biggest fight of my career thus far. I am not looking past anyone. I have to take it one fight at a time.

“I am ready to show my talent. I think this is a fight that I will be able to show a lot more of my skills. In my last fights, even though some of my opponents were ranked, after fighting me, they got downgraded because of my high skill level.

“In boxing, a knockout is a punch away. You always have to be careful.

“DeMarco has fought good guys, but he hasn’t fought me.

“You are going to see a totally different Adrien Broner on Saturday night. I am going to be able to show more of my skills on Saturday night because DeMarco has such talent. They say if one good talent goes up against another good talent, it brings out something in the elite.

“I am a lot stronger than people think and on Saturday, you will see that against DeMarco.

“We are going head over heals, balls to the walls with this one. Let’s go. Rock and roll. It is time to put on a show. You aren’t just coming to see a boxing show, you’re coming to the Adrien Broner Show. It is going to be fun. It is going to be entertaining. There are going to be a lot of smiles. Some might cry, but at the end, they will laugh about it. I want everybody to come out and have a good time. Saturday is going to be a nice night for everybody, family and all.”

Antonio Demarco, WBC Lightweight World Champion

“I am very well prepared because I know Adrien is extremely talented and a great fighter.

“I feel that every opponent of mine is a worthy one and I respect anyone I step into the ring with. This fight is very important for my career as well as for Broner’s career.

“I’m confident that my training will pay off. I can assure you that we will put on a good show. May the best boxer win.

“Whoever wins this fight will have many opportunities to further his career. I want those opportunities. I want what every boxer wants…recognition and success.

“I only dreamt that I would be world champion one day.

“I am happy to be fighting in Atlantic City. I look forward to charming a new crowd when I step into the ring with Adrien Broner.

“I am glad to be here and I am looking forward to doing what I love to do…fight.”

Oscar De La Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions

“In an effort to raise funds for the Hurricane Sandy relief, Golden Boy Promotions is donating $2 for every ticket sold and $1,000 for each knockout registered during the event. We will be donating that money to the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City. Caesars Atlantic City and myself, the Oscar De La Hoya Foundation, will match the donations. I am hoping everyone can send that message and raise some money for this cause.

“Adrien Broner is only getting better as his career goes on. He is one of the hardest working fighters in the sport today. He is also known to brush his hair after every victory, rap himself into the ring, and he has already won a title at 130 pounds.

“Not only do we know Adrien as a charismatic fighter, but here is a guy that does wonderful deeds for wonderful people. He went to Iraq to visit the troops for two whole weeks and he is going to the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City today. Here is a guy that wants to be great inside the ring and outside of the ring.”

Gary Shaw, President of Gary Shaw Productions

“It is going to be a great event. Antonio DeMarco is a wonderful champion. I believe he is the Mexcian version of Arturo Gatti, who was a fixture in Atlantic City, so I think it is fitting that he come here and defend his world title.

“I am glad Oscar decided to keep the fight in Atlantic City. As a resident of New Jersey, I am proud that we are here to help New Jersey rebound and show how strong New Jersey is.”

Don Marrandino, Eastern Division President for Caesars Entertainment

“Our region really got beaten up by the hurricane. I am happy to report that the city and the casinos are intact. We did a great job cleaning everything up so when the folks get here, they are going to have a great experience.

“We are excited once again to be the host here. We had a fight here with Golden Boy several months ago and it was a terrific experience. We are excited not only for the main event, but also for Seth Mitchell as kind of a local guy and a heavyweight. We are hoping that can develop into something very good for us here in Atlantic City.”

SETH MITCHELL & JOHNATHON BANKS MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT

Kelly Swanson
We are delighted to have with us today two unbelievable American heavyweights, both in Seth Mitchell and Johnathon Banks, who are gearing up to fight each other this Saturday as the co-main event of the Adrien Broner vs. Antonio DeMarco WBC Lightweight World Championship. Both of the fighters are on the phone, as well as Dave Itskowitch from Golden Boy Promotions and Tom Loeffler from K2 Promotions.

David Itskowitch

Thank you, Kelly. Thank you, everyone, for joining today. We’re very excited about the show this weekend at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. Our main event is Adrien Broner versus Antonio DeMarco for the WBC Lightweight World Championship. And of course our co-main event is Seth Mitchell versus Johnathon Banks, a 12-round fight for Mitchell’s NABO and the vacant WBC International Heavyweight Championship Saturday, November 17th at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. The event is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and R&R Promotions in association with Gary Shaw Productions, sponsored by Corona, AT&T, and Caesars Atlantic City. We are going to be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific.

We have great seats still available starting at just $25. We’re extremely excited to be back in Atlantic City, especially in light of recent events. And in that vein, in an effort to raise funds for Hurricane Sandy relief Golden Boy is going to be donating $2 for every ticket sold and $1,000 per knockout registered during the event to the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City. Oscar De La Hoya and Caesars Atlantic City are going to match those funds. So we’re happy to be doing something for the community, happy to be bringing a big event to Atlantic City. They had a Carrie Underwood concert this weekend, and from what I understand the turnout was great, so Atlantic City is up and running and open for business.

Now to turn things over to the fighters. Now to introduce Johnathon Banks I’d like to introduce Tom Loeffler, who is the Managing Director of K2 Promotions, who is Banks’ promoter. Tom.

Tom Loeffler

Thank you, David. We’re really excited to be involved with this event. I think you have two great, young American heavyweights fighting each other. Seth Mitchell obviously has gotten a lot of exposure recently on HBO. Johnathon has been fighting quite a bit on our big Klitschko events over in Europe, although he did come up through the Kronk system in Detroit, an outstanding amateur career, and I think the winner of this fight can clearly be considered the best American heavyweight out there. It’s an exciting complement to the main event, which Adrien Broner is clearly one of the best pound-for-pound fighters on the lightweight division.

So we’re excited about it. Johnathon had a really big night last Saturday where he got a lot of publicity, actually more publicity as a trainer than as a fighter, where he trained Wladimir Klitschko for his successful world championship defense last Saturday. So with all that being said, want to introduce Johnathon Banks from Detroit, Michigan.

Johnathon Banks

Okay. Thanks, Tom. Hello, everybody. Once again, like Tom said, this is Johnathon Banks. I look forward to this fight. It’s been a long time coming, keep backing up, backing up, backing up, kept changing the date, but hey, I’m just looking forward to it. I know Seth is looking forward to the fight. And he’s a fighter, I’m a fighter; we just really happily, like I said for both of us, we both just really looking forward to Saturday night.

Itskowitch

Okay. Thank you, Johnathon. Now to make a few statements, I want to introduce a fighter that all of us at Golden Boy are very proud to work with. We believe he is the future of the heavyweight division. He’s a former standout Michigan State University linebacker who found his true calling in the boxing ring. He’s quickly becoming the kind of fighter that we believe can reinvigorate the heavyweight division in the United States and around the world. Recently he blasted through top contenders Timur Ibragimov and Chazz Witherspoon in a combined five-rounds Showing that he not only has the power, but the heart to succeed. With a record of 25-0-1 with 19 knockouts from Brandywine, Maryland, Mr. Seth “Mayhem” Mitchell.

Seth Mitchell

Thanks, Dave; thanks for the introduction. I want to thank everybody that joined in on the conference call. Obviously I want to thank Golden Boy; I want to thank my team for allowing me to have another opportunity to perform on this big stage.

I’m excited. Like Johnathon said, this fight has been postponed for a while; the first time it was due to a hand injury that I had gotten in my fight against Chazz Witherspoon. But, on record, my hand feels great. I’ve been training very hard, again very excited for this fight, very motivated. It’s going to be a good fight. I respect Johnathon Banks, he has a lot to bring to the table, but at the end of the day I truly believe in my heart that I’ll be victorious. Whatever he comes to the table with I’ll be able to respond by training. We have about three to four game plans, and it’s going to be a great fight. I don’t know if you can tell by the excitement in my voice, but I’m ready to show up on the 17th.

This is the stage that I want to be on. I believe it’s my time. I think that I don’t talk much, I’m very humble, but I’m pleased with myself and I’m pleased that I have the capability and the tools to become heavyweight champion in the world, and on the 17th Johnathon Banks is just another step, another hurdle that I have to get over. I’m not underestimating him; I expect him to bring his A game, and with the unfortunate passing of Emanuel Steward, may his soul rest in peace, that probably is going to bring more excitement and more enthusiasm out of Johnathon Banks, which is only going to make for a better fight. But at the end of the day my hand will be raised.

Again, I want to thank everybody who has joined in on the phone call, and tune in; if you can’t be there on the 17th definitely tune in, because it’s going to be a hell of a night of boxing.

Seth, it’s kind of an interesting situation you’re in; you’re getting another fight on HBO, but your opponent, Johnathon Banks, is now the trainer for the Heavyweight Champion, Wladimir Klitschko, a man that has mentioned you as a possible opponent, somebody that you and your team have talked about in the future fighting some day, and being able to step up to that challenge. How much do you think a victory over his trainer is going to get his attention to put you in a position to be one of his challengers in the near future?

Mitchell

I think, well it’s funny, I was thinking the same thing as I was watching the fight this Saturday. But I think a victory over Johnathon Banks will ultimately get me closer to my title shot, whether it’s Klitschko or whoever it is. But it’s still I think it will still be at the latter part of 2013. My team and I we have a plan, and we had a plan since day one, and the latter part of 2013 had always been that plan. But to answer your question, I think I’m looking at first to get Johnathon Banks would definitely increase those chances and Wladimir would probably want to fight me.

Would want to fight you if you knock off his trainer. Is that what you mean?

Mitchell

Yes

More so than he does already.

Mitchell

Absolutely. Absolutely.

Okay. And Johnathon, I know we spoke before you had the fight that you trained Wladimir for this past Saturday against Wach, but I’m wondering for you how difficult of a process was it to go back and forth mentally from being the guy that has to be the trainer for the heavyweight champion, because I know you were doing the double duty of training for this fight as well as getting Wladimir ready, to go back and forth mentally from okay now I’m getting the champ ready for his fight, and then when you go into your own training with your own trainer, Sugar Hill, to then mentally go to the point where okay now I’m a fighter now the trainer. How difficult was that, and now how are you dealing with it that your Klitschko fight is behind you and now you can focus 100% on getting reading for Seth?

Banks

Okay, first of all … it’s wasn’t as big issue as-well I guess what I want to say it sounds bigger than what it really is, the issue is what I’m talking about. It wasn’t a big issue at all. It’s all a part of boxing; I’m a fan of boxing, I love boxing, and it’s just all a part of it, it’s all a part of boxing. I didn’t have to step outside my box one time, I didn’t have to step outside the sport … one time; it was all inside in boxing. It actually sounds harder than what it really was. It wasn’t an easy task. It had a little difficulties because, like I said, I had a big fight coming up and I also had to get Wladimir ready for his big fight. But I thought that I handled it pretty well. I’m glad his fight is over with, and I’m looking forward to mine.

Can you just talk a little bit about your experience in being the head man in his corner for the first time on Saturday; how did it go for you, how did you feel about it, and were you a little concerned when Wladimir got touched in the fifth round there? It looked like he might be in a little bit of trouble at the end of the round, and you maybe had to-I mean you did do a good job staying calm in the corner, but how you were handling that emotionally when you saw what happened?

Banks

Like I said, it was all a part of boxing. I saw that Wach touched him with the right hand, but the thing about it is Wladimir I didn’t see him getting in trouble; his knees wasn’t getting buckled, it wasn’t a sign of he was going down. Wach I don’t believe he had any energy to turn it up if he wanted to anyway, so it wasn’t a problem. I mean my whole thing was I know Wladimir and I know if he get caught with a clean shot he’d want to rush and get it back, and my job was to keep him as calm as possible, to let him know everything was cool, and to continue to fight.

How comfortable were you being the guy that everybody looked to in the corner for the first time? That’s a pretty big spot never having been in that position; now all of sudden it’s not just training any old guy, you’re training the heavyweight world champion.

Banks

Well it was comfortable, because it wasn’t my first time training someone, because I have been doing that off and on for a very long time anyway. So it wasn’t my first time out, but it was my first time on the highest stage in boxing, so that made it a little-I mean it was a little nervous starting out, but it is what I do. Boxing is what I do, it is my life, so I just went right into it. The same as if a reporter, like you as a reporter, you just write the big story or small story. The format is the same. You just have to do. So it’s the same thing.

Johnathon, I was just wondering will you go to Emanuel Steward’s memorial service tomorrow? Will you be able to do that or what is your plan for the rest of your week?

Banks

Yes, the memorial service is right here in Detroit tomorrow, and yes, I will attend it.

Okay. Can you comment, just let us know what Emanuel meant to you? Obviously he meant a lot to your life; can you elaborate on what he did for you?

Banks

Okay. You’re talking about going back to a 15-year-old kid that looked up to this guy who kind of start growing up in and around Lennox Louis training camps, him finding Big Bear to training Oscar, and then later on coming and training. I mean he kept me in boxing, he kept me around boxing, and I really, really learned a lot from him as far as life, as far as a man, as far as a fighter, and as far as actually the fundamentals of training about boxing. Because I used to even live with him for a few years at one point, so I mean there was that one point for years and years we were together every day, we traveled together. Even when he went to Germany I would go with him a lot of the time. So as far as what he meant, I mean everything I guess what a father would ever mean to a kid, so he meant a lot to me. Because I mean the guy was a great mentor, he was a great father figure, he just was a great overall person, and for me and to be a part of his life was nothing but a blessing for me.

On Saturday night, obviously, it’s a big night for you, a huge fight for you, and obviously an emotional time the last couple of weeks after Emanuel passed away. How do you kind of channel that in a positive direction and not allow yourself too become too emotional when that fight?

Banks

It’s all basically like this; if you really think about I really think about a lot of things Emanuel told me, when it comes to fighting you have to shut everything out. Fighting is like going to war; you have to shut everything out and you got to go to war. No matter what’s going on at home when you got to go you got to go, and that’s just the situation that it is at hand. Saturday night I have to go. No matter what’s going on this week, no matter what’s going on last month, on Saturday night I have to be prepared to go.

Thank you, Johnathon. I just have one question for Seth. Seth, I was just wondering what you feel you got out of your fight against Chazz Witherspoon where you were in a little bit of trouble and obviously fought through it and won the fight. How much did that help you develop as a fighter?

Mitchell

I believe it helped me develop a lot. I tell people all the time if they were to ask me how I would respond to adversity I would have told them I would have responded how I responded in the Chazz fight, but until you get put in that situation you really don’t know. For me to get put in that situation and come through as I did I think that it showed signs of a true champion, somebody that definitely has the heart, has determination, and show recovery. I wasn’t over anxious, I stayed composed, I stayed calm, so I think it helped me out a lot and let me know that I can fight through adversity when in trouble. At the same time, I don’t want to continue to put myself in those situations. It let me see why I got in that situation and things that I need to work on. So overall I think it helped me out a lot.

I wanted to talk about your defense. You obviously had trouble when you first started fighting Chazz, and is your defense something you’ve been working on since that fight?

Mitchell

Definitely. As a fighter I definitely don’t think I know it all. I’m only just been boxing almost six years now, and I just don’t think I know it all. I continue to be a sponge. I’m still, even though I’ve kind of accomplished a lot in a short amount of time, I still consider myself wet behind the ears. There’s still more to learn, and that’s what’s exciting to me. When I come to the gym I still I want to learn, I’m thirsty for knowledge. My trainer, Andre Hunter, I think he does a great job. We sit and we talk, we go back to the fundamentals, and we just work on becoming a better fighter, and most definitely, definitely working on my defense.

I don’t really get hit with too many combinations, but in that fight Chazz was able to man the right hand, and I was just glad that I was able to overcome it. But to answer your question, I’ve definitely been working on my defense. We’ve been working on quite a few things, and hopefully on the 17th you’ll be able to see that come out, see that show that night.

You have like 10 knockouts in a row. My question is will your experience against Witherspoon make you a more patient fighter or will you come out looking for that knockout right away or how do you handle that? I guess it’s different for every situation, but can you talk about that?

Mitchell

It may look that way, but to be honest I don’t necessarily go out there looking for knockouts. I consider myself an aggressive box of punches. I come to fight, I’ll tell you that much, I do come to fight. But I just try to put my punches together at a high work rate for a heavyweight, and I just point that behind my jab and the knockouts have just been coming.

But if I need to change my style for this particular fight I’m capable of doing that. A lot of people they think that I’m just a bull, but if I have to be a matador I definitely can do that. I believe that I possess all the skills; I have decent power in both hands, good speed, I’m very athletic. I just have only had to show one or two things, and if I only have to show it in that fight that’s what you’ll see, but if I have to show something else you’ll see that as well.

What about Johnathon concerns you most at this point?

Mitchell

Johnathon, he’s a good fighter. He’s had a lot of tutelage, he’s been around a lot of good fighters, trained with Emanuel Steward, he’s sparred with Lennox Lewis, he’s sparred with the Klitschkos, so he has a lot of experience. And he knows his way around the ring and he’s definitely showed that he can get off the canvas and get up and win it, so he shows that he has heart. And he’s a good counter puncher; he likes to set traps and he has a nice little tricky right hand. We’ve been watching him, so I’m well prepared for Mr. Banks. But at the end of the day I truly believe in my heart that my hand’s going to be raised at the end of the night, whether it goes one round or whether it goes twelve rounds.

Hey, Johnathon, I wanted to ask you, about mentally the transition from being trainer to fighter during the course of the day. I wanted to know mentally and physically, first of all, how you did that. Did Wladimir come in in the morning and you trained him and then you trained after him, or was it vice versa? And then physically how was that for you at the end of the day; were you worn out, how did you feel? Because nobody does that.

Banks

Yes. Well our schedules I set my schedule to train when Wladimir trained in the morning I trained before he did; by the time he got in the gym I was just there ready, waiting on him. And the afternoon was the same schedule; I just trained before him so by the time he got there I was dressed for him and ready to go. At the end of the day, yes, I was completely exhausted. I slept like a baby every single night.

So it was instead of two-a-days it was four-a-days for you.

Banks

Four-a-days. Yes, it was four-a-days. Yes.

Seth made a reference to this that you’ve sparred with Lennox, you’ve sparred with the Klitschkos. Does that give you any kind of advantage in terms of assessing your opponents and enduring what they bring to the table in the course of a fight? And that’s one question. The other question is as a trainer cerebrally does that give you an advantage in assessing your opponents?

Banks

Well to answer the first question, I’m going to say no. Sparring with those guys it doesn’t give me an advantage, because none of those guys are Seth Mitchell. And, first off, I just want to say I take my hat off to Seth Mitchell, because I think he’s a hell of a fighter. My personal opinion about him I think he’s a hell of a fighter. And like I say, no, it doesn’t give me an advantage at all. All the opponents that he fought and all the opponents that I fought that was good at those particular times. Seth Mitchell brings a whole different energy to the ring than most opponents and I feel I bring a different rhythm to the ring than most opponents, so I think that’s what’s going to make this fight a hell of a fight. So to answer that first question, no, working with those guys doesn’t give me an advantage.

And could you please repeat the second one?

Second one was more or less being a trainer, having a trainer’s mind and a trainer’s acumen, does that give you any upside to assessing your opponents from a trainer’s mental standpoint?

Banks

I’m not going to say an advantage, but it definitely equips you with another piece of equipment besides being prepared for different things. Looking at it from a trainer standpoint, usually a trainer will say, a trainer obviously his job is to speak and give directions; that’s pretty much it. So I try not to look at it from a trainer’s point, because I can’t speak to nobody and give them directions, except myself.

But it gives me a different outlook about boxing, which is really good, and it’s a part of it that gives me the outlook that really keeps me motivated, got me really excited about fighting all the time, just because that particular different outlook I have as far as the trainer. But I don’t see it as no type of advantage.

Okay. And the last question for you is that your last loss was as a cruiserweight to Tomasz Adamek, and since you’ve been a heavyweight you’re undefeated in nine fights. Was there a reason you moved to heavyweight after that fight, number one, and then number two, to what do you attribute your success as a heavyweight?

Banks

I’m going to answer the first question, but I’m going to ask you to repeat the second question when I finish answering the first one. The loss was to Adamek, but the move was to heavyweight simply because I was killing myself too much to make the 200 pounds. And I could make the weight, but I couldn’t perform at the weight; that was my problem. I could make the weight, but I couldn’t perform at the weight. I was too weak trying to get down to 200, and it just took its toll on me, it took a toll on me in a big way. Not taking nothing against Adamek, he did what he was supposed to do. But I mean I really had nothing left to fight cruiserweight.

And then my second question was I’m assuming that because you moved to heavyweight its easier. To what do you attribute your success in the heavyweight?

Banks

Just my willingness to work hard; that’s really what it was. Same with cruiserweight, I’m just trying to work as hard as I can and to fight to the best of my ability. That’s really that’s what it’s all about.

Hey, Seth. Good seeing you last week. You talked about more or less his craftiness and you talked about a lot of things; you obviously have done a lot of homework on him. How does he rank in some of the categories that you mentioned with your opponents? How does he rank in terms of those categories with your opponents?

Mitchell

I think with the Chazz Witherspoon and Timur, as I said before, I think my team is doing a great job in moving me. He brings something different than my last two fights, though. I think Chazz was more busy a fighter, but he wasn’t as slick. Johnathon he’s a slick fighter; he has little subtle things that he does when he steps to the side and come over with the right hand and things of that nature. He’s a boxer that he doesn’t run, I mean he doesn’t use his legs a lot to move around the ring and run and make it a boring fight, but he definitely knows his way around the ring and taking small steps, economizing his movements to get the punches that he wants. Those are some of the things that we noticed and those are some of the things that we definitely worked on to try to alleviate some of the things that he wants to do.

But I’d say this is a solid test for me, it’s a different style of opponent that I’m facing thus far in my career, and I’m excited about it and I’m ready.

Last question for you, do you think that this is a fight, a reference was made to the fact that you’ve been knocking everybody out and I know you box your way into position to score those knockouts, but is this one that you could see going the distance and maybe testing you in ways in terms of your boxing IQ and your ability to make adjustments and actually settle into a boxing match? You think that is a possibility more than say in your last 10 fights?

Mitchell

Definitely, I mean but I felt that way in my last two fights. I didn’t think that I was going to stop Timur in the second round or Chazz; I felt both of those fights was going to go about six or seven rounds. And I’m going to say you’ve seen me train before, you know I prepare for the distance; I go out there, I’m definitely in shape when I get in the ring. I know a lot of people that are waiting to take me into deep woods, because I haven’t been past eight since 2010. But conditioning is the last thing that’s on my mind when I step into the ring and I’ll be ready. I don’t expect this fight to be a short fight. Mentally I’m prepared to go twelve rounds, and that’s what I think this fight’s going to go. Whatever happens happens, but I’ll be ready mentally and physically.

I wonder if you could share with us a little bit about your training regimen over the last couple of months and what that looks like and what you actually had to do to prepare yourself in the event this fight goes into the deeper rounds?

Mitchell

Well I don’t want to give away too much of my secrets, but just know that I trained very hard. I take my craft very seriously, and when it’s about two months away from the fight I cut back on a lot of things, I eat extremely healthy and I’m working twice a day, I’m working six days a week and twice a day five of those days. But we’re prepared all right. We do certain things in the gym as far as my sparring, punch count, things of that nature, high reps, we just we prepare well. But I know I’m not giving you too much, and that’s definitely intentional; I don’t give away my secrets. But we train extremely hard and we’re very prepared when we get into the ring, when we step into the ring.

Okay. And my next question is in the past you have talked about coming into the ring not necessarily looking to knock the opponent out, but you’re coming to fight, you’re prepared whatever comes your way. I’m just wondering what are you expecting from Johnathon Banks; are you expecting a boxing match, are you expecting to have to go toe-to-toe, are you expecting to go the distance? What’s your expectation going into the fight?

Mitchell

Whatever it takes. One of the reasons why I personally don’t watch tape that much of my opponent because each fight is different. If I’m thinking that Johnathon’s going to come in and try to box my head off and that’s my mind set and then he comes out like a raging bull all up in my grill during the fight I think that could just throw me all off track and get me discombobulated, and mentally you have to be sharp.

So I don’t really know what he’s going to do. I would expect him to probably try to box me and take me into the deeper rounds, but we’re prepared. Like I said earlier, we have about three or four game plans that we’re really ready to go with depending on how Johnathon comes out to fight. But I can’t answer that question. I just know, and I expect, Johnathon Banks to be at 100% ready to fight come the 17th. He knows I’ll be–he knows I’ll be ready, and I hope and I expect that he’s ready to fight and be 100% on the 17th.

Johnathon, I’m just wondering, given the fact that Seth hasn’t gone deep into many of his fights, is it one of your primary objectives coming into the fight to get him into the later rounds? And secondly, do you think that getting him into the later rounds will increase your chance of winning the fight?

Banks

I think what increases my chance of winning the fight is me getting in shape before the fight. But with him not being in the later rounds I think that has nothing to do with the fight at all, because as anybody knows he’s a big puncher. A big puncher has a chance from bell one to bell twelve; I don’t care if he’s dog-tired, he has a chance to win the fight because he’s a big puncher. So I think the longer the fight goes it’s not like it’s getting safe for me. No, it’s getting more and more dangerous. You know what I’m saying? So I don’t see it being an advantage at all. I don’t look at the rounds he’s been, or no, he hasn’t been this amount of rounds. I don’t get off into that, because it really doesn’t matter. You know what I’m saying, it doesn’t matter, because you don’t have to go twelve rounds every fight to be able to go through a round for one fight. You know what I’m saying? And like I say, he knows that I know that he’s coming and to be in good shape. He’s always in good shape and ready to go, so that’s what, in my mind, so you know that he’s in good shape. And once again, like I say, no, I don’t think there’s going to be an advantage if the fight goes past six or past eight or past nine rounds.

Have you felt overlooked in terms of what you’ve been doing in the ring as a heavyweight?

I was wondering if you felt overlooked as a fighter because you’ve been getting a lot of attention as Wladimir’s trainer or as the Klitschko sparring partner for so many years? Have you felt overlooked in terms of what you’ve been doing in the ring?

Banks

A little bit. Sort of a little bit. It’s no bearing on me; it’s not like it’s a burden on my mind at all–I’ve been overlooked all the time and now they want to give me some attention. It’s nothing like that. I feel like a little bit I’ve been overlooked, but that’s how it is sometimes. I don’t worry about it. I’m sort of in the spotlight now, happy to be in the spotlight, and I’m going to work my butt off so I can stay in the spotlight really.

Do you think it’s helped you given that, and obviously this is a big advantage on HBO, but you’ve been fighting in Europe in front of 40,000 people, do you think that helps you in terms of handling the pressure that comes with a big fight like this?

Banks

I think so. You have arenas that seat 62,000 people and it’s actually sold out for 62,000 people, you have another 2,000 people outside the arena trying to grab your clothes as you enter the arena. So you know what I’m saying. It definitely was a help as far as a pressure builder, you know what I’m saying, fighting in front of a lot of people. So in that aspect, in that sense fighting in front of a lot of people I’m totally comfortable with it.

And finally, Johnathon, it’s been a little while since there has been a Detroit born and bred heavyweight from the Kronk that has gone on to really be in the big stage in the heavyweight division. Can you talk about that? And who were some of the guys that you looked up to growing up in Detroit, Detroit fighters that maybe you looked up to?

Banks

Actually, of course, the guys I looked up to in Detroit as far as Detroit fighters, Joe Louis, he was from Detroit; Sugar Ray Robinson was from Detroit; and of course there was Thomas Hearns; the Milt McCoys; the Jimmy Farr’s; a lot of these guys; Hilmer Kenty was one of the first park champions ever, and of course Emanuel Steward. I have to say I looked up to all these guys, and I was able to talk to a majority of these guys. I was able to talk to a lot of different trainers that trained Joe Louis, a lot of different trainers that worked right next to Sugar Ray Robinson. So I was able to talk to a lot of these guys, just get a little techniques or stuff like that, learning different things from a lot of old-school people.

Seth, with Eddie Chambers apparently moving down to cruiserweight you look poised to take on the role of the best American heavyweight out there. I was wondering if you could tell me how important is that to you and how important is bringing the heavyweight championship of the world back to the U.S.A., how important is that to you?

Mitchell

It’s very important. As I say all the time, I never proclaim myself to be the great American hope, the great American heavyweight. Honestly now I just try to work hard, to stay humble, stay focused, and try to reach my goals. I believe in myself and I believe that I have the ability to become heavyweight champion of the world. And Johnathon Banks, he’s standing in my way to achieve that goal, and I’m not taking it lightly. I’m ready to go. But it definitely would mean a lot to me to become heavyweight champion of the world, just to be the best. Whenever I get into something I want to become the best at it, and becoming the heavyweight champion of the world would definitely solidify that.

So I’m anxious, I’m excited, I truly believe the future is bright for me, and it’s exciting for me right now. When I lay down at night and I just think about the future, and it’s just bright. And the next step, again, is the 17th, I know I keep saying it and it sounds redundant, but it’s the truth. Where I’m trying to go Johnathon Banks is in my way, and on the 17th there’s going to be a fight, and again I definitely plan on being victorious. But to wear that strap, to claim those belts back from the Klitschkos; they’re champions right now, they’ve been champs for the last six, seven, eight years, and rightfully so, they deserve all the credit that they’re getting. They’re consummate professionals inside the ring as well as outside. But the heavyweight division needs some more excitement, and I do believe that I possess those tools to bring it back.

Seth, is there a current or a past fighter that you admire and/or model your style after?

Mitchell

Not really. Like I say, I literally just got involved in boxing six years ago. There’s nobody that I really looked up to as a fighter, and you probably ask Johnathon this question and he probably could say well I used to look up to so and so in the boxing, but that wasn’t my thing. I wanted to be a football player. I really looked up and admired and wanted to play like Ray Lewis, middle linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens. But as a boxer I like a lot of people. I watch tape on fights just to pick up different things to add to my boxing craft. My favorite fighter right now is Miguel Cotto.

Did you happen to see the Wladimir Klitschko vs. Mariusz Wach fight, Seth?

Mitchell

Yes I did.

What did you think about Wach’s chin and do you think that you could have held up like that against Wladimir?

Mitchell

Well, man, hopefully I wouldn’t have got hit too many times flush like that. I thought he had a hell of a chin. I thought Johnathon did a hell of a job in the corner in the fifth round when Klitschko got touched and it looked a little-he wasn’t hurt at all, but it flustered him a little bit, and I thought Johnathon did a great job. I thought Wach had a hell of a chin, but he was standing there taking a lot of shots. If I were to take those shots hopefully I could stand up to them, but hopefully I will have better defense when my opportunity comes.

And for you looking forward professionally over the next few years does your future in boxing more as a trainer or more as a fighter? So I guess what I’m asking you is what is the number one priority right now?

Banks

The number one priority right now is just boxing, but whether it’s training or whether it’s actually fighting it’s all inside of boxing, so I don’t have to take a break on doing anything. The transition that you take to fight and to train is just the mental defense; okay I train this guy, okay I have to fight this guy. So it’s no problem. The whole ideal of it is boxing, so that’s the number one goal is just boxing right now.

If boxing is the number one goal, but being the trainer of the heavyweight championship of the world, it would seem that your path to the heavyweight title is blocked. Would you ever fight Wladimir Klitschko?

Banks

To the naked eye it does seem like that, doesn’t it? I mean I don’t know, honestly. I’m not the type of guy, I never really said too much too soon about the future, you know what I’m saying. That’s one of those bridges that you have to wait to cross when you get to it. So the focus right now is to just keep training and keep fighting, so we’ll see what happens when we get to it.

I know we kind of whipped a dead horse today with asking you about your training duties between Klitschko and your personal training. In the event that you’re not victorious in your fight this weekend, will you continue to battle on or would you want to shift more into the direction of training?

Banks

Once again, that’s really a difficult question to answer, because as once again it’s one of them bridges that you have to cross when you get there. As of right now my plan is to continue to train Wladimir as he needs me, because he asked me to be there so my plan is to be there for him. And also my plan is to be there for Johnathon, which is to fight. Johnathon is a fighter; I’m a fighter, I love to fight, so that’s my job as of right now.

Okay. And then I have a quick question for Seth. We’ve also touched upon the point that your right hand is ready and ready to battle with Johnathon this weekend. Do you feel any type of uncomfortableness mentally about using your right hand? Even though it’s medically healed do you feel uncomfortable launching any power shots when you get into the ring this weekend?

Mitchell

As of right now my hand is 100 percent. The doctor said it takes six to eight weeks to rest, and by the fight getting pushed back and postponed I actually rested it for eleven to twelve weeks, so about three months. And for the last three months I’ve been hitting the heavy bag, I’ve been sparring, and not holding back at all, and so it’s ready to go, it’s 100 percent. Now who’s to say I could go in there and throw the first punch and my hand starts hurting, but as of right now my hand is 100 percent. I have no ill effect from previous fights and I’m ready to go, and you won’t see me holding back any punches come the 17th.

Swanson

Okay. Great. That calls it. And, you guys, we look forward to seeing Saturday night compete in the ring together, because you sure competed on the phone today. Thanks, everybody, for joining us. See you Saturday in Atlantic City.

END OF CALL

GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS TO DONATE TO HURRICANE SANDY RELIEF

Atlantic City, NJ (Nov. 12) – Golden Boy Promotions will not only bring a night of entertainment relief to Atlantic City when they present the Adrien “The Problem” Broner vs. Antonio DeMarco WBC Lightweight World Championship at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, they will also bring monetary relief to those effected by Hurricane Sandy by making a donation to the Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City whose main and satellite buildings suffered extensive damage in the storm. Caesars Atlantic City and Golden Boy President Oscar De La Hoya will match those funds in a collective effort to reach a vital part of the community.

Golden Boy will donate two dollars for every ticket sold and $1,000 per knockout registered during the event with De La Hoya and Caesars Atlantic City matching and adding to the much-needed donation. Several of the area Boys and Girls Clubs were heavily damaged during the storm, forcing the closure of the facilities that directly impact underserved youth and their family members in the area.

In addition to the monetary pledges, Golden Boy Promotions will donate tickets to the Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City and fighters Adrien Broner and Seth Mitchell will visit one of the clubs on Wednesday during fight week.

“We are hoping that the Broner vs. DeMarco fight will afford people the opportunity to forget their worries for an evening and enjoy this great night of boxing,” said Richard Schaefer, Chief Executive Officer of Golden Boy Promotions. “At the same time we understand the severity of the situation and would be remiss not to make a donation to help those directly effected by this terrible storm. With Oscar and Caesars Atlantic City providing matching donations, we feel very positive that our collective donation will help to make a difference.”

“The people of Atlantic City are in need now and I am happy to join in the effort and make my own contribution order to help some of the people affected by Hurricane Sandy,” said Oscar De La Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. “A world of good can happen when everyone comes together to give back to people who are in need.”

“Sandy not only breached the walls of the Boys & Girls Club, but the lives of each and every member here in Atlantic City,” said John Smith, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Harrah’s Resort. “So it’s with great honor that I announce this donation to an organization that embodies the never-give-up attitude of New Jersey. We will not sit idly by and allow anything to compromise these impressionable youths.”

ABOUT “BRONER VS. DEMARCO”:

Broner vs. DeMarco, a 12-round fight between Adrien “The Problem” Broner and Antonio DeMarco for DeMarco’s WBC Lightweight World Championship will take place Saturday, November 17 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and R & R Promotions in association with Gary Shaw Productions, sponsored by Corona, AT&T and Caesars Atlantic City and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. The co-main event will be a 12-round heavyweight clash between Seth Mitchell and Johnathon Banks for Mitchell’s NABO title and the vacant WBC International Heavyweight title.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/GaryShawBoxing, www.twitter.com/AdrienBroner,www.twitter.com/De_Marco07, www.twitter.com/SethMayhem48, www.twitter.com/BoardwalkHall, www.twitter.com/HBOboxing, follow the conversation using #BronerDemarco or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.facebook.com/HBOboxing.

ABOUT CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT

Caesars Entertainment Corporation is the world’s largest provider of branded casino entertainment. Since its beginning in Reno, Nevada, more than 73 years ago, Caesars has grown through development of new properties, expansions and acquisitions, and now operates casinos on four continents. The company’s properties operate primarily under the Harrah’s®, Caesars® and Horseshoe® brand names. Caesars also owns the World Series of Poker® and the London Clubs International family of casinos. Caesars Entertainment is focused on building loyalty and value with its customers through a unique combination of great service, excellent products, unsurpassed distribution, operational excellence and technology leadership. For more information, please visit www.caesars.com.

KNOCKOUT NIGHT WITH ADRIEN BRONER FEATURED ON FOX DEPORTES CLASSICS

LOS ANGELES, November 9 – Boxing’s most charismatic and explosive young star, Adrien “The Problem” Broner, returns to the ring on November 17 to challenge for his second divisional world title against WBC Lightweight World Champion Antonio DeMarco. To get ready for this highly-anticipated battle, FOX Deportes will bring fight fans four spectacular knockouts from Broner, and one epic finish by DeMarco on a special Classics feature on Saturday, November 10 on FOX Deportes beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

Cincinnati’s Broner has captivated the boxing world with his gift of gab and electric personality, but he’s also done a pretty good job with his fists too and this upcoming edition of FOX Deportes Classics will show you just what happens to opponents when they meet “The Problem.” This weekend’s Fox Deportes Classics will take viewers back to 2010 and 2011 to watch Broner’s knockout victories over Rafael Lora, Ilido Julio, Jason Litzau and Vicente Martin Rodriguez. The four fights demonstrate how the young star tore through top competition in the junior lightweight division, until he had nowhere else to go but up as he now prepares for his first world title battle in the lightweight division against Demarco.

Not to be outdone, the current WBC Lightweight World Champion, Tijuana’s DeMarco, will also show his power punching and aggressive style in the fight that put him on center stage and earned him his world title, the October 15, 2011 battle with Jorge “El Nino De Oro” Linares in which the 26-year-old southpaw halted the always-tough Linares with a come from behind 11th round technical knockout victory.

Broner vs. DeMarco, a 12-round fight for DeMarco’s WBC Lightweight World Championship will take place Saturday, November 17 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and R & R Promotions in association with Gary Shaw Productions, sponsored by Corona, AT&T and Caesars Atlantic City and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. The co-main event will be a 12-round heavyweight clash between Seth Mitchell and Johnathon Banks for Mitchell’s NABO title.

For more information on Golden Boy Promotions, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxingor visit us on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page. For more information on FOX Deportes visit www.FOXDeportes.com, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/FOXDeportes or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FOXDeportes.

BOXING’S MOST TALENTED RISING STAR ADRIEN BRONER AND WBC LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION ANTONIO DEMARCO TO BATTLE FOR LIGHTWEIGHT SUPREMACY ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17 AT BOARDWALK HALL IN ATLANTIC CITY LIVE ON HBO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®

NEW YORK, October 10 – On Saturday, November 17 boxing’s most electrifying young star, Adrien “The Problem” Broner will step up in weight to challenge the hard-hitting WBC Lightweight World Champion Antonio DeMarco at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey in the main event of HBO World Championship Boxing®.

In the co-main event, two of the United States’ top hopes for heavyweight world championship glory will clash when undefeated Seth “Mayhem” Mitchell takes on once-beaten Johnathon Banks in a 12-round bout for Mitchell’s NABO heavyweight title. The fight was originally scheduled for July 14, but was rescheduled when Mitchell suffered a hand injury forcing him to withdraw from the original date.

“I’m not coming just to win this fight, I’m coming to knock DeMarco out,” said Broner. “This fight is speed vs. power and it’s going to be just another day in the ring for me. Going up in weight is going to be different and I know he can hit, but you can’t hit what you can’t see and I’m too fast and furious for him. Power is nothing if you can’t connect; it’s like moving a sack of rocks.”

“This is another tough fight that has been presented to me and I’m going to do everything to keep my WBC title,” said DeMarco. “Broner talks a big game but he’s never been in the ring with a hungry Mexican fighter like me. I wanted this fight from the moment it was offered to me because I know I’ll be the first person to beat Broner and put him in his place. When I put my hands on him, he’ll regret his decision to move up to my division.”

“It’s taken a while, but I’m happy to finally be back in action and fighting a great opponent like Johnathon Banks,” said Mitchell. “I love fighting in Atlantic City because I know my fans from Maryland and the D.C. area will be out in force cheering me on. I am going to give them all a great fight.”

“I’m looking to steal the show on November 17” said Banks. “I’ll prove what a true boxer at the highest level can do against a football player. The winner of our fight should be next in line for a title shot. I plan on making sure that winner is me.”

“This is the perfect doubleheader the week before the Thanksgiving holiday because I guarantee that when it’s over, you’ll be thanking these four boxers for two great fights,” said Oscar De La Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. “Broner vs. DeMarco is a great mix of styles and we’ll see how Adrien handles the move up to lightweight against a hard and accurate puncher like DeMarco. The heavyweight fight between Mitchell and Banks should produce an American heavyweight ready to fight for a world title, and I can’t wait to see who prevails.”

“I applaud HBO for making this fight a reality because this is the type of fight that boxing fans around the world can appreciate,” said New Jersey based promoter, Gary Shaw. “My fighter, world champion Antonio DeMarco, is a warrior and a proud champion who brings nothing but pure excitement to the ring. Broner has never face a fighter like DeMarco or his level of competition. For Antonio it’s another fight in which the challenger talks about upsetting the champion, but DeMarco knows what he needs to do to retain his title.”

“Atlantic City’s reputation was built on hosting boxing’s most talented and feared fighters competing in mega-championship bouts that are still talked about to this very day,” said Don Marrandino, Eastern Division President for Caesars Entertainment. “Boardwalk Hall is synonymous with legendary names like De La Hoya, Hopkins, Gatti, Holyfield, Tyson, and on November 17th Broner, DeMarco, Mitchell and Banks will add to that traditional.”

“Fight fans from coast-to-coast should circle November 17 on their calendars because we have a terrific night of boxing programming lined up,” said Kery Davis, Senior Vice President, Programming, HBO Sports. “A lot of questions will get answered, including will Seth Mitchell continue to fast-track through the heavyweight division and can Adrien Broner move up in weight to the 135-pound division and capture a world title belt? The competition in Johnathon Banks and Antonio DeMarco, respectively, will be formidable and we look forward to an exciting night at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.”

Tickets priced at, $200, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes and service charges, go on sale on Thursday, October 11 at 12:00 p.m. ET and will be available for purchase at the Boardwalk Hall box office, by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 736-1420 or online at ticketmaster.com.

Unbeaten, charismatic and getting better with each fight, 23-year-old Adrien “The Problem” Broner (24-0, 20 KO’s) has already won a world championship at 130 pounds, knocking out Vicente Martin Rodriguez in three rounds in November of 2011. He then defended his belt with a fourth round technical knockout victory over then undefeated of Eloy Perez in February and stopped Vicente Escobedo in July. Now, the Cincinnati phenom looks to close out an exciting year on November 17 when he will introduce his improved speed, power and dynamic style to the lightweight division staring with Antonio DeMarco.

Despite Broner’s fast start in the fight game, Tijuana southpaw Antonio DeMarco (28-2-1, 21 KO’s) believes he will be the first man to solve “The Problem” in the ring. A professional for over eight years, the 26-year-old banger first won the WBC Interim Lightweight World Title in 2009, but lost the belt to Edwin Valero in 2010. Since then, he has looked unstoppable, winning the WBC crown in October of 2011 with an 11th round stoppage of Jorge “El Nino De Oro” Linares and then defending the title twice, knocking out Miguel Roman in five rounds and John Molina in just 44 seconds.

A former standout linebacker for Michigan State University, Seth “Mayhem” Mitchell (25-0-1, 19 KO’s) found his true calling in the prize ring and he has quickly built a reputation as the kind of fighter that can reinvigorate the heavyweight division. The 30-year-old is soft spoken outside the ring, but a ferocious competitor between the ropes, and the Maryland resident has blasted through top contenders Timur Ibragimov and Chazz Witherspoon in a combined five rounds, with the latter bout showing that Mitchell not only has the power to succeed, but the heart as well.

Three-time national amateur champion Johnathon Banks (28-1-1, 18 KO’s) has earned a PhD in the ring thanks to his work with Emanuel Steward and Wladimir Klitschko over the years and now he’s ready to make his run for the heavyweight title. A professional since 2004, Banks’ only loss came in a cruiserweight title fight against Tomasz Adamek in 2009 and after that fight, the 30-year-old from Detroit has put together an 8-0-1 record, the perfect way to lead into the biggest fight of his nine-year career.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/GaryShawBoxing, www.twitter.com/AdrienBroner, www.twitter.com/De_Marco07 www.twitter.com/SethMayhem48, www.twitter.com/BoardwalkHall, www.twitter.com/HBOboxing, follow the conversation using #BronerDemarco or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.facebook.com/HBOboxing.

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DeMarco to defend Lightweight crown against Broner

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com. WBC Lightweight champion Antonio DeMarco will defend his crown against undefeated former Jr. Lightweight champion Adrien Broner on November 17th at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantc City.

“We have a lot of respect for Broner and his skills,” said DeMarci’s promoter Gary Shaw told ESPN.com on Monday. “Broner will have his work cut out for him against DeMarco. He better take Tony seriously and train hard. DeMarco has already been in training for two weeks. He knows it’s a difficult fight. But he wanted to fight Broner so he is excited to get the opportunity.

“Antonio is a very sharp puncher. Although he’s a slow starter, other than his last fight, he doesn’t punch wide. I don’t know if Broner has ever been in with a guy who throws straight punches and reaches his mark the way Antonio does.”

“I knew who I wanted to fight, DeMarco, and I got it and I am happy,” Broner told ESPN.com just before beginning a Monday afternoon training session. “You got a lot of people out there asking, ‘Is Adrien Broner really the next big star in boxing?’ I know I am. I wanted to come straight to 135 pounds and fight the best. DeMarco is the champ and that’s who we are fighting.

“I’m very blessed and I’m very happy. I’m not going to take him lightly. He’s a good fighter, a world class fighter and he deserves to be champion. He is not world champion for nothing, but I have the talent to do what I want to do. On Nov. 17, everyone will know why I’m ‘The Problem.’ Everybody has their time and it’s Adrien ‘The Problem’ Broner’s time.”

“I think this is the biggest fight of Broner’s career, but it’s not the biggest fight of DeMarco’s career,” Shaw said. “Antonio has been in with (Edwin) Valero (a ninth-round knockout loss in a 2010 lightweight title fight) and with Linares, so he’s been in the big stage before. But this is absolutely the biggest fight of Broner’s career. But I think it’s a terrific fight.

“If Broner can do away with DeMarco quickly, he can come out of the fight a huge star because I think everybody has a lot of respect for DeMarco and the kind of fighter he is. If they have a real war and it’s close, maybe a little luster comes off of Broner, but nobody questions how good Broner is, certainly not me or DeMarco. But this may be a case of Broner being rushed. It’s on neutral territory, which is good. If DeMarco hurts him he will finish him because he is a great finisher.”

“The weight is not a problem,” Broner said. “I know the weight thing is a big deal because of what happened and people wonder if I can make the weight. But I just grew out of (junior lightweight). I guarantee you I will be 135 pounds or less for this fight. Making this weight is not going to be a problem.

“I am very happy that I can go up to the next weight class and that I don’t have to wait and sit, that I automatically got a shot at the title in my first fight in the weight class. So I am training hard and I will put on a great show.”

In the co-feature, Brandywine, Md., heavyweight Seth Mitchell (25-0-1, 19 KOs), 30, will face Johnathon Banks (28-1-1, 18 KOs), also 30, of Detroit in a bout that was originally scheduled for the July 14 Danny Garcia-Amir Khan undercard in Las Vegas. However, Mitchell suffered an injury to a knuckle on his right hand and the bout was postponed.

“He’s fine, he’s sparring and he looks good,” said Mitchell’s manager Sharif Salim. “He never really left the gym. He wasn’t using his right hand, but he was using his left hand. The doctor told him to rest the right hand and that’s what he did. Everything is working now but his left hook is even crisper because we went through a lot of drills just working on his left hand while the right was healing.”

Broner takes out Escobedo in five

After a day of turmoil and threats of the fight not happening, Adrien Broner scored a fifth round stoppage over Vicente Escobedo in the fifth round of a scheduled twelve round bout in Cincinnati.

The bout was in jeopardy after Broner failed to make the 130-pound weight limit and subsequently giving up his WBO title and then missing the 140-pound next morning weigh in by missing both weights by 3 1/2 lbs.

Escobedo only agreed to the fight just a few hours before the fight after receiving around double his original $150,000 purse.

In the fight itself, Broner was dominant as he focused on the body of Escobedo that slowed down the challenger. Escobedo was tough as he tried to fight back only to be outgunned by the highly skilled native of Cincinnati.

After the fourth round, Escobedo came back to the corner with blood coming from his mouth and nose. Broner smelled blood and came out with full force in round five and began to pound the body of Escobedo and that in turn forced Escobedo back to the ropes and he tried to hold on but Broner was relentless until Escobedo’s corner held up the towel and fight was stopped at 2:37 of round five.

Broner, 133 1/2 lbs of Cincinnati is now 24-0 with twenty knockouts. Escobedo, 130 lbs of Woodland Hills, CA is now 26-4.

Keith Thurman remained perfect by stopping Orlando Lora in round six of a scheduled ten round Welterweight bout.

Thurman dominated the bout and barely last a second of the fight as he rained power shots throughout the contest. In round four, Thurman staggered Lora from a left and he continued to pound Lora. In round six, Thurman landed a huge right that sent Lora to the seat of his pants. Lora got to his feet and just walked to his corner and had enough and the bout was stopped at 1:37 of round six.

Thurman, 147 lbs of Clearwater, FL is now 18-0 with seventeen knockouts. Lora, 147 1/2 lbs of Culican, MX is now 28-3-2.

Adults gone missing in Cincinnati

Cincinnati’s Adrien Broner (24-0) is not the next Floyd Mayweather. At best, he is New Mayweather, a product that compensates for recent layoffs in R&D by hiring an outside marketing team. Broner does not have Mayweather’s pedigree: he did not win an Olympic bronze medal at age 19, he did not come from an immediate family of talented prizefighters, and he sure as hell did not just stop an undefeated Diego Corrales (33-0, 27 KOs) to remain champion at 130 pounds.

That’s what Mayweather did in his 24th professional fight – after becoming a world champion by beating Genaro “Chicanito” Hernandez into retirement, blitzing Angel Manfredy and making five successful title defenses. Broner, conversely, picked up a vacant 130-pound belt from unknown guy with an 0-1 record outside his native Argentina, made one title defense, and then missed weight by 3 1/2 pounds, Friday, before stopping an outmatched and outweighed Vicente Escobedo (26-3, 15 KOs) Saturday.

There was an uncomfortable lack of adult supervision in Cincinnati last weekend, as Broner jeopardized his first HBO main event by missing weight twice. The one adult present was Broner’s manager, Al Haymon, who, reports say, was embarrassed by what his charge pulled. Haymon is exceptionally good at what he does – identifying marketable athletes, outsmarting network executives – but in his roots, he is a concert promoter, not a boxing guy. His eye for fighter talent is arguable. He is, in some senses, Bob Arum without matchmakers Teddy Brenner and Bruce Trampler – which makes him a lot like Richard Schaefer.

Which means nobody knows exactly how to develop Broner as a fighter; he is more AndreBerto2.0 than a second coming of Money Mayweather, whose development as a prizefighter, some might recall, was handled by Top Rank. Broner does some things very well. One is throw the counter right uppercut against plodding Latino fighters who were taught at a young age every confrontation reduces to a game of Left Hook to the Liver. Broner whipped the right uppercut at Escobedo in round 2 and took most of the fight right out of him.

One sees this in the gyms of the Southwest. Every Mexican kid, or at least every kid with Mexican parents, is taught to keep his right hand high on his cheek when he swoops in to throw his left hook. This defensive posture assumes his opponent will be throwing a left hook of his own at the same instant, and whoever lands first will invariably corkscrew the other guy in the canvas. But none of them, as he sets his weight too far forward and gets his chin over his left knee, has a defense for a right uppercut right up the middle. Some guys in Detroit have noticed this. Someday, Mexican trainers will give their fighters Joe Frazier’s advice – set your right fist palm down, between your chin and the top of your chest, when you throw the 3 – but that day isn’t arrived yet.

Besides, there may be only one way to overcome the shell defense Broner learned from watching Mayweather, and Roy Jones Jr. is not about to tell us what it is. This column has no such loyalty: A long jab is what picks the shell’s lock. Designed to catch the right cross with a high lead shoulder and thwart the left hook with a high right hand, the shell can either slip the jab or counter it, but not both. Jab the shell effectively enough, and the right hand moves from cheek to chin – and then interesting things happen. This is why Escobedo’s most effective punch Saturday was a jab, and it’s why, of the names Broner said “can get it” next, Antonio Demarco, a lightweight titlist who stands 5-feet-10, is most interesting.

Broner is an altogether lesser fighter than Mayweather, but the biggest difference between them is not a stylistic one; it is something measured by the way others react to them. Other prizefighters like Mayweather. He is one of them, and better than they are. There was a mishap with the Juan Manuel Marquez weighin, yes; Mayweather borrowed more advantage than he needed then saw how tiny Marquez was and paid him handsomely for the difference, all the while acting annoyed by his contracted promoter.

Other fighters don’t seem to like Broner. It takes a whole lot for a guy like Vicente Escobedo, Saturday’s sacrifice, to come out of a beating and still be frustrated by an opponent – as opposed to begrudgingly impressed. But frustrated is what he was. In Escobedo’s postfight tears was a statement like this: You could have beaten me fair and square, but you chose not to, which means you are not one of us.

What happened with Broner, his outgrowing a weight class, is nothing new. That it was preceded and followed by such classlessness, though, is a bit novel. Broner has a man’s body, a man’s strength, and perhaps a man’s ring IQ, but emotionally he is a 14 year old. He does not connect actions to consequences and does not appear particularly adept at pattern recognition. He is not, in other words, intelligent or mature. Most professional athletes aren’t – they stop maturing the day a coach or parent recognizes their exceptional reflexes – but Broner’s case appears predetermined for unpleasantness because there are no adults to provide the guidance needed by someone of his temperament.

Adrien Broner’s dad needs to put the hairbrush down, then, cancel his son’s Twitter account, and say, “Boy, stop acting a fool.” For if his dad doesn’t, Broner’s manager just might.

Bart Barry can be reached at bart.barrys.email (at) gmail.com

Broner misses weight in Morning after weigh-in but fight with Escobedo to go on

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com., former WBO Jr. Lightweight champion Adrien Broner missed weight for a second consecutive day but his fight with Vicente Escobedo will go on after the two sides reached a financial agreement.

“The fight is happening, and we’re on,” Golden Boy spokesperson Monica Sears said. “I don’t have any other information.”

Escobedo’s team demanded a Saturday morning weigh-in, and manager Rolando Arellano insisted that Broner come to the 9:30 a.m. ET weight check no more than 10 pounds above the contract weight, meaning 140 pounds.

However, Broner weighed 143.2 pounds, with his camp insisting he was within the 10-pound limit of the 133.5 pounds he weighed in at Friday.

Broner misses weight by 3 1/2 pounds for title clash with Escobedo

WBO Jr. Lightweight champion Adrien Broner had to give up title after missing weight by more than three pounds for his Saturday night clash with Vicente Escobedo.

Escobedo can win the vacant title assuming the fight at the U.S. Bank Arena in Broner’s hometown of Cincinnati goes ahead as scheduled.

Rolando Arellano, Escobedo’s manager, said he was negotiating the terms of a Saturday weight check to make sure Broner does not balloon in weight overnight, which woud give himself a significant size advantage against Escobedo.

“We’re going to try set up a second weigh-in for Saturday,” Arellano told ESPN.com. “We want him limited to 10 pounds over the contract weight, so he could have a maximum of 140 pounds. But if he comes in over that, then we want to start imposing fines. We want $10,000 a pound, but so far (the Broner camp) has not agreed. The ball’s in their court. We’re not considering pulling out, but Broner didn’t live up to his agreement, so we are giving him the flexibility to modify the initial agreement.

“If he is unable to satisfy those terms and conditions we are asking for, that’s on him. We came to his house, to his arena, to his show. We did everything we were supposed to do.”

“I think he should have acted more professionally,” Arellano said. “That’s not cool. That’s a lack of professionalism. We know he made an effort to make the weight because we knew he was in the gym working (Friday) morning. We just wanted him to try it again, but by running off he didn’t respect the game, he didn’t respect us or the people who work hard to put the event together.”

“I’m young. I’m 22. I’m still growing. I just feel like it’s time for me to go up,” Broner said on Wednesday. “After this fight, there really wouldn’t be a reason for me to stay. I’m just going to go up and give the lightweights hell.”

Broner to defend against Sykes

WBO Super Featherweight champion Adrien Broner will face unknown Gary Sykes on May 19th as the co-feature to the Lamont Peterson – Amir Khan rematch in Las Vegas according to espn.com’s Dan Rafael

“Man, no matter who it was, I am still going to make all work look like easy work,” Broner said. “I’m taking over boxing. I’m the missing puzzle piece, flat out.”

“The fight has been approved and we’re all confirmed. We are ready to go,” said Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer. “The visa attorneys are working on the visa. Obviously, they don’t see any issues. He should get it in about 15 days. We informed HBO of the visa situation and they are aware the visa has to be processed and that it takes some time.”

“We are bringing Adrien back quickly from the February fight and we were looking at different opponents, but some were not available and we zeroed in on Gary Sykes,” Schaefer said. “You need to realize that when you call to ask people if they want to fight Adrien Broner, the other side doesn’t say, ‘Oh, great.’ There is a hesitation. So it’s becoming more and more difficult to find an opponent from a field that is already skim pickings to start with because the 130-pound division is not a deep division. You have guys like (Yuriorkis) Gamboa and (Robert) Guerrero who are top fighters but who moved up in weight.”

“Combine the talent, the charisma and the brush and he has superstar written all over him, so we want to keep him busy,” Schaefer said, referring to Broner’s habit of having his father brush his hair in the ring after his victories. “He is comfortable at 130 pounds. He’ll probably have a few more title defenses before he goes up to lightweight. But if the right opportunity came along at 135, he would probably go up for that.

“There is no rush to leave 130, though. He’s entertaining and one of the most exciting fighters and one of the most charismatic. So more power to him that he can capture the interest of the public in a division which lacks other big names.”