Adrien Broner's Decline: A Case Study in Overhyped Fighters
No, Adrien Broner will not reclaim his hype level from 2013. And he only has himself to blame for that. Each time he moves up a weight class, promising a new renaissance, the results have been underwhelming, if not outright abysmal. Recently, his fight against Jessie Vargas was a textbook case of how poor choices, combined with a lack of dedication, can tarnish a once-promising career.
Recurrent Patterns of Decline
We've heard the same narrative from Broner each time he steps into a ring after a title defense or a major win: he's becoming a more mature fighter, he's improving his training camp, and he's once again ready to prove what he's made of. However, this promise rarely materializes once the bout takes place. His recent fight with Jessie Vargas is a veritable laundry list of issues that have plagued his career time and again.
Mindset and Behavior under Scrutiny
Something was clearly off during this fight week. Broner engaged in a public feud on Instagram with a third-rate rapper, indicating a lack of focus and maturity. His behavior at the final press conference was also cause for concern, suggesting a decline in his ability to handle the public eye in a mature manner. Adding to his troubles, he missed the weight limit, calling on a catchweight of 144 lbs, a mark that his opponent easily met. This litany of problems serves as a stark reminder of why Broner's career has plummeted from the heights of 2013.
The Fight Against Jessie Vargas
The fight itself was no exception to Broner's usual decline. To the surprise of nobody who followed his career closely, he surrendered at least the first four rounds simply by not using his hands effectively. As the fight progressed, this failure to engage was even more glaring, causing Kevin Cunningham, his trainer, to become increasingly frustrated. Despite the change in trainers, Broner failed to improve in the ring, which could be partly attributed to the judges overlooking Vargas' early bodywork.
The judges' decision leaned in favor of Vargas, with slight doubts about a draw. Personally, I felt Vargas swept the first half and clinched the victory in the 11th round, with Broner clearly losing the 9th and 10th, and Vargas taking the 12th by a score of 116-112. Even with a gifted draw, Broner's post-fight comments were boneheaded, if not downright crass, especially considering his failure to secure a win against either Vargas or Mikey Garcia.
Future Prospects and Reflections
This fight has likely secured Broner in the realm of a "gatekeeper" fighter, especially at 140 or 147 lbs. His performance against equal or better opposition has been underwhelming, and his off-the-ring choices have done little to support his claim as a top-tier contender. His constant rededication act, now more like a tired and desperate cry for relevance, is likely to earn him less and less respect and attention from boxing fans.
Adrien Broner needs a major reevaluation of his career and life. Focusing on his future fights, if Gervonta Davis values his career, he should find someone else to train with. Comparing his performance in tonight's fight with Broner's could serve as a significant warning.
Conclusion: Adrien Broner's glittering career has dimmed over the years due to a combination of poor performance and questionable public behavior. While 2013 was a high watermark, 2023 shows a fighter far from the peak of his potential. Broner's future lies in either a serious career overhaul or a safe career as a gatekeeper.