Adrien Broner stops Ashley Theophane in nine

Other Boxing News04-Apr-16by Rish ap_Wiliam

By John J. Raspanti

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Former four-division world champion Adrien “The Problem Child” Broner (32-2, 24 KOs), who lost his junior welterweight title on the scale for the second time in four years, scored a ninth round TKO over Ashley “The Treasure” Theophane (39-7-1, 11 KOs) on Friday night at the D.C. Armory in Washington, DC. Saturday night.

In round one, Theophane pressed Broner, but the weight-challenged former champion fought back effectively--using his jab and combinations. Rounds two and three were more of the same. Theophane managed to land a couple of overhand rights, but Broner dug a number of left hooks to the body that seemed to bother his English opponent. A right hand staggered Theophane.

The 26-year-old Broner continued to do well in round four. The disparity in talent was pretty obvious. Theophane, 35, tried to walk Broner down, but his punches had no effect. Broner wobbled Theopane with a left uppercut. Round five was pretty even, as both fighters traded blows. Theophane outworked Broner in at times in round six and seven, but Broner was still landing the heavier punches.

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Some of the 8,172 fans booed the lack of action in round eight. Maybe Broner was tired of Theophane--or perhaps the boos hurt his feelings. Whatever it was, Broner connected with a hard right hand in round nine that caused Theophane to stumble. Broner went for the kill strafing Theophane with rights and lefts.

Referee Luis Pabon waved off the contest at 1:10 of the round as Theophane correctly complained about a low blow.

“The fight, it felt good. I always could be better, but did what I had to get the victory,“ said Broner in the ring minutes after the match ended.

Broner called out promoter Floyd Mayweather who was seated at ringside.

“Somebody that I looked up to, somebody that I admire, took the chance to do an interview and just talked all bad about me,” said Broner. “I don’t know how ya’ll look at that, but I don’t like it. I wasn’t gonna do this but I’m a man that burns shit from physical activity so me and Floyd, he’s gotta see me. I’m a man at the end of the day.

“And I come from the streets, the trenches man, from the bottom, from nothing. I’m talking about water and cornflakes. I come from nothing and I will never let a man disrespect me like that! So he’s gotta see me. I don’t care if we spar or if we fight. Let’s get it on!”

Mayweather laughed at Broner’s challenge.