Quijano: Broner is talented but untested

I THINK it was just a couple of months ago that I wrote about Adrien Broner potentially becoming the next big thing in boxing, but now, as I troll the boxing websites, he’s everywhere—apparently the toast of the town coming off his spectacular victory over Gavin Rees last Sunday.

One writer even opined that at his age, Broner has accomplished far more than Floyd Mayweather Jr. did comparatively speaking at this stage in his career.

For the uninitiated, Broner has been likened to a young “Pretty Boy” with his similar fighting styles and voluble personality.

Well, I would beg to disagree.

The most accomplished name on his resume would be a faded Daniel Ponce de Leon whom he beat marginally in 2011 when Broner was 22.

In contrast, when Floyd was of the same age, he spectacularly hurdled his own trial by fire from a veteran ex-world champion in Angel “The Devil” Manfredy via TKO in 2 rounds

Broner will be turning 24 later this year, but has no marquee opponent in sight, unless he moves up to junior welterweight to fight somebody like Brandon Rios (which I doubt can happen so soon)

At the same age, Floyd faced then undefeated Diego Corrales in a pound-for-pound showdown and skillfully broke down his power-punching rival in 10 rounds.

That fight made Floyd a superstar and since then he has never looked back.

With their similar styles and personalities like kindred souls, the comparisons are inevitable, but Broner still has to face and defeat top-tier competition.

Until then its premature, and as far as this writer is concerned, it’s still Nonito
Donaire who is set to take over the top pound-for- pound spot in two or three years time when the Pacquiaos and the Mayweathers have moved on.

SINGAPORE. Just came back from a short but eventful sojourn in Singapore to celebrate the wifey’s birthday. Of course, this Last Rounder wasted no time asking about boxing from the locals.

Unfortunately for me, football is revered there and when I asked the soft-spoken d
Singaporean behind the counter serving me piping hot noodles with fishballs about pro boxing, he looked like he would rather opt to undergo root canal with his dentist.

Get this. With only a population of 5.3 million, Singapore only has one professional fighter in Mohamad Nor Rizan who has a record of 6 wins, four knockouts and two losses.

Mixed martial arts, however, is a different story. The younger demographic of fans the sport appeals to includes the well-heeled yuppies in Singapore.

As you know, ONE Fighting Championships, currently the biggest MMA promotion in Asia calls Singapore home. It was founded by Victor Cui who has Cebuano roots.

Just recently, two Filipinos headlined a ONE FC card called “Return of the Warriors” last Feb. 2, 2013 when Honorio Banario defeated Eric Kelly by TKO in round 4 to become ONE FC’s inaugural featherweight champion.

This early, I have my sights set on “Kings and Champions” to be held on April 5, 2013 at Kailang, Singapore. That would give me a chance to reunite with good friends who have successfully migrated to Singapore, Rick Sunico, Jules Sunico and Brandy Llenos.
Cheers guys!

HE SAID IT. I don’t know about you all, but I want to have sex.”

-Adrien Broner at the post-fight press conference after defeating Gavin Rees (fightnews.com)

LAST ROUND. It’s on my kind-hearted kumare, Tetchie Zosa-Tan, who celebrates her birthday this week. Cheers!