Broner vs Maidana Preview

By Peter Wells (@boxingsaddler):



L-R: Beibut Shumenov, Leo Santa Cruz, Keith Thurman, Adrien Broner,
Marcos Maidana, Jesus Soto-Karass, Cesar Seda, Tamas Kovacs


It seems that week-by-week the similarities between Adrien Broner and Floyd Mayweather are growing. The revolutionary shoulder roll, the trash talk, the outspoken personalities, the entourages, and now it seems that like Floyd, Broner can't catch a break with most boxing fans.

The prime example is this; fans were calling on Mayweather to face the young lion, Canelo Alvarez, more than ever before were tipping Mayweather to lose his perfect record, but once the 12 rounds were concluded, there were still the few that screamed out that Alvarez was tailor-made for Floyd, that once again the pound-for-pound king was cherry-picking his opponents. Broner will likely be placed in the same situation following Saturday nights showdown with Marcos Maidana. I distinctly recall boxing fans calling for Broner to take on Maidana, and also stating that Maidana would "destroy" the enigmatic American. Yet if Broner dominates his Argentinian foe, one has the feeling that those same people that called for this fight to happen will say that Maidana was the perfect opponent for Broner. Well Adrien, you might just have to get used to this.

That is not to say I rate Broner 27-0(22) as the next Mayweather, nowhere near in fact. I don't believe that Broner will remain unbeaten, but while his personality is off-putting, it is no good rating a fighter by how much you like them. Broner's skills in the ring have to be appreciated and if he can dominate Maidana on Saturday night then he must be given credit for doing so, especially when so many boxing fans were adamant this bout must take place.

Maidana 34-3(31) is far from being tailor-made for Broner, especially judging by Broner's most recent display. Maidana can be made to look slow and one-dimensional at times, but he is far stronger than Antonio DeMarco - a man with a similar fighting style to Maidana who Broner met at Lightweight. And that slow and plodding style did him very little harm against the blurring speed of Amir Khan, who so nearly came unstuck from the constant pressure Maidana applied.

Broner will likely have to up his own work rate after the controversy surrounding his WBA 'world' Welterweight title win against Paulie Malignaggi. Movement will also be key as he will regret being caught flat-footed against a man that seems impossible to deter.

Devon Alexander outclassed Maidana when the former Light Welterweight was in the transition period of moving up to Welterweight, but Alexander's constant movement in that fight was Maidana's downfall. This style is unlikely to be applied by Broner which should make for some furious and exciting action, but inbetween those flashes of warfare, Broner can outbox Maidana who will try to match the champions jab, but the speed will always leave him a step behind. Maidana's will and Broner's style will keep the contest intriguing throughout, but by the fights end there will be no doubt as to who will take the victory.


Keith Thurman (left) vs Jesus Soto-Karass (right)

In the featured attraction, Keith Thurman 21-0(19) will have his toughness pushed to the limits against relentless boxer/puncher Jesus Soto Karass 28-8-3(18).

Very few have had an easy night against Karass, even in several defeats the Mexican has put his conquerors through a night they never forget. Maidana was shaken on multiple occasions before he roared to an 8th round stoppage while in both encounters Mike Jones was shaken to his boots, but survived to take close decision wins on both occasions.

Karass may well be on the shortlist for fighter of the year if he scores a 3rd upset victory in 2013, having already dominated Selcuk Aydin (MD 10) before winning the battle of wills against Andre Berto (TKO 12).  Besting Thurman may be the most impressive of the lot, considering Berto and Aydin's already exposed weaknesses.

Thurman has himself had a year to savour, having topped an unwilling Jan Zaveck (UD 12) before brawling his way to victory in a back-and-forth bout with Diego Chaves (KO 10).



Leo Santa Cruz (left) vs Cesar Seda (right)

Karass will come out strong, instantly showing Thurman that he is here to win, but Thurman will also be happy to earn the respect of Karass, looking at every opportunity to land big. Karass's work rate may begin to drop, while Thurman draws strength from a ferocious first 6 rounds. As Karass becomes easier to read and time Thurman will eventually hurt Karass as the Mexican comes forward, leaving the referee to halt the fight around the 10th session.

Also on the undercard, Leo Santa Cruz 25-0-1(15) defends his WBC Super Bantamweight title he acquired when beating Victor Terrazas (KO 3). Challenger Cesar Seda 25-1(17) of Puerto Rico will have his hands full having lost in his last world title bid down at Super Flyweight in 2011, losing to Omar Narvaez (UD 12).

Seda moved up to Bantamweight following his first defeat but will struggle to cope with the spiteful power from the relentless Mexican, Cruz.



Beibut Shumenov (left) vs Tamas Kovacs (right)

Santa Cruz whose style compares well with Antonio Margarito's will likely wear Seda down for a stoppage around midway through the fight.

WBA 'Super' Light Heavyweight ruler Beibut Shumenov 13-1(8) will receive some much needed exposure when he defends against unbeaten Tamas Kovacs 23-0(14).

Kovacs has done close to nothing to merit a world title shot, but at 36 years old this will likely be his one and only shot. This makes him a dangerous opponent for Kazakhstan's Shumenov who has fought at a much higher level since facing faded Montell Griffin in his 5th professional outing. Still the fingers have been pointed at Shumenov for not facing the premier stars at 175lbs but that may all change as Showtime televise his 5th defence.



Guess who's back?: Former unified Middleweight champion Jermain Taylor

Kovacs may run out of logical ideas pretty fast, but his determination will ensure an enjoyable title fight, with Shumenov prevailing after 10 rounds.

Ricardo Alvarez 22-2-3(14) and Rod Salka 18-2(3) will both be looking to push their names up the WBC ladder at Light Welterweight in a match-up between puncher and boxer.

Salka at times will be able to outbox Alvarez but ultimately his lack of power will cost him as Alvarez walks through him to take a unanimous decision after 10 rounds.

Elsewhere Jermain Taylor 31-4-1(19) returns to the ring again and should prevail inside 5 rounds against former Winky Wright victim Juan Carlos Candelo 32-12-4(21).



L-R: Robert Easter, Maidana, Rau'shee Warren, Jamel Herring, Karass 

Finally Robert Easter 7-0(7) can emulate Terrance Crawford, halting Hardy Paredes 16-12(10) before the halfway mark in this 8 rounder. Former Olympian Rau'shee Warren 8-0(3), who has already suffered his fair share of sticky moments as a professional, may need the full 8 to beat Jose Silveira 15-9(6). Finally Jamel Herring 5-0(3) takes on Lance Williams 6-2(6) - who Easter stopped in a round - over 4 rounds.