Broner outpoints Granados
CINCINNATI: Boxing in his hometown after a tumultuous year of legal and personal troubles, Adrien “The Problem’’ Broner fought to a split decision over Adrian Granados in a 10-round welterweight bout on Saturday night at Xavier University’s Cintas Center.
“Adrian Granados is a world class fighter,’’ Broner said. “I knew he was going to come tough. A lot of guys duck him but I wanted to fight him because that’s what I’m about. At the end of the day, I was beating him up. This was an easy one for me.’’
Broner (33-2, 24 KOs) had fought just once in the past 15 months. It was the four-time champion’s first fight since losing the 140-pound WBA title for failure to make weight.
He also served jail time in July after being tardy for his trial for assault and robbery charges. Broner later posted on Instagram that he was contemplating suicide.
“I’m taking my career more seriously and being more positive,’’ Broner said. “I want to apologise to everyone who looks up to me. I’m ready to be a better role model.’’
Granados (18-5-2, 12 KOs) wanted to keep Saturday’s decision out of the judges’ hands with Broner fighting in his hometown. But, two judges narrowly scored in favour of Broner, 97-93, 96-94.
“If he thinks he did it this time, let’s do it again,’’ said Granados, a Chicago native. “I made it uncomfortable for him. I want it at my house.’’
Granados and Broner are close friends and f ormer sparring partners. That familiarity was apparent on Saturday night. Broner even kept his signature trash talk to a minimum in the weeks leading up to the fight.
WATSON VICTIM OF ‘ACID ATTACK’
Former world-title contender Michael Watson and his carer were both taken to hospital after falling victim to an apparent ‘acid attack’ that appeared to be part of a failed ‘carjacking’ attempt.
The incident took place in Chingford, east of London on Thursday, according to a statement issued by London’s Metropolitan Police Service on Saturday.
The statement said the injuries Watson and his aide had suffered were “not life-threatening”.