Boxing

Whether you love him or loathe him, there are many reasons to watch Adrien Broner’s lightweight world title challenge against Antonio DeMarco at the Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City on November 17.

First and foremost Broner, nicknamed ‘The Problem’, truly is an entertainer.

Whether it is the 23-year-old from Cincinnati, Ohio performing his own entrance music or his father combing his hair before and after bouts, Broner brings an extrovert showmanship to the ring that has been admired by some but equally derided by others.

But antics aside, Broner can fight and is exciting to watch inside the squared circle. A world title at super-featherweight alongside 24 wins (20 K.Os) and zero losses proves this.

He has fast hands, punch power with either fist but also possesses an exquisite defence which he utilises by using the shoulder roll to block shots.

However, moving up to lightweight will mean that Broner’s trademark air-tight defence will have to be firmer than ever as DeMarco is far from a pushover.

Heavyweight world champion Wladimir Klitschko successfully defended his titles on points against overwhelmed challenger Mariusz Wach at the O2 World Arena in Hamburg, Germany on November 10.

If there were any questions as to how Klitschko would perform without Hall of Fame trainer Manny Steward by his side, the IBF, WBA and WBO champion well and truly answered them all with a dominant display.

In what was an incredibly one-sided fight, two judges scored the contest 120-107 with the third scoring it 119-09 all in favour of Klitschko.

It was abundantly clear from as soon as the first round that Wach was in over his head as the 36-year-old Klitschko from Ukraine connected with left jabs and devastating straight right hands throughout.

The American-based Pole Wach absorbed a tremendous amount of punishment and failed to land any major offense during the 12 rounds.

It was if at times that Wach’s face was magnetically attracted to Klitschko’s hands as he showed little to no head movement whatsoever.

On November 10 Wladimir Klitschko will make the 14th consecutive defence of his world heavyweight titles against the unknown Mariusz Wach in Hamburg, Germany.

What is significant about this bout is that it will be the first time that Klitschko will be without legendary trainer Manny Steward in his corner since a 2004 loss to Lamon Brewster, which was coincidentally the first time Steward worked with the Ukrainian.

Steward, 68, passed away on October 25 after suffering from stomach cancer and the 36-year-old Klitschko – who will be defending his IBF, WBA and WBO titles - will instead be trained by fellow heavyweight Johnathon Banks, who was also trained by Steward.

Considering that Banks is six years younger than Klitschko, the decision to select the Michigan native is an odd one at first glance.

Under the guise of Steward, Klitschko has dominated the heavyweight division with ease alongside his brother Vitali. Wladimir’s loss to Brewster was the last defeat either sibling has suffered and it could be a long night for Wach.

After being forced to withstand knee-buckling blows to the head and defending himself against lightning fast punches against welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao, Timothy Bradley was chosen as the new WBO welterweight champion in a controversial split decision Saturday night in Las Vegas. 

The MGM Grand was filled with boos upon the decision and Pacquiao appeared confused while Bradley roared with approval on top of the ropes. Bob Arum, the promoter of the fight, was visibly upset.

"I've never been as ashamed of the sport of boxing as I am right now." Said Arum. He did say there would be a rematch in November, however, because of a clause in Bradley's contract.

Throughout the fight, Pacquiao was in control. He found opportunities to land some vicious jabs on Bradley and landed his power punches efficiently. For example, Pacquiao landed two consecutive blows to Bradley's head, which caused him to stumble aimlessly for a moment. Then, in the sixth round Bradley was backed into a corner while Pacquiao bombarded his side with a couple of mean hooks.