Broner is the epitome of welfare in professional boxing

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Adrien BronerThe existence of welfare in boxing is one of the bigger problems that exists in the sport. You know who I’m talking about – the people that get big fights and don’t deserve them.

A fight that has many people wanting to stick their head in a hot stove, Adrien Broner will attempt to win his fourth title in as many divisions against Khabib Allakhverdiev (19-1, 9 KO’s) for the vacant WBA World super-lightweight title on Oct. 3 on Showtime.

How in the world did we get here?

Broner is coming off a lamentable performance against former IBF World welterweight titlist Shawn Porter in the main event of a Premier Boxing Champions card on June 20 in Las Vegas. Broner wasn’t much of a sport all weekend. He mistreated and blew off fans, blew off Porter’s attempt of sportsmanship at the weigh-in and, of course, blew the fight.

Adding more to the swallowed Pepto Bismol, Broner made $1.3 million compared to Porter’s $1 million on that evening despite being outworked for most of the fight.

Just over two years ago, we looked at this man as the next Floyd Mayweather Jr; myself included. Now, we can all slap ourselves on the back of the head. What were we thinking?

At some point, Broner stopped dedicating himself to his craft, setting his sights on money, partying, and being “A Problem” instead of “The Problem.”

He’s been more trouble for law enforcement as of late than he has for his opponents in the ring.

There is no doubt that everyone has criticized Mayweather for being arrogant at some point in his career, but the difference is that he can back up that talk with his skills in the ring. Broner, for whatever reason, is only winning to do a halfway job.

It’s really sad because Broner has talent. Not only does he not give two rips about anything, but he’s been encouraged to stay a child because he’s not having to work for these big fights.

A good suggestion would have been to dock his pay, but the decision to give him a shot at a world title probably means that’s not very likely.

He should be forced to perform to his highest potential, win fights legitimately, and make weight. He notably lost his WBO super-featherweight title on the scales in 2012, coming in over 3.5 pounds for a fight against Vicente Escobedo, and also missed weight for his PBC debut against John Molina.

In the old days, ice cream was only awarded to the winner. These days it seems it’s become socialistic. We don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings here, so ice cream is awarded anyway.

That shouldn’t be a factor. Broner hasn’t done enough to earn the ice cream [a shot at the title] and it’s about time someone pointed out this ridiculousness.

If this type of garbage continues, it’s really going to have a nasty effect on the sport.