By Minnie Larry
MGM Garden Arena, Las Vegas
Eight division champ, Manny Pacquiao (61-7-2, 39 KOs) proved age ain’t nothing but a number when he systematically eliminated Adrien “The Problem” Broner (33-4-1, 24KOs), retaining his WBA welterweight belt. Pac-man did not disappoint in his return, after a two year hiatus from fighting within the states. The sellout crowd of 13,025 was left fully satisfied Saturday night, at the starting bell of what would be a make it or break it event for Adrien Broner.
The bout started with both fighters feeling one another out, Broner connectd with an uppercut to an unsuspecting Pacquiao. Pac-man returned the favor with a stiff jab and body-shots to close out the round. Round 2, Broner received a stiff warning after he deliverd a forearm to Manny’s throat. Round 4 would be the most active for Broner when he counterd with impressive back to back hooks. Broner ended the round on a high note keeping the counters solid, causing Pacquiao to miss combos and straight lefts.
By the 5th, Pacquiao picked up the action leading with lefts to the body, then moving upstairs to close out the round. The chase begins as Broner tried to duck and dive away from Pac-man’s body assault. For the championship rounds, Broner’s defense rested on him escaping his opponent. When Pacquiao finally pin down Broner with solid jabs, the expended “Problem” resorted to landing below the belt.
Manny Pacquiao receives the decisive victory, however, never delivers the stoppage he most certainly sought tonight. Scores were: 117-111, and 116-112 x 2. After the fight, Manny called out Mayweather for a rematch, but the “Money” man, dashed all hopes of that happening, with Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions, saying “He” (Floyd) has nothing else to prove. I’m very happy for him. He’s retired . He has no interest in doing that. It’s not always about the money….what more can the man do?”
Co Main Event: Badou Jack vs Marcus Browne
No one will remember the win. Tonight, the cavernous gape, spewing bright crimson from the center of Badou Jack’s attic, is all that will remain in the memories of onlookers to this most gruesome event. The emotions felt as bile rises in complete disgust as Jack’s corner seemingly disregards the internal tissue and muscle beaming through the canyon now monopolizing his face. One must also not forget the role of the medics and referees. Tony Weeks, in his 698 fight (Boxrec), has stopped fights for much less. So the question is, were those additional 5 rounds worth the health and safety of Badou Jack?
The 2012 Olympian, Marcus Browne (23-0, 16KOs) remains undefeated, securing the WBC (Silver) light heavyweight title against his Swedish born contemporary, Badou Jack (22-2-3, 13KOs). The bout started slow out the gate with both fighters filling each other out. Browne took advantage of some quick body work in short burst, but nothing spectacular. The middle rounds are more of the same, Jack dashes forward leaving himself open for Browne counters. By the 5th, the body work increases for both, with Browne pulling away point wise as his body contact does the most damage.
A clash of heads in the 7th would crack Badou’s middle forehead and become a distraction for the remainder of the fight. Browne would have a point deducted in the 8th round due to a hit after the bell. Browne outscored and outboxed Jack from the beginning to the end of the fight. Scores were: 117-110, 116-111, and 119-108. After the bout, Jack wrote, “I would like to thank all of the fans for your support! The cut was a nasty one, but I’m fine now, alhamdulillah.”
History repeats itself for Nordine OuBaali (15-0, 11 KOs) as Oubaali extends his Olympic win to a professional title slaughter, over Rau’Shee Warren ( 16-3- 1 NC, 4KOs). Oubaali, 2x Olympian, led with straight penetrating jabs in rapid succession. He would not let his foot off the gas digging to Warren’s middle the entire fight. Warren, spent most the fight waiting for an opportunity to set up his jab frustrating his corner and famed trainer Barry Hunter. Oubaali secured the WBC bantamweight title in his 1st US debut, with a unanimous decision win. Score were: 115-123, 116-112, and 117-111 In the nights opening bout, Hugo Ruiz ( 38-4, 31KOs) defeats Alberto Guevara ( 27-4, 12KOs) for the featherweight championship. It should also be noted, Guevara came in on short notice after Jhack Tepora came in overweight and was pulled off the card. Scores were: 100-89, and 99-90 x 2.
