WASHINGTON — Adrien Broner's toughest opponent continues to be himself.
With a warrant out for his arrest in his hometown, the Cincinnati champion has been training in Washington to defend his WBA super lightweight title against Ashley Theophane there Friday night. But Broner missed weight at Thursday night's weigh-in and the WBA stripped his title.
The fight will go on, but the 26-year-old Broner can't retain the title. If he wins, it will be vacated. If Theophane somehow wins, the 35-year-old British journeyman will get the belt.
Either way, Broner's attorney promised that the fighter will turn himself in Monday in Cincinnati to face felony assault and aggravated robbery charges, according to Julie Wilson, spokesperson for the Hamilton County prosecutor's office. Bond has been set at $100,000.
READ more about the accusations against Broner.
A West Chester Township man alleges Broner beat him up in the parking lot of Madison Bowl after the boxer lost thousands of dollars to him on bets in head-to-head bowling matches. Christopher Carson claims Broner pointed a gun at him, knocked him unconscious and stole $12,000 in cash from him.
Broner wouldn't discuss the charges at the pre-fight news conference in Washington.
Broner has won world championships in four weight classes, but he often trips over his mouth while promoting his bad-boy image, like he did in Washington this week. He not only mocked his opponent but also retired champs Floyd Mayweather and Oscar de la Hoya. Mayweather Promotions manages Theophane and arranged the fight, and Broner used to be managed by la Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions.
