Adrien Broner stuttered, got battered, and even lost his tooth when he met Blair Cobb this Friday night at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida. The American boxer, who once reigned supreme in four divisions, is witnessing his career dwindle and crash from a free fall. With another unconvincing performance and loss in his bag, the future looks grim for him. Can he rescue his career and push himself for another crack at the top? Or is it the end of ‘AB’?

Broner, 34, has been a mere shadow of his former self in recent years, going 3 losses, 2 wins, and 1 draw in his last 6 fights in almost 7 years. The returns and inactivity have taken a toll on his boxing acuity since he lost a world title fight against Manny Pacquiao in 2019. In addition, his issues outside the ring have overshadowed his once splendid career, which included wins over the likes of Paulie Malignaggi, Khabib Allakhverdiev, and Antonio DeMarco. But now it seems like a memory of the distant past when he used to slam shut his opponents. Have we already seen the best of the former world champion and witnessed him close the boxing chapter of his life dreadfully?

Adrien Broner’s career conundrum: one last hurrah or calling it quits

Broner, at 35-5-1 (1 NC), had carved out a name for himself and in the history books on the back of his brutal power and peak athleticism. However, both his weapons have diminished considerably, far removed from his peak years. He looked out of shape, flabby, low on confidence, and mentally fatigued. Broner did show signs of a return to top form when he handed a defeat to Bill Hutchinson last June. But he failed to build on it.

Moreover, the Cincinnati native’s lack of activity has played a part in his downfall. He has only turned up three times in the ring since exchanging punches with ‘PacMan’. He still has enough gas left in him to push for a couple more years. Broner still has the skills and zeal to do it and can set up a few tune-up fights, and more in-ring appearances could get him back to where he was once. And if the former super featherweight champion is looking for motivation, then he can look at the tale of George Foreman.

‘Big George’ hung up his gloves at 28, only to make a comeback at 38. He would keep himself busy, fighting 8–9 times a year, slowly building back momentum and returning to his peak fitness levels. The Texas native triumphed over age, broke the age barrier to become a world champion at 45, and continued to fight till 48. For Broner, age is still on his side to close his career with a bang. He has stood tall against the punches of life and the struggles of addiction. He surely can take a punch or two in the boxing ring, too.

Additionally, the welterweight boxer’s granite chin has ensured he has never been stopped. He needs to let go of his hands and his overreliance on counterpunches and instead focus on drawing first blood. Broner still garners interest and will continue to receive fight offers from promoters due to his reputation. Despite this, the looming question is how to shoot up his motivation levels. Broner has already called it his “last run.” So, where does it leave him? Should ‘The Problem’ look to cash in on his popularity and jump on the trend of crossover and exhibition fights? It is a plausible and safer option.

Walking the crossover and exhibitions path

Floyd Mayweather illuminated a fresh path for retiring boxers to collect heavy paychecks by fighting in exhibitions. The fights with lower risks and a comparatively good payout made exhibition fights a feasible option. While the boxers are happy to do what they love doing, the fans live the nostalgia. It’s a win-win situation for everyone. With Broner’s stocks still intact, he could do his body and bank account some good. Alternatively, the orthodox boxer has the option of following Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury into crossover fights.

Broner has the brash personality and prodigal mic skills to sell a fight, which will help him seize every opportunity thrown his way. On the other hand, it will also mean compromising on his dream of becoming a world champion again. Broner has a deep-seated desire to hold the gold one more time. You shouldn’t be surprised if he ends up fighting under professional rules and against ranked fighters to bolster his chances.

What’s more, the welterweight division has no enforcer currently. With Terence Crawford moving up, the world titles will be available for grabs soon. But the question is whether Broner’s mindset is hellbent on achieving his dream. Because his body sure can endure the punishment at the top for a couple more years. Does he have the confidence and faith in himself to fulfill his dream? It remains to be seen.

So, the forked-in-two path lies ahead for Broner. Which one will he pick? Are his days of any serious title push truly over? Foreman might say otherwise. Will Broner do himself more good with a more fluid decision and a switch to the era of crossover boxing and influencer fights? His recent performances hint at it.

What do you make of the latest performance by Adrien Broner against Blair Cobbs? Do you think the time is up for him in the boxing ring? Let us know in the comments below.