No weight problems for Broner

LAS VEGAS – Adrien Broner said there should be no issues making the welterweight limit of 147 pounds for his fight with Manny Pacquiao at the MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday (Sunday Manila time).

Broner, who has won titles in four divisions, reported for training with some excess poundage, but claimed having no difficulty gradually shedding them in time for the official weigh-in two days from now. 

“Struggling? I can still make '35 (lbs, lightweight),” Broner, a former super featherweight (130 lbs), lightweight (135 lbs), super lightweight (140 lbs), welterweight (147 lbs) champion, replied when asked if he had problems with weight management.

He told reporters at Wednesday's final press conference (Thursday Manila time) that he’s had the best camp ever and is 100 percent ready for Pacquiao.    

“Making weight ain't no problem for me, it ain't ever been a problem for me,” Broner insisted.

Broner, however, has a history of weight problems. He failed to make weight twice in his career — in his fights with Vicente Escobedo in 2012 and Ashley Theopane in 2016.

For the Escobedo bout, he was stripped of the WBO junior lightweight title for failing to make weight. The belt thus was only on the line for Escobedo, but with Broner stopping him in five rounds, it was declared vacant.

He stopped Theopane as well, in nine rounds, but was no longer the WBA super lightweight champion because he missed the 140-lb limit.

Broner said it was intentional.

“I know I missed (making) weight a couple of times in my career. That's because I wanted to,” he explained.

It remains to be seen if he can get it right with the scales for the Pacquiao clash.