Adrien Broner returned on Saturday night from a 25-month layoff to win by unanimous decision over Jovanie Santiago. The fight was much closer than expected with some giving Santiago the edge.
Santiago dominated the first half of the contest with his aggression and body attack. Broner came back starting in the seventh round with his counter punching, stunning the native of Puerto Rico in the eighth with his patented left hook, and finally throwing combinations as the fight entered the championship rounds. The judges felt what Broner was did meant more and scored the bout for the Cincinnati native to give him his first win in four years. Not many of Broner's peers were impressed with his performance, including someone who competes in the weight class "The Problem" desires to make his home.
Fellow junior welterweight and former unified titlist Regis Prograis was dismissive of Broner's showing and feels time has passed the former four-division champion by.
"I’m gonna say it now. AB is past his prime," Prograis said. "He’s 31 but he’s an old 31. He’s been boxing since he was 6,7 years old and he’s had to many hard fights. He’s not the old AB. His reflexes aren’t there anymore and he’s slowing down. He should still beat this dude though."
Prograis wasn't done with his thoughts on Broner.
"AB need to pick up the pace," Prograis said. "I would’ve knocked this dude out in less than 5 minutes."
During his post-fight presser, Broner was asked about Prograis assessment of him. Broner respects what Prograis' accomplished but vowed to deliver a beating unlike any other.
“I always cheer for him and I wish him the best, but if he gets in the ring with me, I’m going to f— him up," Broner responded in jest.
Prograis (25-1, 21 KOs) last fought in October, defeating Juan Heraldez by third-round TKO. "Rougarou" is currently without a opponent and facing Broner would be the biggest name on his resume.