Water Cooler Talk: Manny Pacquiao vs. Adrien Broner

Well fight fans the dust has settled for the Pacquiao vs. Broner WBA title bout sprouting some interesting questions as far as both men’s futures go and what to expect. Here are some of the talking points that aficionados had following the bout as they peppered the MGM Grand casino as well as the multiple social media platforms. Take a look and see if these are the same ones you guys are debating at the office, online or in person regarding the big Showtime PPV in Las Vegas if not feel free to mix them into your post-fight gumbo.

The Next Floyd?

Photo from Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions

It seems like only yesterday Adrien Broner was “that dude” or, “the next big thing”. He moved like Mayweather in the ring, he talked and walked with a similar bravado and operated with his own twist on the Philly Shell defense as well as crisp counter rights. He was undefeated, scooping up championships in various weight classes and on his way to taking over the throne and then splat; the Ohio native fell way short of all of his fans’ expectations. You can almost pinpoint it to the Marcos Maidana loss in Texas that left “The Problem” searching for answers.

Now, he seems so far removed from being that undeniably talented man poised for greatness and the loss to Mikey Garcia, draw with Jessie Vargas and recent defeat to Senator Pacquiao make it hard to argue that his fans weren’t short changed. AB is not the next Floyd Mayweather Jr and probably was never going to be. However, it’s a shame that he has fallen short of being the great fighter that he definitely could’ve been. Is there still time, sure? Can he stay out of legal court and beefs with Hip-Hop stars and social media altercations and distractions to clear a path back to the top? We certainly hope so and wish him the very best.

Broner’s Boxing Future?

He has unfinished business with Jessie Vargas so a rematch against the Mexican-American former 147lbs champ wouldn’t be a bad idea. Maybe put Vargas vs. Broner 2 on the late April event that former WBC welterweight champ Danny Garcia is headlining? If the two young stars can nab a win and do so in impressive fashion the drums would definitely start beating for a Danny Garcia vs. Adrien Broner match-up.

The New Old Manny?

Photo from Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions

Being at the arena is an absolute pleasure, a privilege and an honor for any combat sports fan. The electric atmosphere is otherworldly and Pacquiao commands that energy enabling it to materialize in his matches thanks to his accomplishments and loyal fan base as many boxing greats tend to do in the prime of their career. He still has that drive along with the fire and it’s unheard of to get that out of an active fighter in his age group, let alone a defending champion. So, the conversations had about Pacman a decade ago are ongoing now and any 147lbs unification will be a big PPV attraction if not a prize fight versus a big name like a Lomachenko, Canelo or a Charlo. Yes, those do seem slightly farfetched and maybe even dangerous nonetheless, him being totally relevant at this point and time is as magical as it is ridiculous only adding to his legendary status.

Pacquiao’s Future?

This one is surprisingly easy to figure out. The replay of Pacquiao vs. Broner is this Saturday the 26th on Showtime. The same night is a free live fight on FOX showcasing tough-as-nails, Josesito Lopez vs. undefeated Keith Thurman. Thurman held a piece of the WBA welterweight belt before he left for surgery and other reasons and now Manny Pacquiao has a portion of the same strap. (These regular, super and interim prefixes get confusing when talking titles.) IF the unbeaten “One Time” Thurman can stay that way he can take his Super WBA belt and unify it with the Regular WBA version Pacman has. Two action stars with crowd pleasing styles colliding for a belt would make for a great Showtime PPV this summer.

There you have it fans.

The biggest fight of the year thus far successfully came to fruition and feels like the perfect culmination of a living legend’s career. Fans got to see “The Problem” try to test Senator Pacquiao’s greatness as he talked and barked his way to the front of the line. However, what was missing was Adrien’s bite and the ambition which he ones possessed. Can he once again find it? As for Manny maybe the scratched cornea that Pacquiao suffered will prompt him to ride off into the sunset rather than risk his vision and health?

Whatever happens best believe we will be watching both fighters very closely.