• Boxing

Broner vows to "take over boxing"

Adrien Broner lands a right hook on Paulie Malignaggi in his last WBA welterweight title defence © Getty Images

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Adrien Broner has vowed to "take over boxing" ahead of his title defence against Marcos Maidana this Sunday as he looks to live up to his reputation as the next Floyd Mayweather Jr.

The WBA welterweight world champion defends his belt against Argentine Maidana in Texas in what is the toughest test of his ability to date, and currently holds an unbeaten record from his 27 professional fights.

Maidana has lost three of his 37 professional encounters - one of which came at the hands of Amir Khan in 2010.

Despite his growing reputation Broner has had his fair share of critics in recent years and the 24-year-old is convinced he will not get the credit he deserves if he defeats Maidana regardless of how he does it.

"I am going to take over boxing after Floyd Mayweather," said Broner.

"We've just got to get this stepping stone out of the way. Maidana is a good fighter but he's not on my level.

Broner also told the Daily Mail: "All I'm going to say to the fans and reporters is just watch the fight. I don't care if you like me or dislike me. Just please watch the fight - you'll see something special.

"I'm a self-motivator, so I'm always motivated, but it comes with the territory of being an African-American that's on top, and like I always say, they're never going to give me my full respect.

"They're never going to do it no matter if I go in there and knock Maidana out in the first round; they're going to find some way to criticise me. I just do me.

"I just get my victories and keep moving on with my career, because at the end of the day, some of you reporters never threw a punch and none of these writers never threw a punch, so I really can't read, or think, or take, what some of you guys say to heart because it means nothing to me sometimes."

The American admits he will be looking to emulate Mayweather's ability to be a multi-dimensional craftsmen who is able to adapt to any style.

"Like I always say, I always say this, I don't fight anybody the same," he added.

"Maidana has to show me - he has to make me respect his power and his boxing skills. You never know. When I make my adjustments inside the ring December 14, then I'll do what I have to do to get my victory, but until then, we just staying sharp."

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