Four-division world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner (31-2, 23 KOs) defends his 140-pound world title against Ashley “The Treasure” Theophane (39-6-1, 11 KOs) Friday, April 1 on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike from the DC Armory in Washington, D.C. with televised coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
At 26-years-old, Broner is one of the most accomplished, and outspoken, young stars in the sport today. After picking up world titles at 130, 135 and 147-pounds, Broner earned a belt in a fourth weight division last October when he defeated tough Russian Khabib Allakhverdiev via a stoppage in the 12th and final round. Broner has spent portions of his training camp in Washington, D.C. for several years and now he will be fighting for the first time in the nation’s capital.
“Ashley Theophane is a world class fighter and this is going to be a tough fight for me,” said Broner. “I’m very excited to fight in Washington, D.C. My following is huge in D.C., it’s my second home, and I think we’re going to give the fans what they’re looking for. I want to fight the best in the 140-pound weight division and Ashley Theophane is one of the best.”
London’s Theophane enters this fight on a six-bout winning streak and has had a long road towards his first world title opportunity. A former British world champion at 140-pounds, Theophane signed with Mayweather Promotions in 2013 and has enjoyed success stateside training out of the Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas.
“I’m excited to face Adrien Broner for a super lightweight world championship,” said Theophane. “It’s been a long, hard road to get here. Thanks to Floyd Mayweather and everyone at Mayweather Promotions for their support over the last two and a half years. I get to have my career defining fight against a four-division world champion. It gets no bigger than that. I will be leaving the ring on April 1 as the new world champion.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by About Billions Promotions and Mayweather Promotions in association with HeadBangers Promotions, are priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, and are on sale Friday, February 26 at 9 a.m. ET. To purchase tickets visit www.ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster locations or call (800) 745-3000.
“After an incredible 2015, Spike is thrilled to welcome the PBC back with a bout headlined by Adrien Broner – one of boxing’s biggest personalities out of the ring and one of the best fighters in the ring,” said Jon Slusser, Senior Vice President, Sports & Specials, Spike TV.
“The DC Armory is synonymous with championship boxing in Washington, DC” stated Erik A. Moses, Events DC senior vice president and managing director for sports and entertainment. “Events DC is proud to work with HeadBangers Promotions, About Billions Promotions and Mayweather Promotions to showcase PBC in the nation’s capitol.”
Broner boasts a 9-1 record in world title fights on his way to picking up belts in four weight divisions. The Cincinnati-native owns victories over Paulie Malignaggi, Daniel Ponce De Leon, John Molina Jr., Antonio DeMarco and Gavis Rees. Broner compiled a 300-19 amateur record under the guidance of his trainer Mike Stafford, who continues to train him throughout his pro success.
Theophane has been in the ring with many 140 and 147-pound contenders including Danny Garcia and Pablo Cesar Cano, losing by narrow split-decision to both. He started his 2015 campaign with a victory over Mahonri Montes in April and followed it up with an easy decision over Steve Upsher in September. He won his British title with a win over Lenny Daws and would go on to successfully defend against Jason Cook and Ben Murphy.