Broner and Theophane Apparently On For Friday

One of the big news items in boxing this past week came outside of the ring, as the story broke that WBA Super World Super Lightweight Champion Adrien Broner had a felony warrant out for his arrest in his home state of Ohio. This seemingly jeopardized Broner’s scheduled title defense against Ashley Theophane at the DC Armory in Washington this Friday, April 1st.

The main events of the 10 fight card promoted by Leonard Ellerbe and the Premier Boxing Champions are set to air on Spike TV.

Read “Broner-Theophane: April Fools Day in Washington DC” also at The Sweet Science by Thomas Hauser.

The latest word is that Cincinnati authorities have decided to pursue the charges against Broner after this weekend’s fight. Yahoo Sports quotes a source in the Cincinnati police department saying that “Broner is not actively being pursued outside of the Ohio area” and “the warrants are active and the bond is currently set at $100,000.”

Behind, the scenes, the Theophane camp has continued their fight week routine as if nothing has happened. They are being told by the powers that be that the fight is going to happen.

The incident, where Broner allegedly beat up and robbed $12,000 from a man, occurred on January 21 outside a bowling alley. The plaintiff, identified as Christopher Carson, is also reported to have filed a civil case against Broner. He claims he was punched in the face, threatened with a gun and knocked out by Broner, who then took the money from his pockets. That he knew Broner for two years prior and “maintained a friendly relationship” has also been established. For his part, neither Broner nor his camp has made any official statements regarding the incident. Not a peep.

Promoter Leonard Ellerbe, The Money Team, Floyd Mayweather and the folks at the Premier Boxing Champions have also been silent. Through the silence, what you can almost hear is the sound of everyone “lawyering up”.

Are the Cincinnati Police boxing fans? Are they dealing with a public figure who could hurt them in the community if they look bad? Because he is fighting on TV, are they not worried about Broner being a flight risk? It is not clear why the Cincinnati authorities are not pursuing a felon the way they normally would; instead they put it off for ten days.

So boxing fans, this Friday night, you get to enjoy the fights and then next week, you can have the rest of the drama served up by “The Problem”.

Check out The Boxing Channel’s review of the show featuring former WBC World Light Heavyweight champion Montell Griffin, who attended the fights live.