We live in an upside down world where the spoils of fame and
wealth are bestowed, not upon the authentically talented and hardworking, but,
pretenders. Glorified socialites whose lascivious video-recordings go “missing”
right into the public domain resulting in hit reality programming and
merchandise. Suddenly, this person (and their family) of no particular ability
or talent is worthy of cover stories, thus, the era where mere notoriety is the
new talent. Sports and its luminaries often reflect the culture at hand. Jack
Dempsey embodied the Roaring ‘20’s, as Muhammed Ali personified the Rebellious
‘60’s, as Mike Tyson and Sugar Ray Leonard reflected the Decadent ‘80’s. One
might argue that Floyd “Money” Mayweather, Jr. is the face of this early 21st
Century era of The Great Pretender and counterfeit acclaim, but they would be
wrong. Brash, swag, and a penchant for spectacle he may have in abundance, but Mayweather
is no pretender, he remains a fighter first and foremost, wholly committed to
his craft. The celebrity first-craftsman
later model, which defined the now forgotten careers of American
Footballers Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco, may very well be embodied in none
other than, Adrien “The Problem” Broner.
Broner’s talent cannot be disputed. You don’t win 3 titles
in 3 different weight classes and not possess something special. What is in
dispute is how serious he is about his place in the sport. Judging from his
last three outings Broner is at a serious crossroads and it has become
glaringly obvious that neither he nor his handlers have yet to address it.
Either he’s going to commit to his vocation and fulfill his massive potential
or merely coast on his raw ability going the way of Naseem Hamed where
celebrity supersedes craft. If Broner has learned anything from his declared
“Big Brother” it should be this simple lesson: mere talent will not ensure you
the keys to the throne. If Broner sincerely desires that top spot he claims to covet
so, he will have to be about his business. Boxing is a jealous wench and is
merciless to those who neglect her. She will not play sidepiece to fledgling
rap careers, YouTube stardom, and sex tapes. His sole thrashing at the hands of
Marcos Maidana was a warning and judging from his lack luster outings versus
Emanuel Taylor and Carlos Molina he has yet to take heed.
Adrien Broner possesses the natural ability to truly
distinguish himself among the elite, not merely of this era, but of all time.
But, he’s got to want it.
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