Adrien Broner vs. Marcos Maidana, billed as Danger Zone, was a professional boxing match, contested for Broner's WBA welterweight title. The match was held at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.[1]
In October 2013 it was announced that Broner would make his first defense of his welterweight belt against Marcos Maidana. Originally scheduled as a PPV fight, Golden Boy Promotions and Showtime Sports announced it would take place on regular Showtime on 14 December.[2] The fight was originally due to take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, but later moved to the Alamodome in San Antonio.[3] Broner stated in the build up that he did not take training camp seriously for the Malignaggi fight, and that he was going to make a statement in his first defense.[4]
Broner was a 5 to 1 betting favorite.
From the opening bell, Maidana swarmed Broner, punishing him to the body and the head. In the second round, a left hook sent Broner down for the first time in his career. Broner recovered and seemed to be on the verge of taking control over a tiring Maidana, but a Maidana right to the body followed by a left hook to the head once again put Broner down in round 8. Following the knockdown, Maidana had a point deducted for a headbutt. Maidana punished Broner for the remainder of the fight, winning the fight via unanimous decision and giving Broner his first loss as a professional.[5] The judges scored the fight 115–110, 116–109, and 117–109 in favour of Maidana.[6][7][8][9][10]
Broner immediately left the ring following the announcement. Fans booed and threw drinks at Broner as he made his way back to his dressing room.[11] Broner would later apologize, saying, "I'm sorry for running out on all the fans after my fight. That was wrong of me as a fighter." Maidana said he was open to a rematch if it made sense. Broner later said, "I'll tell you one thing: Make a rematch. I don't need a warm-up fight. I want a rematch." Maidana landed 269 of 964 total punches (28%) and 231 of 663 power shots (35%). Broner connected on 149 of 400 total punches (37%).[12][13] Showtime Executive Vice President Stephen Espinoza announced the fight drew 1.3 million viewers, putting it as the third-highest rated fight for the network since it began keeping track of individual fights in 2009.[14]
Broner activated his rematch clause in January 2014, telling ESPN, "My mind is set on war. I had a bad night. He was the better man that night, but he didn't beat me. He outhustled me. I respect everything. I respect him. But I'm ready to go back to war and get my belt back."[15] ESPN reported the rematch could take place in April 2014 in California at the StubHub Center or again at the Alamodome.[16] However Maidana would instead face WBC champion Floyd Mayweather Jr..
Confirmed bouts:[17]