Theophane Will Bring The 'Fight' To Broner, Not Outbox Him

Londoner Ashley Theophane plans to start a war when he challenges Adrien Broner for the WBA world super-lightweight title on April 1.

Theophane (39-6-1, 11KOs), a former sparring partner of pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather, goes into the fight as a heavy underdog at the DC Armory in Washington, but believes he has the gameplan to defy the odds.

"The focus is to go in there and outwork him on fight night. At the end of the day I have to set the pace. I can't go out there and outbox him because he's got tremendous skill and speed," said 35-year-old Theophane.

"As a boxer, you want to fight the best, and you want these big nights. For me, it's been a hard road to get to this point, and I'm actually looking forward to fight night because I know it's going to be a very hard fight, and I know in order for me to win I have to be at my best, and that's what I have prepared for.

"I've been sparring a lot of strong young men in camp; a lot of guys who many believe will be future stars of boxing, and I've been doing very well, so I'm more than ready. It's just a matter of counting down the days now."

Former British champion Theophane has had plenty of setbacks in his career, but insists his moment has now arrived to grab the limelight against the brash-talking 26-year-old Broner (31-2, 23KOs)

"My career shows that if you believe in yourself and never give up, you will get your opportunity. At that point, it's just up to you to take it," he said

"I feel I will be able to match him come fight night. I know I'm the big underdog, I know I'm not being given the chance to win, but I really believe we are going to prove the doubters wrong and be world champ come April 1.

"It just became real to be in the same place with him [Broner] at the press conference. It was more motivation to come back in the gym. Once we got back, the guys here at the gym saw me sparring the next day and said they can tell he had motivated me.

"He can talk, but on fight night, we have to fight. He said he's going to stop me in four rounds, so I'll be looking forward to seeing that because I'm not going anywhere. I'm going to be there for the whole 12 rounds.

"Mayweather Promotions believed in me from the very start and they flew with me in the deep end. I have improved from being around Floyd, and watching him. You have to improve with being around him-the best fighter of all time -you have to improve."