Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe has labeled the upcoming fight between Adrien Broner (33-2, 24 KOs) and Mikey Garcia (36-0, 30 KOs) as a "50-50" proposition.
Garcia, who is currently the WBC lightweight champion, is moving up to 140-pounds to face Broner, who captured world titles in four weight divisions. Garcia himself has captured world titles in three weight classes.
The two boxers are scheduled to collide in a Showtime televised fight on July 29th at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York City.
Garcia is a sizable favorite in the contest, with some oddsmakers listing him as high as a 5-1 favorite.
While Ellerbe considers the contest to be even proposition, he admits that Broner will need to be at his very best in order to beat someone like Garcia.
Ellerbe believes Broner - when he actually takes his training camp very seriously - is a difficult fighter to overcome.
“This is a tremendous matchup. Both of these guys have had outstanding careers so far. This is what our sport is all about, bringing two great champions together, fighting in the prime of their careers," Ellerbe said.
“On paper, this a 50-50 fight. I think both guys are fighting the best opponent they’ve seen in their career. Adrien is going to have to be on his A-game, and I expect him to be at his best for a guy with the talent of Mikey. But Adrien Broner is the real deal too. Not too many can deal with him at his best."
When the year started off, not many observers had expected to see this pairing come together. Ellerbe gives full credit to Showtime for ensuring the fight got finalized.
“If you look back at all the outstanding programs that Showtime has brought to us and continues to bring to us, this is what boxing is all about. Champions fighting champions. The vision is to bring big-time boxing back with great events like this," Ellerbe said.