By Ben Jacobs

Tonight in Cincinnati, Adrian Granados (18-4-2, 12 KOs) finally gets the chance to unleash over a year’s worth of frustration when he faces hometown favourite Adrian Broner (32-2, 24 KOs) in a bout that could lead to a world title fight for the victor.

Granados pulled off what many saw as an upset back in November 2015 when he stopped previously unbeaten and highly touted prospect Amir Imam. 

Since then, he has been unable to capitalise on the success and build momentum, with only a contest in June 2016, a unanimous decision win over Ariel Vázquez being his sole ring activity.  A fight with Ruslan Provodnikov fell through until the Chicago native signed with TGB Promotions.

Initially the contest with Broner had been scheduled to take place at a weight of 142lbs but just last week Broner moved the goalposts and, it will now be contested at the welterweight limit of 147lbs.

“I didn’t have too many problems with it, I was a little upset with it at first, it was unprofessional,” Granados told BoxingScene.com on Thursday after the final press conference.

“But then I kind of just tapered off and saw where my weight was.  I thought, okay, it’s easier for me now, no worries there.”

At the weigh-in on Friday there was controversy as it first appeared that Granados had not made the weight.  Subsequently it was revealed that there was a problem with the scales and ‘El Tigre’ had indeed weighed in correctly.  The 27-year-old, perhaps surprisingly to some, appeared to be larger than Broner, certainly with a height advantage.

“I think a lot of people are underestimating my size, I think I’m naturally the bigger man and I will show that on Saturday night, it’s going to be a great fight, I’m looking forward to it.”

Broner’s only two defeats have come against fighters who relentlessly attack, while Granados has that element to his game, he also believes his boxing skills will be a key factor.

“As far as Marcos Maidana and Shawn Porter goes, they did a great job against Broner, they did what they had to do to win their fights with him. I do feel like he has struggled with pressure a bit, but I’m not banking on that, he’s a veteran, he’s smart so I’m just going to win it the way I have to win it.”