By Rick Reeno
MGM Grand, Las Vegas - Former three division champion Adrien Broner might get a shave at the official weigh-in later today. Frank Espinoza, manager of Carlos Molina, has objected to Broner's new beard. Broner faces Molina tomorrow night as part of the Mayweather-Maidana Showtime Pay-Per-View.
Espinoza cites the rules of the Nevada State Athletic Commission, because he feels Broner's beard presents a potential hazard in the fight and he doesn't want any controversial outcomes.
NAC 467.598 Physical appearance of unarmed combatants. (NRS 467.030)
3. The Commission’s representative shall determine whether head or facial hair presents any hazard to the safety of the unarmed combatant or his or her opponent or will interfere with the supervision and conduct of the contest or exhibition. If the head or facial hair of an unarmed combatant presents such a hazard or will interfere with the supervision and conduct of the contest or exhibition, the unarmed combatant may not compete in the contest or exhibition unless the circumstances creating the hazard or potential interference are corrected to the satisfaction of the Commission’s representative. [Athletic Comm’n, § 18, eff. 4-25-78]—(NAC A 11-2-88; 12-2-97; R070-01, 8-31-2001)
"I think the rules of the commission are pretty clear. We feel his beard is too big. It could scratch my fighter's eyes, it could make a cut worse by rubbing against it and it could also cushion any landed punches. We just want everything to be fair and according to the rules of the Nevada Commission," Ezpinoza told BoxingScene.com.
"I don't know if Broner grew it out to create a cushion because of the punches that Maidana landed on him last year, but we plan to take that cushion away. I'm bringing a brand new razor with me to the weigh-in and I'll be more than happy to shave down that beard. I'll make sure his beard complies with the rules of the commission."
