Mayweather-promoted Brit Ashley Theophane gives us his view...
Friday 28 July 2017 20:17, UK
From the outside looking in Floyd Mayweather and Adrien Broner still seem at odds, but what is the situation really like away from the media spotlight?
The pair were once close, the defensive master and his young, impetuous protégé; one seemed almost destined to follow in the other's footsteps. However, issues soon came to a head between the pair.
'The Problem' criticised 'The Money Team' late in 2015 and Mayweather was quick to ostracise his former friend, leaving Broner no longer the apparent heir to his throne.
Relations hit a new low in the prelude to Broner's WBA world super-lightweight title victory over Mayweather-promoted Briton Ashley Theophane a year ago where the American pair traded insults and ranted over social media.
But is it really all for real? And have any bridges truly been built away from the cameras?
Theophane joined the Mayweather stable four years ago and worked closely with both the undefeated master technician and Broner, so no one is better equipped to answer…
When I first watched Adrien Broner, it was about five years ago and I was back in the UK, just a fan of the sport and he was young, skillful, flamboyant and very enjoyable to watch. I finally got to Vegas soon after and met Adrien; he was cool, simple as that, we got on well.
If we talk about his relationship with Floyd Mayweather and what I know then firstly, when they've been in the gym previously or in Vegas, they've always been close and Floyd has always looked to help and advise him.
But then, things began to change when Adrien, like Floyd previously, transitioned from the pretty boy to being about money. It happens a lot in America when these young kids suddenly get all the money and it's a hard thing to handle and of course it's difficult to remain grounded.
He criticised 'The Money Team' and Floyd didn't take kindly to it, but they're still friends.
Let's remember, Adrien comes from Ohio, a place with a lot of crime and he has a very poor background, so it's easy to understand the mistakes he has made. Often fighters go through this crazy transitional period but many learn from it and get that boxing focus back.
When I first joined the Mayweather stable, Floyd told me that he wanted me to fight Adrien somewhere down the line, so that must have been three or four years before we did actually get in on.
Adrien is a star and he's done very well. He might not have been the big star that a lot of folks thought he would be in terms of being the next Floyd, but he's the first Adrien and is a very good, incredibly talented fighter. It's easy to forget that he is a four-weight world champion at just 27.
With that, he now has his own promotional team and is doing well for himself outside the ring, so this kid has gone on to achieve a lot.
When I went up against Adrien it was odd for me because the American people didn't know me and I was simply Floyd's guy going up against Floyd's rival, I'm no big name like those two.
I've known Floyd for five years and he has always treated me well, so I never have any bad words to say about him, after all, he helped me to get a world title shot at 35 years old.
When I first joined the Mayweather stable, Floyd told me that he wanted me to fight Adrien somewhere down the line, so that must have been three or four years before we did actually get in on.
When we did fight, like I said it was all about that rivalry and I can't tell you if it was real or just hype. As a promoter, Floyd was simply doing his job and backing his guy and I appreciate that, I also appreciate Adrien giving me the world title opportunity.
Of course they have had their problems, but they were friends and the rivalry was sold out by a lot of people. Floyd has always said that Mayweather promotions and Al Haymon's fighters are one big family and we often go up against each other - it's a healthy relationship.
Adrien has a big fight against Mikey Garcia and I've seen no controversial stuff coming out of his camp and one of his sparring partners has said that he is working hard and has his head down - maybe he has finally learnt from those mistakes in his life.
I know Floyd himself is very strict in his camp life ahead of every fight and his full focus is on the Conor McGregor bout, so I doubt that he will go to Adrien's fight this weekend.
Regardless, I still believe there is a bond between him and Adrien and that is something you don't just lose after all that time spent together. I can't promise you that Floyd will be watching Adrien's big fight or indeed be supporting him, but if I had to guess then I would definitely say that he will be rooting for 'AB' and wishing him the best.
Watch Broner vs Garcia live from the Barclays Center, Brooklyn, from 1am, Sunday, July 30, on Sky Sports Action (Ch407).
