Is Adrien Broner boxing’s next big thing? 
Well, literally-speaking he is not.
When we think boxing, especially American boxing, "next big thing" status is typically reserved for heavyweights. And as you know, Broner is a lightweight.
Despite the previous successes of lower-weight dynamos like Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, I still believe that heavyweights have the greatest impact on boxing.
When they are dynamic, controversial (for better or for worse) and American (because the US still packs the heaviest wallet wallop), heavyweights rule the roost.
All that being said, I do think that Broner can be the next big thing, heavyweights-excluded, following in the footsteps of the aforementioned Golden Boy, Money May and Pac Man.
He is dynamic. He is flashy. He is undefeated. He is fast. And he can stop a boxer with either hand.
Fight fans inherently have a "KO" thirst, and Broner can definitely quench it. Outside of the ring, and to an extent, inside of it, Broner is also polarizing. He comes off as arrogant and aloof in post-fight interviews and has the gift of gab-seemingly made-for-HBO reality television.
But when it’s all said and done, Broner must continue to win, but more importantly, win against stiffer competition to further bolster his skyrocketing boxing brand, as he ascends in weight class.
To me, it’s just a matter of time.
The verdict: If Broner keeps his nose clean outside of the ring and his chin tucked inside of it, I believe that he will reach "next big thing" status. And it doesn’t hurt to be affiliated with Golden Boy Promotions, whose founding father (De La Hoya) knows a little something about non-heavyweight stardom.
