Theophane ( 39-6-1, 11 KOs) is unbeaten in six straight fights since losing to Pablo César Cano via a split decision in September 2013 at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada.
Theophane is a huge underdog leading up to this weekend fight despite having faced elite fighters that include Danny Garcia, DeMarcus Corley, Pablo César Cano and Steve Upsher Chambers, among others. But If he wins against Broner, it will be his first major title in his professional career.
It will be a make or break fight for the the 35-year-old fighter from Paddington, London, England as he may find it harder to come across more lucrative fights down the road because of his advancing age.
“This is the world championship. A boxer’s career is about to reach the pinnacle,” Theophane said. “This is the pinnacle for me. I was always one of those fighters that was always the underdog. Nothing was ever expected of me. 10 years for me to be on my own, and for Floyd to spot me and say ‘I’m going to give you that chance.
“Three years later, I have my biggest fight of my career. Now he’s got me a great fight. Adrien is a four-weight world champion. He’s done marvelous things at 26 years old, but he’s a man I can beat. For me to beat him, I have to be on my best. I’m the underdog again. It’s nothing new. I’m ready for fight night on April 1st. I will be victorious,” said Theophane, who is now signed with Mayweather Promotions.
Theophane said Mayweather got him the Broner fight because he believes he can win, having sparred with him in the past.
“Ashley Theophane, this guy has pushed me to the limit,” Mayweather said. “This guy is not going to lay down. This guy is not going to quit,” he added.
Theophane, who has been fighting in the U.S. more than he did in his native hometown in London, has so much confidence in Mayweather as his mentor which is the reason why he is confident of pulling off the upset on Saturday night.
“I’m representing Floyd. Floyd ain’t going to fight him. Floyd believes I can win. That’s the reason why this fight is going down,” Theophane said. “He’s like a mentor. Just words. He’s retired now. So anything is just motivational words, just helping with the game plan and stuff. Floyd is one of the smartest, if not the smartest boxer ever. There’s knowledge he can give that you can’t get from no one else.”
Despite Theophane’s six consecutive wins since his loss to Cano three years ago, Broner is still the huge favorite to win on Saturday but many will bet of the British fighter for the upset.
