Adrien Broner pulls out of upcoming fight, cites mental health

Former four-division champion Adrien Broner has pulled out of his upcoming bout a few days before his August 21 (Philippine time) showdown against Omar Figueroa at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

“Man I’m going thru a lot at this moment in my life but I ain’t [going to] give up. I set some more goals and I ain't stopping until I finish what I started but sorry to say this but I'm not fighting [on August 20],” Broner announced on his Instagram.

Broner, 34-4-1 with 24 knockouts as a professional boxer, last saw action in February 2021 against Jovanie Santiago where he emerged victorious via unanimous decision. The brash American did not elaborate on the reason for his withdrawal but has cited his mental health.

“Sorry to all my fans but mental health is real and I’m not about to play inside the ring. I’ve watched a lot of people die playing with [their] boxing career and that is something I won’t do,” Broner wrote.

“Just pray for me I love the sport of boxing too much to not give my all and I feel Like I came up short before because my mind wasn’t 100% there and I be [damned] if I make that mistake again.”

The previously scheduled showdown between Broner and Figueroa was set for the main event of Showtime Championship Boxing. Despite the surprise announcement from Broner, Showtime has decided to push through with the event without its original headliner. — LA, GMA News