For many years, on his way to becoming a world champion boxer, Adrien Broner trained and sparred inside an aged ring tucked into the small boxing gym of the Mount Auburn Recreation Center. Now, after securing two world titles and becoming one of the foremost figures in the sport, the native Cincinnatian has decided to give back to the gym where he built his professional career by donating a brand new ring.
Perhaps the biggest sign that improvements were needed came just two weeks ago when Broner was in the middle of a sparring session operating around cut-man Levi Smith who was knelt down in the center of the ring patching up another long tear in the canvas.
While Broner trains daily at the gym, he is not the only person using the ring. Many boxers, young and old, male and female, use the facilities of the Mount Auburn Rec Center, and the new ring will serve as a welcome upgrade for all. He also bought brand new gloves and headgear, which were put to use by the amateurs at the regional Golden Gloves tournament. For the many youth who are learning the sport, this generous gift will help provide them with improved amenities as they work towards their own career, and is also a great example of giving back to the community.
Broner is currently in the early stages of preparation for his June 22 fight against Paulie Malignaggi at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. The bout is scheduled for 12 rounds with the WBA Welterweight title at stake. A victory for Broner will be his third championship in three weight divisions.