Broner-Garcia official for July 29

Adrien Broner will meet Mikey Garcia for a 140lb main event live on Showtime.

It’s official. WBC lightweight titlist Mikey Garcia (36-0, 30 KOs) will move back up to 140lbs to take on Adrien Broner (33-2, 24 KOs) in a Showtime main event on July 29. The event, albeit televised on Showtime, is being presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Showtime executive Stephen Espinoza shared these thoughts on the just-announced card via press release:

“SHOWTIME Sports continues to deliver the most anticipated matchups, the most important events and the most thrilling fights in boxing,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports. “We consistently feature top-rated champions and challengers. The best are fighting the best and the results have been spectacular. Adrien Broner vs. Mikey Garcia is a fight that fight fans have dreamed of—an undefeated, young star facing one of the best 140-pound fighters in the sport, both men in the prime of their respective careers. July 29 promises to be a memorable night in a year already full of memorable boxing events.”

Broner, 27, remains a pretty hot ticket in the sport of boxing, particularly because he’s fared very well in his self-promotional activities (although some probably not intentional), combined with the fact that a lot of top fighters think he’s very beatable. Add the two together and it makes him a highly desirable opponent for a four division champion.

Garcia, 29, looks to have his career back on track after spending a couple years on the sidelines as he battled with former promotional company Top Rank. Garcia returned from his long layoff last year at 140lbs in a tune-up against Elio Rojas, then moved back down to lightweight where he demolished Dejan Zlaticanin for the WBC title, and will now be moving back up to 140 for a profitable prizefight.

At his best this would be a very interesting fight for Broner. The real question will be whether or not outside distractions will prevent this from being completely one way traffic in Garcia’s favor, who many rate as a top pound-for-pound talent.

But tell me fans, how do you like in this fight? And will Broner be able to keep his life in order for long enough to make it truly competitive?