Broner retains WBO title with fourth-round KO against Perez

Broner, the undefeated 22-year-old rising star from Cincinnati, threw a crushing right hand in the fourth round that put Perez on the canvas, where the undefeated fighter was counted out at 38 seconds of the round. Broner retained his WBO super featherweight title.

It was the third time in his career that Perez (23-1-2) was knocked down, but this time he was unable to get up. He tried, but stumbled from one end of the ring to the other and was finally counted out by referee Genaro Rodriguez.

Broner had his way in the ring, throwing combinations seemingly at will against Perez, who showed some quickness but lacked the power to hurt Broner.

Broner (24-0, 20 KOs) threw 189 punches and landed 58 (31%), while Perez had trouble connecting on the quicker Broner, throwing 160 and landing just 26 (16%).

“I want to thank HBO for giving me another chance,” Broner said. “I knew he was going to come to fight. We’ve been going at it, back and forth. I was prepared for anything. Whatever he brought, I was ready.”

“I wasn’t even trying to knock him out. I was just trying to beat on him.” Broner added. “I caught him and and it was the same old shot. He took the right hand.”

Asked how he was able to dance around the quick Perez, the taller Broner told HBO’s Max Kellerman, “You saw it. I got the fastest feet in the game. I should be on Dancing with the Stars.”

Broner said he keeps improving with every fight. “I learn from every fight. This fight I was going to make a statement, and I did. I showed that this is what happens when you put a good fighter in with an elite fighter.”

Asked who was next on his opponent wish list, Broner said, “You can call me the ‘Can Man.’ Anybody can get some. Afri-cans, Ameri-cans, Domini-cans, Mexi-cans. Anybody can get it.”

By Bob Velin, USA TODAY

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/boxing/story/2012-02-25/adrien-broner-kos-eloy-perez/53250104/1