Cincinnati’s Adrien ‘The Problem’ Broner (22-0, 18KO’s) is the new WBO super-featherweight champion after dominating Argentinian opponent Vicente Martin Rodriguez (34-3-1, 19KO’s), scoring a third round knockout in front of his hometown fans at the U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio.

At just 22 Broner becomes one of the youngest champions in the sport and couldn’t hide his delight when the fight was stopped, sinking to the floor in tears. It was an emotional moment for Broner but no less than he deserved after withstanding a frenzied early assault before nailing Rodriguez with a left hook that dropped him like a stone.

“I always dreamed of this day, and I put on a great performance,” said Broner after the fight. “This is my dream. When I started this at 6 years old I told my Dad I’d be a world champion.”

Rodriguez wasn’t there to make up the numbers and came out swinging at the first bell, while Broner, resembling a young Floyd Mayweather (who was ringside) with his cross-armed defense, bided his time and looked to counter. Rodriguez was crude and walked into punches but gave everything he had and even managed to land a few decent shots.

Showing no self-control, Rodriguez swung for the fences and during the third round pinned Broner in a corner and let his hands go but it was an uncultured attack and Broner, sensing an opportunity, stepped to the side and caught Rodriguez with a brutal right uppercut. It sent the Argentinian reeling backwards and Broner pounced on him, looking for the kill like a predator.

A questionable low blow followed from Broner but the finish was emphatic. A left hook over Rodriguez’s attempted right hand put him on the canvas with no chance of beating the referee’s count. Face bloodied, Rodriguez sat and watched as referee Frank Garza stood over him and waved off the fight.

“He was a wild guy,” said Broner. “He was open so I figured I’d let him come in, open himself up and I’d catch him. And that’s what happened.

“We’re going to go back to the drawing board, talk with Golden Boy and see what’s on the table now,” added Broner.

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