Broner batters Hutchinson, wins near-shutout decision in ring return

Former four-division titlist shakes off rust of 28-month layoff in first bout with promoter Don King; Rigondeaux scores KO on undercard

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Adrien Broner, who has won world titles in four weight classes and was at one time considered one of the best boxers in the world, is a long way from those days, but on Friday night he successfully embarked on a comeback that he hopes will eventually lead to another title opportunity.

Fighting for the first time in nearly 2½ years, Broner laid a sustained beating on club fighter Bill Hutchinson, who is a practicing attorney by day, en route to a near-shutout decision in the welterweight main event of the Don King-promoted card on FITE at Casino Miami in Miami, Florida.

Broner battered Hutchinson around ring round after round, but he had to settle for hearing the scorecards read: 100-90, 99-91 and 99-91. Fight Freaks Unite had it 100-89.

It was the first fight for Broner since a disputed 12-round decision win over Jovanie Santiago in February 2021 and only his sixth bout since 2016, which included an 0-2-1 stretch before the win over Santiago.