The first big card of 2019 will have a living legend in Manny Pacquiao defending his welterweight title of the World Boxing Association (WBA) against the controversial figure Adrien Broner. The MGM Grand, of Las Vegas, will host the top-level showdown that the Filipino southpaw will hold against the American stylist.

Pacquiao, the only fighter in the history of the sport who has been crowned in eight different weight categories, demolished Lucas Martin Matthysse in July of last year to earn the black and gold belt, a status with which he intends to show off in Las Vegas against the charismatic North American fighter Broner. At 40 years of age the senator to his native Philippines seeks the first defense of that championship.

For his part, Broner is a champion in four weight classes and former champion in two divisions of the WBA. He has promised a war against the Filipino. “The Problem”, 11 years younger than the champion, claims to be in better shape and have the skills to unseat the champion on fight night. Broner is known for being an extravagant character, but for offering a very technical boxing skill set and having impressive hand speed.

This week the fight week activities in Las Vegas will be carried out, which will include public trainings, presentation to the media, and of course the weigh in ceremony on Friday.

Pacquiao’s long career is summed up in 60 wins, 7 losses, 2 draws and 39 knockouts. Broner, on the other hand, has a record of 33 wins, 3 losses, 1 draw and 24 knockouts.