Adrien Broner back on February 16 with Banks-Mitchell rematch in co-feature

Adrien Broner will be back in the ring to make the first defense of his WBC lightweight title on February 16, in another HBO main event. He has no opponent yet, and the fight doesn't have a venue, but another bout is basically set for the card.

In the co-feature, Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell will look for revenge against Johnathon Banks, as Mitchell's team is definitely going to exercise their rematch clause. Banks stopped Mitchell in two on November 17, in the Broner-DeMarco co-feature. It was already reported that Mitchell would take the rematch, which is a bold and risky move for his team. Banks is still going to be the crafty guy able to catch Mitchell if he gets an opening, and Mitchell really can't afford another loss to Banks at the moment.

Broner (25-0, 21 KO) was originally thought to be lining up a fight with WBO titlist Ricky Burns, but that no longer seems likely. Burns lost his December 15 date in London, and now will aim to return in January.

This date would also mean it's incredibly unlikely that Devon Alexander vs Kell Brook would be rescheduled for February 16, as Golden Boy will be promoting both events.