Adrien Broner vs Adrian Granados official for February 18

Adrien Broner and Adrian Granados have made official their fight for February 18 at the Cintas Center on the campus of Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, which will air live on Showtime at 9 pm ET.

Broner (32-2, 25 KO) hasn’t fought since his April 1 win over Ashley Theophane, a performance that didn’t exactly draw rave reviews. The outspoken 27-year-old fighter, who has won world titles in four weight classes, is not in easy this time, either, as he takes on Granados (18-4-2, 12 KO), a scrappy Chicago fighter whose record does not reflect his ability or his relentless style.

Broner says he’s not taking Granados lightly, particularly after the world saw the underdog upset top ranked prospect Amir Imam in late 2015.

“I’m back at home and excited to get back in the ring,” said Broner. “I’m ready to fight. The boxing game isn’t the same without me. Granados is a solid guy who beat someone that no one thought he would beat. I know him well and I know there’s no doubt he’ll be ready to fight.”

Granados, 27, only fought once in 2016, beating club fighter Ariel Vasquez in July. It hasn’t been easy for him to find fights after beating Imam, but he’s got a big shot against Broner.

“I’m fully prepared to go to war with Adrien Broner on February 18 in Cincinnati,” said Granados. “I’m very thankful to Tom Brown of TGB promotions and my manager Andy Zak for helping me get this big opportunity on Showtime. I’m training hard and I will come out victorious on fight night.”

The undercard has not yet been formally announced, but it is expected that three world title fights will be featured, including Gary Russell Jr vs Oscar Escandon (WBC featherweight), Jermell Charlo vs Charles Hatley (WBC junior middleweight), and David Avanesyan vs Lamont Peterson (WBA “world” welterweight), plus a light heavyweight showdown between prospect Marcus Browne and Thomas Williams Jr.