news-engine

Adrien Broner’s battle with alcohol has taken an alarming turn after the former four-division world champion was hospitalized with pancreatitis before returning to alcohol within hours of leaving the hospital, according to his streaming partner DeenTheGreat. The disturbing sequence unfolded just nine days after World Boxing News reported that Broner had vowed to stop drinking and get himself back into shape for another boxing comeback. This time, the concern raised serious doubts over whether Broner could complete another training camp. Broner was taken away on a stretcher during a livestream before Deen revealed that the 37-year-old had been hospitalized with pancreatitis. After Broner left the hospital, Deen warned Blueface about drinking around him. “If he keeps drinking too much, he’s gonna die,” Deen said. Despite that warning, Broner was back to his old ways again within hours. Adrien Broner Drinking Again After Hospital Broner was subsequently seen drinking in Atlanta on stream during another night out. The atmosphere quickly became uncomfortable as those around him realized how intoxicated he appeared to be. Deen and Ray J both expressed concern over Broner’s condition. “I ain’t ever seen him like this,” Deen said. “This is bad.” Further footage showed Broner heavily intoxicated at Cheetahs in Atlanta before he passed out. Deen later shared a message he said came from Broner’s doctor regarding the pancreatitis diagnosis and the potential consequences of continued heavy drinking. What is clear from the footage is the concern being expressed by the people around Broner. Broner Taken Away During Livestream The most troubling part of Broner’s latest situation is that it unfolded publicly. Streaming has given supporters unprecedented access to Broner’s life, meaning moments that would once have happened privately are now playing out in front of thousands of people. Watching a former four-division world champion reach the point where he needed to be taken away for medical treatment was not entertainment. Seeing Broner drinking again within hours made the scenes even harder to watch. Broner had looked considerably better during the preceding weeks and appeared serious about getting himself back into fighting condition. Then the old problems returned. Adrien Broner Faces a Huge Decision Broner’s struggles with alcohol did not begin with Deen or his decision to become a streamer. WBN documented concerning incidents long before Broner became “Locked In,” including an episode in Las Vegas when he offered autographs in exchange for people buying him drinks and another appearance when he made crude comments on a podcast before being told to leave. Streaming has nevertheless transformed Broner’s financial situation. After facing serious financial problems, the former world champion generated significant income through his new career and gave himself an opportunity to rebuild away from boxing. But Broner may now have to decide whether streaming in its current form is compatible with his health. The around-the-clock broadcasts, nightlife and partying surrounding Broner’s current streaming lifestyle are difficult to reconcile with his repeated attempts to stop drinking. Locked In Deen has repeatedly shown concern for Broner and cannot be blamed for a problem the boxer had before they met. But months after becoming “Locked In,” AB has a huge life decision to make about whether he stays within that environment or leaves it behind for the sake of his health and future. Another boxing comeback and the money Broner can make from it are secondary now. Watching him being taken away during a livestream before seeing him drinking again within hours should remove any entertainment value from what is happening. Broner has repeatedly found a way back when his boxing career or finances appeared to be collapsing. This time, he needs to find a way back for himself. About the Author Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN), a BWAA-acknowledged boxing news website founded in 2010. A veteran boxing reporter with 16 years of experience, he has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside from major events. His work is published worldwide through WBN and distributed on platforms including Apple News.