It's facts that Broner just doesn't have the elite talent or abilities, and he never had them throughout his career. Excuses like "he's a great talent, just needs to get himself together and train harder, take things more seriously etc" do not have anything to stand on, and usually come from those that mistakenly believed in the past that Broner actually had great potential or considered him a great fighter, but don't want to confess to themselves how wrong they were. Careful matchmaking of beating nothing opponents was exposed when he failed to dominate Malignaggi long time ago, and confirmed each time he even slightly stepped up in competition. The only thing Broner has left is that he still hasn't been knocked out. But sooner or later that will come as he continues losing relevance and eventually gets fed to somebody, because let's not forget, his money problems won't go away.
Broner defense is Elite, he gets hit but deflects the punches, taking most the PSI out of the punches.
You see, "when he bothers to use it", like he wouldn't like to be able to punch his opponent. But he knows that he doesn't have defence, nor IQ to do that, and doing so would only result in him getting clipped and hurt. That's the whole point, he can't use it because he isn't able to do it without getting hurt.
He was a legitimate championship caliber fighter at 130 and 135, world class/fringe contender at 140 and a high level gatekeeper at 147. He lacked the discipline to make 135 as long as he could have.
I agree with the IQ. He's a late round fighter who usually doesn't even attempt to start strong. He digs himself holes. He insists on using the philly shell even if it goes poorly. Give the Maidana fight a rewatch though. He took a beating but was walking Maidana down at points in the late rounds. Say what you will about Broner but that guy is tough as nails.
I remember so many people comparing him to floyd early on, laughable. He has clown feet. He was only decent when he could boil himself down to 130 or 135.
You can see glimpses in some of his work which I would describe as elite but he doesn't seem motivated enough - or fit enough - to deploy this skill at will. But talent is almost irrelevant if you don't use it. If Bolt ran like Broner boxes, he'd have jogged down the track and told everyone he was faster than all those who beat him. Pointless...
Never had elite all-around talent or mentality, but he was better than where he is now. Boiling down to 130 and 135 definitely gave him an edge for a while. He should have dispensed with the shoulder roll and Mayweather immitation long ago. Just doesn't have the legs or ability to beat better guys with that style, especially against guys where he's at a reach disadvantage. He's best when he puts on the high guard, comes forward, and digs in with his respectable and reasonably quick offense. Problem (as has always been the case) is that he simply won't let his hands go enough to maximize that.
He is a 3 weight World Champion, without ever fully applying himself. Reminds me of a more talented version of Dave Allen.