Broner wasn't mediocre at 135 and Marquez wasn't really elite at the weight. I think Broner would do a lot better against Marquez than people seem to think. Decent matchup for him, stylistically.
Marquez was a different fighter at 135 utilising a lot more movement. It's almost like watching a different fighter at times. At 135 Marquez absolutely schools the cement legged Broner.
Like he schooled Juan Diaz? Marquez moved a lot when he was pressured but he also stood toe to toe and slugged it out plenty. I think that Marquez gets overrated a bit above featherweight because of his success against Pacquiao. Broner was a strong lightweight with a good reach, fast hands, good power, and a decent defense. He would walk Marquez down, pick off most of his punches with his shell, and land a few sharp jabs and counters of his own. Not saying he would get the better of Marquez but I think he'd be a live dog in this one.
I was actually thinking more about the Marquez below 135. My bad. It still stands though. Marquez is far too good a mover and skilled puncher for Broner. He is better at everything than Broner. I don't think Broner would trouble him much at all as his feet are so slow and his work rate so poor As for your Jaun Diaz opinion. Diaz is a far more aggressive puncher than Broner, much better work rate and more mobile. That's why he troubled Marquez. Broner is flat footed and Lazy so he isn't doing a Diaz on Marquez. Totally different styles. Plodding towards Marquez with a hands low lazy ass style is a seriously bad move. And Diaz would beat Broner imo.
Broner most likely would lack the discipline to pull it off. But I could see him flooring Marquez once or twice and making a good fight out of it.
