Emerging American megastar Adrien "The Problem" Broner (25-0, 21) was massively impressive in his last bout when he stopped the teak tough Mexican Antonio DeMarco and claimed the WBC Lightweight title. Broner will make the first defense of that title against diminutive Welshman Gavin Rees (37-1-1, 18), who himself is a former WBA Light Welterweight champion.
Broner is seen as HBO's star of the future and the man to replace the ever aging Floyd Mayweather Jr when "Money Mayweather" finally hangs up the gloves. The charismatic 23 year is seen by many as having one of the biggest mouths in the sport, though so far he has been able to back up his talk with equally impressive displays which have combined speed, skill, accuracy and a spitefulness that is rarely seen in such a youngster.
Whilst some may have seen Broner's 2011 fight against Daniel Ponce De Leon as a disappointment, it was certainly the first big step up for Broner who has taken that close decision as a serious learning experience and developed a style that sees him showing more activity to break down opponents. Interestingly since being pushed by Ponce De Leon, Broner has gone on to score 5 successive stoppages and claimed both the WBO Super Featherweight title and the WBC Lightweight title.
With just 25 fights of professional experience and just 91 rounds it may be fair to say the biggest questions over Broner regard his lack of experience especially over a longer distance with only 3 of his fights having gone beyond 7 rounds. However despite these question marks it's fair to admit that Broner is a special, but flawed talent who can hurt everyone in the Lightweight division and has the speed to give anyone a hard time. The combination of traits have seen some refer to Broner as being like a more exciting version of Mayweather, very high praise indeed.
Unlike Broner, Rees isn't seen as anything particularly special, though the little Welshman is a hard working fighter who combines solid, though unspectacular skills with a high work rate and a terrier like heart which sees him refuse to go backwards. Whilst Rees isn't lightning quick or mega powerful he's a brave and solid fighter who is hard to discourage.
Rees is by far the more experienced man having been a professional since 1998 and competed in 39 fights accumulating almost 200 professional rounds. He has faced solid fighters time and time again and scored notable victories over the likes of Souleymane M'baye, Andy Murray, Derry Matthews and Anthony Mezaache whilst only suffering a single reverse to the very under-rated Andriy Kotelnyk. In fact it was the bout against Kotelnyk that really told us a lot about Rees who was out classed against a naturally bigger man though he refused to just give up showing true Welsh grit.
Although Rees is a major under-dog I'd expect him to give Broner hell for a few rounds and be very competitive for the first 5 or 6 rounds before Broner's power and size start to take their toll and slow a brave and very game Rees. Rees will likely see round 8 but not much more.
Prediction- Broner TKO9
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