Broner vs Rees fight thread.

[hampo17]

CompuBox Analysis: Broner vs. Rees

Friday, February 15, 2013 at 10:00AM


by CompuBox

If Adrien Broner sought to emulate the career path of his idol Floyd Mayweather Jr., the verdict as of Saturday is this: So far, so good.

Like "Money," Broner won the WBC super featherweight title, then, in his last fight, won the WBC lightweight belt, gaining them in the same order and from the same sanctioning body as his hero. On Saturday, "The Problem" will face arguably his most experienced opponent in terms of facing world-class opponents in Welshman Gavin Rees, who comes into the fight with a 37-1-1 (18 KO) record.

The 32-year-old Rees is looking to make his own bit of history. Should he upset Broner, he will become only the second onetime 140-pound titlist to drop down and win a belt at 135. The first: Carlos Ortiz, who beat Joe Brown in April 1962 after holding the 140-pound crown previously.

The identity of Saturday's winner may be found in their previous CompuBox-tracked fights:




Also Max Kellerman takes a look at just how good Broner is;

Lightweight champion and possible superstar-in-the-making Adrien “The Problem” Broner returns to our screens on Saturday, when he defends his title against Welshman Gavin Rees. Love him or hate him (and there are plenty of fans who feel one way or the other), it’s impossible to ignore the brash young man from Cincinnati. His meteoric rise has included dominant (and sometimes controversy-tinged) wins against the likes of Eloy Perez and Vicente Escobedo; most recently, he annihilated Antonio DeMarco in what may have been the stand-out performance of his career so far.

We sat down with HBO Boxing analyst Max Kellerman, who will call Saturday’s fight alongside Jim Lampley and Roy Jones, and he offered his thoughts on Broner’s boxing, personality and career trajectory.



There’s Surely Somebody Out There Who Can Beat Broner or Give Him Trouble, But We Don’t Yet Know Who It Is

“It is to Broner’s credit that a guy like Gavin Rees, who’s a legitimate fighter, is ordinary compared to him. And the thing is, most fighters are ordinary compared to Broner. There are two kinds of fighters who could give Broner trouble. One is a guy who is on his level: if he fought Floyd Mayweather, that would be a difficult fight, right? For both guys. And the second is someone who possesses whatever kind of style happens to trouble him. We’re not sure what that is yet: is it a southpaw, someone who’s aggressive but cute, like Daniel Ponce de Leon was at the time Broner fought him [and struggled to a decision win in 2011]? Because Broner struggled in that fight, does that mean that’s the kind of fighter who will always trouble him? Or was that just a younger fighter having an off-night against a veteran?”



He Maximizes His Advantages

“His basic philosophy seems to be: I’m faster than you, I’m stronger, I hit harder, I’m more skilled, I have a better defense. There are two directions you can take that. You can totally minimize the risk in the fight and win as you please. Or you can say, because I have all these advantages, then the more exchanges there are, the more damage I’m going to do. So Broner steps inside punching range and beats the hell out of guys.”



If He Ends Up as Good as We Think He Might Be, We’ll Look Back on His Last Fight as Exhibit A

“I’m not saying Broner is going to the Hall of Fame. But if he is, his victory over Antonio DeMarco is a time capsule fight. If Broner turns out to be this super-special great fighter, that is a classic example of a great fighter in his prime. DeMarco was widely regarded as the second best guy in the division, and how many more perfect fights can you have? It was one of the more thorough beatdowns I’ve ever seen. It was a virtuoso performance.”



His Personality May Grate, But He Aims to Please

“He’ll turn some people off because they view him as arrogant. But if you talk to him, he’s a good guy. His celebration of self is meant to include other people. He wants you to celebrate him too. It’s not intended to be alienating. Floyd Mayweather has a celebration of self in which, to a certain portion of the population, he wants to play as the antihero. Broner isn’t really doing that. He isn’t going to change who he is to make you like him, but he wants you to like him.”



Let’s Line Them Up and See What We’ve Got

“I believe Broner and Broner’s people think that they’ve got the goods, and I think it’s first come first served. That’s what it seems to me. Broner is such a superior talent that it’s simply a matter of staying consistent and ultimately showing us what we suspect: That he’s much better than everyone, and he’s one of those guys who can fight one top guy after another and lick them. That’s the suspicion and now here’s the fun part: Let’s see if he can do it.”



Note: Following the postponement of the Johnathon Banks-Seth Mitchell rematch, which was scheduled to open Saturday’s broadcast, Broner-Rees will now be preceded by a super-middleweight contest between Sakio Bika and Nikola Sjekloca. Montenegro’s Sjekloca is undefeated but untested on the world stage; he’ll be up against by far the toughest and most experienced opponent of his career in Cameroon-born veteran Bika, who has been in with the likes of Joe Calzaghe, Lucian Bute and Andre Ward. The winner of the bout will be in line for a crack at one of Ward’s super-middleweight belts.

[hampo17]

Have opened this thread now, really hope Rees doesn't get totally embarrassed because he is usually a good watch.

Saw Joe Calzaghe comparing this to fight to when he fought Jeff Lacy and how he was being written off before the fight, and apparently Boxing News said Calzaghe had no heart and that Lacy would break him down. I know he's going to back his friend but this fight doesn't even compare.

[Duty281]

This is going to be a massive upset if Rees pulls it off.

[eddyfightfan]

i think he can do it, rees is very underated, and i think broner is looking past him.

[davidemore]

I pray Rees beats Broner, but i fear a beat down.

Go for it though, Gavla!!!!! REES to beat Comb Boy!

[88Chris05]

I honestly think that a successful night for Rees here would be to make it to the late stages before getting stopped - and if he can go the full twelve, then my Lord, the boy's done good!

My initial reaction upon seeing this fight made was that it was going to be something like Mayweather-Gatti, Jones Jr-Pazienza all over again. As the fight has crept closer, however, I find myself thinking that, although he'll still lose convincingly, Rees will earn Broner's respect tonight as well as some new fans Stateside.

I think 'The Problem' gets Rees out of there in the sixth, seventh round or so. Will be staying up to see how accurate that prediction is!

[davidemore]

I think a good night for Rees would be a early KO. If he lasts he takes a severe beating IMO.

Would love him to bully Broner and hurt hum but just cannot see it. Wont stay up for it as i have work tomz, but anxious to see the headlines in the morning and youtube it.

Go REES prove us wrong!!!

[KingMonkey]

Genuinely think Rees and his jab of all things will surprise Broner and Broner is definitely looking past him. That said, Rees won't have enough.

The Problem to work him out and HOPEFULLY Rees' corner gets him out of there.

[sparxz]

I hope Rees can win, but dont see it tbh, although i think rees will make a good account of himself, only 1 defeat to his name former world champ, will def go out on his shield. Think Rees is under-rated and this fight will prove he is a step above european level.

[Colan (niner)]

I think Rees will be brave but that Broner will be too much, late KO for me. Broner will be my favourite when Mayweather calls it quits, the guy has it all and only he himself can stop probable great success. Doubt handspeed will mesmorise Rees but will lead to one one shot too many

[hampo17]

I hope Rees can win, but dont see it tbh, although i think rees will make a good account of himself, only 1 defeat to his name former world champ, will def go out on his shield. Think Rees is under-rated and this fight will prove he is a step above european level.

I agree Sparxz, this fight could do for Rees what Martinez did for Barker, and could certainly lead on to bigger fights in the future as Matchroom know how to get these for their guys.

I see this as a late stoppage, between 8-12, however I also see Rees causing Broner a few problems early on. I watched the Escabado fight earlier and got fed up of listening to the commentators going mental over Broners hand speed and shot picking, yes it was good but Escabado stood off him and gave him the time and space to pick his shots and pretty much land at will. We haven't seen him put under a sustained amount of pressure and that's something I really want to see tonight, not 100% sure I'll get it, but if Rees can do it for 3 or 4 rounds and really make Broner work, you have to wonder how he'll cope.

[Colan (niner)]

Can rees actually hurt Broner though? He won't win going the distance that's for sure.

[hampo17]

Couldn't answer that Niner but hopefully by 6am (my god this will be a long night) we'll know.

Even if he can't hurt him, can Broner fight outside of his comfort zone or does he have that Mayweather type ability to constantly control the pace of the fight no matter what his opponent does?

[Diamond in the rough]

Ko round 5! 7-1 £20

[Colan (niner)]

Rees just looked so small at the weigh in too. I'm not buying that it will be a squash like some are suggesting but I hope Rees causes Broner some problems early. Sort of like Macklin in Germany where it was a close one and gave him a lot more credibility

[hampo17]

I'm so happy that the TV companies have people who thoroughly research things before putting them on the air for everyone to see.

Spoiler:

[davidemore]

And yanks wonder why other countries dislike them, lol.

Gavin hopefully keeps his composure and doesn't go in swing wildly, TKO for Broner by round 4 would be nice. Stop him being bashed about.

I really want Rees to win, so bad. So, so bad, come on Gavin, SHOCK THE WORLD!!!

[Guest]

God is Eddie Hearn like his dad. Same mannerisms and all. Looking forward to this.

[88Chris05]

So what do we all make of Alexander's appearance there, then?

[John Bloody Wayne]

I've only just tuned in, what's this with Alexander?

[Diamond in the rough]

Both 150lbs on the night

[88Chris05]

Ah, nothing much JBW. He did a little bit ringside with Nelson and Smith; Nelson grilled him a little on how legitimate his injury was with regards to the Brook postponement etc. Alexander seemed to be indicating that the whole Mayweather issue was just some randomly cooked up idea by Floyd with no weight behind it, and vowed to fight Brook as initially agreed, saying that's his focus.

Came across pretty well in general, was hoping they'd include Hearn in that little interview as well as he's apparently been giving Alexander some good old fashioned 'British banter' when their paths have crossed this week.

[JabMachineMK2]

That was a great fight between Cherry and Escobedo, nobody expected that. Seems the loss to Broner changed him.

[John Bloody Wayne]

Nice going to Alexander for taking Brook. I don't know if I'm happier Brook's getting the shot at Devon or that Devon isn't getting the shot at Mayweather.

Broner ruined Escobedo. Hope that doesn't offer an insight into Rees' future.

[Diamond in the rough]

Mayweather and Alexander have the same manager do they not? He was prob giving Alexander some more publicty as brook isn't exactly famous in US just now

[John Bloody Wayne]

Whose WBC title is this an eliminator for? and how are these guys getting a shot at it!?

[Diamond in the rough]

Wards I think

[Champagne_Socialist]

I put 30 quid on rees winning on points

[Dr Gregory House MD]

Am I the only person not enthralled at the prospect of Ward/Bika 2?

[Diamond in the rough]

I'm not thrilled in the slightest was actually wanting him to lose just so it wouldn't happen again

[88Chris05]

Am I the only person not enthralled at the prospect of Ward/Bika 2?

Luckily (I guess!?), it'll probably be Bika against Anthony Dirrell. The WBC have their favourites and, for whatever reason, they just evidently don't want Ward as their Super-Middleweight champion. He's already been perilously close to being stripped twice but the WBC had to back out due to Dirrell being injured and unable to fight within the next 90 days.

Last I heard they were making Ward 'champion in recess' or 'champion emeritus.' They'll probably 'upgrade' him to that daft diamond belt and clear the way for Dirrell-Bika for the proper title.

[John Bloody Wayne]

I'd guess the reason they don't want Ward as their champion is that JCC Jr. is surely going to be at 168 soon enough. The chances of him taking the title from Ward in the ring are naught and Sulimain knows it.

[Dr Gregory House MD]

It's a shame, as a marketing tool Ward has real P4P No1 potential and should have an appeal amongest christians and headbutting afficianados

[John Bloody Wayne]

Bika's head always looks so disproportionately massive in comparison to his body.

[Il Gialloblu]

It's a shame, as a marketing tool Ward has real P4P No1 potential and should have an appeal amongest christians and headbutting afficianados

Religious nutters?

[Dr Gregory House MD]

I put 30 quid on rees winning on points

You're a braver (and richer) man than I, £10 Broner points

[Dr Gregory House MD]

I've made up my mind, Broner's a muppet

[bellchees]

I'd guess the reason they don't want Ward as their champion is that JCC Jr. is surely going to be at 168 soon enough. The chances of him taking the title from Ward in the ring are naught and Sulimain knows it.

You give Chavez that much chance?

[Ent]

Chunky, he's chunky...

[John Bloody Wayne]

I've made up my mind, Broner's a muppet

Complete with Jim Henson's hand up his backside.

[88Chris05]

What an excellent start for Rees.

[John Bloody Wayne]

Gavin's already won more rounds than I thought he would.

[JabMachineMK2]

I hate this kid. Hope Rees carries this on. 1 - 0 Rees.

[bellchees]

Rees started well but I think Broner is just taking a look here before he turns it on

[Dr Gregory House MD]

From my uneducated eye, good first round by Rees, though Broner looked dangerous on the counter

[JabMachineMK2]

2 - 0 Rees. Can't say that Broner is impressing me with anything.

Yet.

[88Chris05]

Unfortunately, I think you're right bellchees, but Rees is causing him problems in there, regardless of whether Broner is putting the feelers out right now or not.

[88Chris05]

Broner makes that quality count ahead of Rees' quantity in the third. He's being allowed to get away with some dirty tricks, mind you.

[bellchees]

This doesn't make half way

[JabMachineMK2]

2 to Rees with 1 even now. Broner stepped it up, but he's not doing enough in my eyes to win rounds.

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