ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — For someone nicknamed “The Problem,” Adrien Broner doesn’t seem to have many problems.
He’s a two-time world champion at 23 years old. He’s unbeaten and virtually untested in 25 professional fights, on a fast track to becoming the next big thing in boxing — if he’s not already. So what’s the problem?
It could be Gavin Rees, a former 140-pound champion from Wales, who challenges Broner Saturday night for the WBC lightweight title at Boardwalk Hall. HBO will televise the fight.
Rees (37-1-1, 18 KOs), fighting for the first time in the United States, will look to do the unexpected, which would range from winning (long shot) to going the distance (unlikely).
Broner (25-0, 21 KOs) has stopped 15 of his past 16 opponents while capturing titles at super featherweight and lightweight.
“I really don’t know this guy,” Broner said. “I just want him to bring his ‘A’ game because if you want to get things just right you have to bring nothing but your ‘A’ game. I just hope he’s ready and I hope he is in shape because it’s going to be a long night.”
Boxing is ready for the new blood Broner is bringing and spilling. Manny Pacquiao was knocked out cold by Juan Manuel Marquez in December. Miguel Cotto looked long past his prime in losing to Austin “No Doubt” Trout earlier that month. Andre Ward is sidelined following shoulder surgery. Floyd Mayweather will have been out for a year when he eventually returns to the ring in May. The native of Cincinnati, has the talent. He has an impressive blend of speed, power and defense. His antics also make him one of those boxers who attracts as many haters as fans. His promoters call it charisma. Others might say he’s cocky.
It won’t be long before the sport needs someone to step up and become the next pay-per-view king.
He stole a bit from Muhammad Ali by brushing his hair in the ring after fights, and he will strut into the ring the way Roy Jones Jr. did in his prime. His defensive skills remind you of Mayweather, who can stand in front of an opponent and never get hit by hiding behind his shoulder.
“I know people don’t take me seriously sometimes,” Broner said. “I was always told that if everybody likes you, then somebody’s lying. You’re going to have people that like you and some people that dislike you.”
Rees said he is aware he faces a tough task, but remains confident he can ruin Broner’s plans to stay unbeaten.
“I know he’s a great fighter,” said Rees, 32. “I’m going to give out the fight of my life.”I know it’ll be one hell of a fight. So I’m fully confident. I’ve got a game plan. We’ll see what happens.”
Broner said he doesn’t know much about Rees but respects his record.
“I know Gavin’s not just a walkover,” he said. “He was a world titlist and … that’s a hell of a record on the professional level.”
There has been talk of Broner moving up to the talent-rich 140-pound junior welterweight division, where the top boxers are Danny Garcia of Philadelphia, Brandon Rios, Amir Khan and Lucas Matthysse, Zab Judah and Mike Alvarado.
But Broner is content at 135 pounds, though he may have trouble finding credible opposition. He stopped the top Mexican lightweight Antonio DeMarco in the eighth round in November in Atlantic City to capture the title.
“I just moved up to this weight,” Broner said. “I still make the weight eating steak and potatoes every night at training camp. I make the weight comfortably, so I’m going to stay here for a lot of good fights that I still can have at 135 pounds. I’m going to flush out this lightweight division, and then we can go up to the light welterweight and crush their dreams.”
PREDICTION: Broner by seventh-round KO.