Phil D. Jay
WBN Editor
WBN Editor
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| Picture by Greig Bertram |
Promoter Hearn strikes title deal for Welshman in February
Former light-welterweight world champion Gavin Rees is set
to challenge WBC lightweight title holder Adrien Broner on February 16 in
Atlantic City after promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed the news earlier today.
Initial terms for a bout between the two have been agreed,
according to Hearn - with an exchange of contracts seemingly the final hurdle to sealing
the Welshman’s first trip to the United States next year.
The 32 year-old had been rumoured to be in line to fight for
the vacant WBA title over the past few months, but Hearn stepped up his efforts
to find an alternative route once Richard Abril and Sharif Bogere were
preferred.
Rees will now attempt to become the first fighter to defeat
formidable two-weight world champion Broner, 23, as the American has put
together a tremendous run of 21 stoppages in 25 victories since turning professional.
‘The Problem’ has ended thirteen of his contests within
three rounds and broken through to number 20 in the WBN Pound for pound Top 50
in 2012 after previously being un-ranked. The bout against Rees will represent Broner's first defence of the belt he ripped away from rugged Mexican Antonio DeMarco in eight pulverising rounds last month as he captured his second world title.
Broner has also now been added to the undercard of Floyd Mayweather's WBC welterweight title defence against rumoured opponent Robert Guerrero on May 4 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas after striking up an unlikely friendship with boxing's biggest star recently.
Broner has also now been added to the undercard of Floyd Mayweather's WBC welterweight title defence against rumoured opponent Robert Guerrero on May 4 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas after striking up an unlikely friendship with boxing's biggest star recently.