While Atlantic City may not possess the worldwide reputation for gambling fun that Vegas does, it’s still a top tourist resort for those on the east coast of the States – and February 16 looks set to attract a fair few more punters eager to see the rising star of US boxing.
Adrien Broner has been hailed by many as the new Floyd Mayweather; he’s the current and undefeated WBC lightweight champion of the world and has won 21 of his 25 matches by knockout. His next opponent, Welshman Gavin Rees, is nine years Broner’s senior – but in the best shape of his life; perhaps the experience will give the challenger an edge found lacking in Broner’s most recent opponents.
Having dropped his world light-welterweight championship at the first time of asking in 2009, Rees really came to the attention of the international boxing community when he became the first ever former world champion to enter Sky Sports’ Prizefighter competition. He took the plaudits by defeating three former European champions in one night, scooping £32,000 in prize money.
Contrary to Rees’ hard-fighting reputation amassed over a near fifteen-year career, Broner’s success in such a short span of time can be partly attributed to hype; his star is still rising, but it’s challenges posed by the likes of Gavin Rees that can really make or break a boxer’s career.
Now that the ink is dry on the fight contract, and Rees has tweeted his intentions “to become two-weight world champ”, there’s nothing left to be said except – may the best man win!