Gavin rees vs Adrien broner Feb 16

[SkillspayBills]

I don't believe this fight's a great test for Broner, but it's a reasonable title fight IMO cos of Rees experience and achievements. We've seen some of the better world champions over the years have the odd strange fight against European champions. Broner's job is to win and win in style.

Broner is fighting in May (Mayweather Undercard) so he likes to keep active and sees this as a tune up for something bigger in May. Think many lack balance when the talk about Broner as a fighter, seems many either go overboard and many go way beyond realism on his ability. I think he's a world class level fighter, a guy who i feel fighters would be best suited to facing now before he does get better because there seems to be development in his ability recently. Still very much a work in progress..

I know this isn't anything to do with Mitchell and Rees debate you guys are having but lets just say i think Rees is a better opponent for Broner or Burns then Mitchell who for all his ability falls apart at the seams extremely quickly.

A fight between Mitchell and Rees is a great match up. Nip and tuck but i think Rees would win it personally due to his style and ability. Could accept reasons for Mitchell winning it.

[ishy]

The lightweight division at the moment is shite. So yeah, maybe Rees is as good as Broner can get for a voluntary but that's more about the quality of fighters available at 135 rather than anything to do with Rees' ability.

Rees is a solid fighter but what has he actually done at lightweight above British level? He beat that French guy for the Euro belt. The same French guy that was lucky enough to get a long count against an old Thaxton. On top of that Rees has had wars with John Watson and Derry Matthews. Is that world class form?

For me Rees wasted his better years. After Kotelnik he should have dropped down immediately to 135 and made a title run.

[SkillspayBills]

Yeah i get what Ishy means, then again i remember Ricky Burns moaning about Kevin O'Hara roughing him up and being dirty in a close battle then within a year he's a world champion.

Boxing is a funny old game and some fighters do go down to level of opponents. Gavin's problem for me is lack of stamina and concentration in the fight against Murray and Watson i think he boxed well then just put himself on snooze when he should of finished job. Got tired and made hard graft of what should of been lightwork.

[ishy]

Exactly, if he's letting John Watson back into a fight after dominating early what's he going to do at this level? I'm sure Rees has admitted in the past that he hasn't always lived the life and now he's in his 30's I think it's starting to tell.

[oli]

I hope Broner goes to 140 after this. That would serve Burns right.

Belt holder offered big fight in Vegas, doesn't take it? Disgrace

[SkillspayBills]

Originally Posted by ishy

Exactly, if he's letting John Watson back into a fight after dominating early what's he going to do at this level? I'm sure Rees has admitted in the past that he hasn't always lived the life and now he's in his 30's I think it's starting to tell.

Yeah he was in pubs, drinking and liked a ruck to. I think he was underwhelmed being at that level as well TBH. I think Lockett pulled him and told him he's got to work harder cos those fights the gassing was down to him maybe not pushing himself cos he knew he was a lot better then them.

Then again he tires then gets a second wind then stops them later in fight so it's a strange situation with him but he seems slightly fitter.

I think Frank W has to take a lot of blame, i remember Gavin being around 26-0 before even having a real notable fight. I mean before he beat M'Baye he faced 3 fights Watson, Chill John and Billy Smith. Gavin's natural talent and obviously good plan won him title but the match making left a lot to be desired he rotted for a long time the lad people forget that.

Matchroom have been steady with him, good and regular money for him but it's a shame he couldn't of got a easier fight for a title but he will relish this big chance.

[Check_Hook]

Originally Posted by oli

I hope Broner goes to 140 after this. That would serve Burns right.

Belt holder offered big fight in Vegas, doesn't take it? Disgrace

I like Burns but this is what i hope happens.

He has no reason for turning down this fight, no excuses.

[tmsbry]

Originally Posted by oli

I hope Broner goes to 140 after this. That would serve Burns right.

Belt holder offered big fight in Vegas, doesn't take it? Disgrace

Then you'll see Nelson come on here & say Broner moved up to duck Burns

[sud2002]

Originally Posted by oli

Nobody in their right mind gave Ryan Rhodes a chance. Nobody can seriously be giving Rees one either. But it's just nice to see Rees get a reward like this and there IS at least a chance he can put a decent effort in and come out of it with some respect over the pond even if gets stopped.

If I remember right there was quite a number that did give Rhodes a fair chance, I think it's not really a case of overestimating Rhodes/Rees' ability more of underestimating Alvarez's//berto's ability. I remember the hate Alvarez used to get, saying he will be found out when he eventually steps up but he has answered every question so far.

It's evident that Broner is not well liked on here, I don't really like him personally too much here and that can often cloud judgement towards a boxers ability. I really think Broner is just on an another level to Rees, but upsets do happen!

[USA Rob]

Quite a few gave Rhodes a shot.