Has Ricky Burns got a better defence than Adrien Broner?

Yes, Burns has a better defence, but not good enough to stop the speed and precision of Broner's attacks.

The other issue is I cannot see Burns hurting Broner enough with what he does land to put him off and in any mid range trades, Broner is too fast and hits too hard.

I would love Burns to win, but I don't see it and in fact I'd see him being stopped. That said, he does judge distance from the outside better than Broner IMO and yes his defence is better as he does not rely on trying to use skills that he does not have (shoulder roll) but he instead uses his feet properly and maintains a good guard.

 

To a degree yes,but I wouldn't read too much into Broner deciding to walk through Rees' shots the other night.I think that was more to do with the fact that he knew early on he could take Gavin's shots.
Another problem Ricky could have would be the way Broner goes so low from the shoulder roll.It's where you can see the clear difference between Broner and Floyd in that aspect because Floyd can get out of the low position using his feet,whilst Broner clinches low meaning that it's hard to throw legal shots in the clinch,and Ricky will be very fired up so it must be tempting just to throw anyway.
I have to admit I'm becoming worried about Broner,but as I said in the General,I'll never write Ricky off again(since Martinez) and as a fan,I'll back him whoever he fights.

 

No. Burns defence is basic. He hasn't fought anybody that offensively gifted to exploit it. Roman Martinez hit him a lot, no problem. You gotta remember Katsidis had nothing, Guerrero had a safe night at range against him too. Guys like Moses aren't aggressive fighters. But you saw against an aggressive opponent that's actually turned up Burns defence is quite a basic high guard. Good, but he'll be picked to pieces by Broner.