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Broner to defend his title against Rees February 16

By John J. Raspanti

Adrien “The Problem” Broner (25-0, 21 KOs) will put his newly won WBC lightweight belt on the line February 16 against Gavin “The Rock” Rees (37-1-1, 18 KOs) at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ. He had had hoped to face Ricky Burns in a title-unification bout, but the deal fell apart over money.

Broner, 23, overwhelmed Antonio DeMarco last November to capture the lightweight crown. His Floyd Mayweather like defense and sharp combinations befuddled and ultimately defeated the game DeMarco. Broner prefers to stand in the pocket and punch - all the while keeping his chin tucked behind his left shoulder.

Rees victory over Souleymane M’ Baye in 2007 gave the 32-year-old native of Wales the WBA super lightweight belt. Rees lone lost was in his first defense of his title nine months later. Rees was last seen stopping Derry Mathews in the ninth round. The challenger went to his twitter account to comment on his upcoming fight with Broner.

"Looks like I’m fighting Adrian Broner 16th Feb for WBC title massive fight for me and time for me to become 2 weight world champ," Rees wrote.

On the undercard, heavyweights Jonathon Banks (29-1-1, 19 KOs) and Seth Mitchell (25-1-1, 19 Kos) will battle for the second time. Banks shocked Mitchell by knocking him out in the second round in their first encounter. Mitchell exercised the rematch clause and hopes to prove that one loss will not define his career.

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