In the two days surrounding a professional boxing match, anything can happen.
HBO Boxing: Greatest Hits – Adrien Broner
Take a look at the knockout career of rising ring star Adrien Broner.
Broner vs. Rees, a 12-round fight for Broner’s World Boxing Council (WBC) Lightweight World Championship will take place Saturday, February 16 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, R & R Promotions, sponsored by Caesars Atlantic City and Corona and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT.
Tickets priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes and service charges, are available for purchase at the Boardwalk Hall box office, by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 736-1420 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.
ADRIEN BRONER CAMP NOTES Q&A
How many camps have you held in Colorado Springs?
All of my camps as a professional have been in Colorado Springs. It’s a good to get away from the stress of home [Cincinnati].
What did you focus on the most during this training camp?
I train hard every day. Every part of training camp is hard. It just got more intense.
Are you doing anything differently for this fight against Rees?
[Starts sneezing] When you say that guy’s name I start to sneeze! I think I am allergic to him. I don’t do anything different for any opponent. I just do me.
How many people were in Colorado with you?
There were 15 people out there, and it was a hell of a camp. Everyone was working hard. I always have the same people with me.
Any last words on the February 16 fight?
The fight is going to be as sick as the H1N1 [virus].
BRONER VS. REES MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT
Oscar de la Hoya
Yes, I’m here. Thank you very much. We’re extremely, extremely excited to once again return back to Atlantic City where first and foremost we were able to raise a big amount of money that went towards the Boys and Girls Clubs there in Atlantic City [after Hurricane Sandy].
.
The main event, as you know Adrien Broner vs. Gavin Rees will be at WBC Lightweight World Title fight. This event is being promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Caesars Atlantic City and Corona.
We are very pleased to be televising this event live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:30 p.m. eastern time and the tickets are priced relatively cheap, with ringside being at $200 and you can watch this incredible event for only $25.
Swanson
So, to join us now is Anthony Weaver. He’s the director of PR for Matchroom, Gavin Rees’ promoter.
Weaver
Sure. Thanks very much. Thanks for inviting us on the call first of all. It’s not a secret these two guys are going to meet and it’s great that we’re formalizing everything now and ready to talk about the fight.
I know, from our point of view, Matchroom Boxing we’re delighted to be working with Golden Boy again and I know also with Gavin as well, you’ve got someone who’s on the cusp of something big and something that Adrien, who we’ve got massive respect for, is an incredibly talented fighter and I know Gavin is chomping at the bit to go over and cause a problem in itself.
We’re really excited. The part we’re very excited about, we think it’s going to be a great fight for North American fans and I know one that U.K. fans will stay up for because these two guys. So, thanks for having us on and let’s bring Gavin on.
Gavin Rees
Hi, all. Hi to everyone who is listening. We’ll put on a good show on the 16th of February and cause a massive upset. Adrien’s a great fighter and I can’t wait for the meet.
Swanson
Okay, thank you so much. Great accent. Okay, now I’m going to go ahead and introduce Dave Itskowitch from Golden Boy Promotions who is going to make the introduction for Adrien “The Problem” Broner. Dave.
David Itskowitch
Thank you, Kelly. I am once again honored to be introducing one of the most talented fighters in the world, a rising star who is gaining recognition and notoriety with every fight as he gets better and better and more aggressive with every fight.
Most recently he captured his second world championship in his second weight division with an immediately dominant performance and knocking out Antonio DeMarco in Atlantic City in November. He’s known for his charisma, having his hair brushed in the ring, rapping himself into the ring, but he’s also known for his unbelievable talent.
It’s my pleasure to introduce to you now, from Cincinnati, Ohio with a record of 25-0, 21 KO’s, the current WBC Lightweight World Champion, Adrien “The Problem” Broner. Adrien.
Broner
Hey, what’s going on everybody? You all know what to expect. I know I’m going against a guy who’s just exciting, 140 or something like that. I really haven’t heard too much of him, but I know he’s going to come and fight. Everybody comes to win a world title when they fight for a world title.
So, I’m going to train like I always do, like it’s the biggest night of my life. It is what it is. I’m a two time world champion, two time at the age of 23. There aren’t too many people who can say they’re a two time world champion. And we can fight today. I’ve been training. Training camp has been going well. After the DeMarco fight I was right back in the gym on Monday.
So, February 16th I want Gavin, Gavin, Gavin, like I said, I really don’t know this guy. I just want him to bring his A game because if you want to get things just right you have to bring nothing but you’re A game, so I just hope he’s ready and I hope he is in shape because it’s going to be a long night.
Rees
It’s going to be a long night for you, Broner.
Broner
It’s going to be a hell of a night and I just want him to bring his A game and I want to thank him for taking this fight, too.
Rees
Well, thanks for keeping my belt warm.
Swanson
All right, fighting words already.
Q
Thank you very much. Hello, everybody. Hey, Gavin, it’s good to talk to you. I’ve had a chance to see you on video several times during your career, but I don’t think many people in America have gotten a chance to watch you. Could you just describe your style for those who have never seen the type of fighter that you are?
Rees
I think I heard a bit of that coming forward, boxer fighter. I know it will be a great and fight that’s why I’m confident of winning.
Q
You held the world title at 140 pounds and then a few years ago you dropped down to 135. Could you talk about just for a minute what was the decision-making process to do that and do you feel that because you have had experience against bigger opponents that that set you up nicely against Adrien who has only had one title fight in the lightweight division since he came off junior lightweight.
Rees
I was never a 140 fighter, but going down to, yeah, 135, I’ve seen no titles being offered and they offered the 140 so I obviously took it. I won that title and defend and lost it. I liked the party life so I didn’t train. Didn’t really like boxing at the time, so I knuckled down after I lost and I came down to 135 and I won at the next level.
Q
And you feel like, after seeing the way Adrien disposed of DeMarco, who at the time was considered to be maybe the number one fighter in the lightweight division, you felt like even after seeing that that you would stack up well against Adrien’s abilities?
Rees
Yeah, of course, I’m a fighter. I’m a real fighter, I’ll fight anybody. I’ll go in there to fight anybody. I know he’s a great fighter. I’m going over there to give out the fight of my life and I know it’ll be one hell of a fight. So, I’m fully confident. I’ve got a game plan, so we’ll see on the night what happens.
Q
Adrien, question for you, when the process was going on where your promoter and your management and everything, they were looking for a good opponent for you to take on, Gavin’s name didn’t exactly come to the foreground right away. It took a little while to try to go down the list and talk about him and see if he would take the fight.
During that period of time, did you ever at that point contemplate about maybe going right up to junior welterweight to find a name that was maybe more known to the American fans?
Broner
Negative. That’s what everybody wants you to do. They’ve just seen me dominate and put on a great performance, a hell of a performance that I certainl don’t want to downgrade on my performance against the world champion, he was the world champion, DeMarco, and they want me to just automatically go up to 140.
No, I just moved up to this weight. I still make the weight eating steak and potatoes every night at training camp. I make the weight comfortably, so I’m going to stay here for a lot of good fights that I still can have at 135 pounds. So, I’m going to flush out this lightweight division and then we can go up to the light welterweight and crush their dreams. So, we’re going to stay here for a while.
Q
Okay, now one thing you said, I don’t know who’s downgraded your performance against DeMarco. Everything I’ve heard and read and seen with my own eyes was that you got a lot of credit for the way you took him apart and because it seemed like to many of us that watched that fight or that covered that fight that you did it in such a dominant and pretty easy fashion, quite frankly, I wonder from your point of view because it did seem like it was such an easy win for you, how do you keep that hunger to make sure you’re in the best possible shape and that you are as focused and hungry to do that because you were able to take out the number one guy so easily, how do you get yourself up for somebody like Gavin, who’s not that big a name in this country, even though he’s been a world champion in a different weight class, been the European champion, but has no particular reputation in the United States?
Broner
Like I said before, he’s a former world champion so he has to be somebody, even though I really don’t know him that much, I have to keep throwing that in there because I really don’t know these guys. I just fight whoever they put in front of me. People come to me and they’re like you’re handpicking fighters.
I don’t pick my fights. I just fight whoever is weighing in on the time it’s to weigh in. Sometimes I don’t even know, sometimes I don’t even know until three weeks out or a month out. So, this is new to me. I know Gavin’s not just a walkover. He was a world titlist and he’s got to have a record, 37-1 or something like that with a draw. That’s a hell of a record on the professional level.
I just prepare like it’s the last fight of my life. I put my heart on the line and I’m one who does take the chances because I believe in myself, so if he’s coming to fight it’s going to be a hell of a fight.
Q
I just have one other question for you, Adrien. I saw the video of you hanging out with Mayweather. I believe you guys were in Las Vegas and I think there was some discussion on that video about you saying that, or maybe him saying it; I forget who said it, about you wanting to fight on his undercard when he goes back in the ring on May 4th and I’m wondering that if you’re able to take care of this title defense against Gavin Rees on February 16th is that something that’s actually possible or were you guys just messing around that maybe you could be back in the ring as soon as May and beyond that in big mega Pay-per-View undercard?
Broner
Listen, with Adrien Broner anything is possible. I don’t get hit that much. I don’t. I’m just being honest, I don’t get hit that much and my fights don’t last that long. I’m not saying that I’m coming in looking for a knockout, but I’m just blessed with the best of both worlds. I’ve got the speed and I’ve got power in both hands, so it only takes one mistake.
And that’s for both fighters, that’s for me and him. And in boxing it only takes one mistake and a fight can be over, so with that being said if I do come out of this fight untouched there is a great possibility that I will be on the May 4th card.
Q
Okay. Thank you, very much, Gavin. I appreciate your time. Thank you, Adrien. Look forward to seeing you guys duke it out. Thanks.
Q
Listen, I do this a lot with you because you get a lot of people comparing you to Floyd and to other fighters of other eras and so what I find myself doing is talking to those fighters from other eras and one of which I talked to today, I just posted a story with Sugar Ray Leonard. I talked to him about you, I talked to him about Canelo, Gary Russell, Brandon Rios and Danny Garcia.
And with everyone but you he had kind of a caveat. With you he said he has everything, talent, he’s offensive, he’s defensive, he’s got a lot of power. When you hear someone like Sugar Ray Leonard say that without qualifying anything, does that mean anything to you? What does that mean?
Broner
It means a lot. But honestly, he told me that when I was 10 years old at the national tournament. He probably doesn’t even remember. He took me up to his room, he let me play the game, he signed my picture and everything. He’s a real down to earth guy. I remember meeting him. He probably doesn’t remember, but like I said, I’ve got a hell of a memory.
Just for him saying that, it brings a smile to my face. I work hard and now I’m really getting to show the world who Adrien Broner really is and honestly, I still haven’t showed everything I have. So, just tune in. You’ll see a lot more.
Q
When and where was that, you said you were ten years old, when was that and what competition was that?
Broner
Yeah, yeah.
Q
When was that when you met Sugar Ray Leonard and in what competition was that, where was that?
Broner
I was ten years old so it was the national tournament in Kansas.
Q
The last question I wanted to ask you, you made a reference to the fact that you’ll take chances, you’ll stand and fight. And I think that’s another thing he commented on is that you’ll fight. Why do that if you have, just playing devil’s advocate, if you have the ability to not get hit, why take those chances? Is that something that is a fighter in you or is that to please the fans?
Broner
No, it’s not about the fans. It’s just different strokes for different folks. Like I said, I can still stand in front of a guy and not get hit. You don’t have to move just to not get hit. There’s a lot of certain ways, you can do certain things that you just won’t get hit and I was blessed with the talent and I can do it all.
Like I said, I can brawl like a bang, but at the end of the day, people don’t hit me much.
Q
Hi, Gavin. You were supposed to fight somebody at the end of last year. Was it a blessing in disguise now that that didn’t work out?
Rees
Yeah, of course, the fight got called off just before Christmas and New Year and the fight is now getting confirmed and we’re in great shape and looking forward to the fight. I think Adrien is a great fighter, so we’ll both bring our A games to the table and it should be a great fight.
Q
And I’m glad that you have no hesitation to accepting the fight, you didn’t want to get very much money or anything like that, which is surely what boxing is about for you, it will surely be your biggest fight yet.
Rees
Yeah,the guy said we’ll discuss the money. I said don’t worry about me, get in the fight. I’m a real fighter. I’ll fight anybody, like I said, I’ll go anywhere. So, the fight first, money second to me. It’s a massive fight and a massive opportunity for me so I’m looking forward to it.
Q
You’ve had 39 fights. Do you think you’ve yet to get the recognition you deserve?
Rees
I will get it after this fight, no problem, that’s for sure.
Q
And Adrien said he hasn’t seen much of you, he doesn’t know much about you. Do you think he’ll underestimate you?
Rees
Maybe, I don’t know. I’m sure he’s got a great team going into it, so I am not worried.
Q
Will you be doing anything different with your training? You’re staying in well?
Rees
Well, we’ve gone out about three weeks before, something like next week sometime, just sorting that out. So, it’s going well that’s about it really.
Q
And just finally, we know about Adrien’s boxing. He’s also got his own style outside the ring, brushing his hair. What do you make of all that?
Rees
I’ll brush if for him if he wants.
Q
Thanks for doing this. Adrien, I’ll come to you in just a second if that’s okay, if you’re there?
Broner
I’m here.
Q
Awesome, thank you. Gavin, I was curious. You’re fighting outside of Europe for the first time I think and also that you’re nearly ten years older than your opponent. So, I’m curious as to how you think you’re going to overcome those challenges.
Rees
Yeah, no challenges. I’m a better fighter than I’ve been in last two performances, my best was where I went to Paris, went over there and beat the European Champion. And back at home in my early career everyone knows I didn’t live the life of a true fighter, partying a lot and didn’t live the lifestyle and I’ve turned it round now before it’s too late.
Q
And the fact that you’re fighting in the States, you must find that exciting, I guess, or glamorous?
Rees
Yeah, every kid’s dream, every person’s dream to box in a big show in America and fight the champion. And, obviously, a dream come true to win a title off him. He’s a great fighter, as I said, and come home victorious and be a world champion myself.
Q
He’s said, hasn’t he, on this conference call that he doesn’t know an awful lot about you and your style. Do you think that will be an advantage to yourself?
Rees
Like I said, I’ve certainly got a great team and they can all look into it and have a game plan themselves. But, like I say, he’s a great kid so it should be a great fight.
Q
How much do you know about he fights?
Rees
Oh, a fair bit. There’s loads of videos. I see him box all the time, he’s always on Ringside. He’s, obviously, a very talented boy for his age, even for anybody’s age. He’s a great kid, so I’m really looking forward to the fight and just glad they’re giving me this chance to prove how good I am.
Q
We’ve heard an awful lot, haven’t we, from these American journalists joining on this call about how this Broner guy is. From what you’ve seen, from what you’ve read how are you going to combat what he does and how are you going to beat him? I appreciate he’s listening in, by the way, so you might not want to give too much away.
Rees
I’ll just go in with my own game. And I’ll let him worry about that. He’s a tricky customer. I’m not only too daft, you know he’s clever. So, we’ve got a plan, okay, no problem.
Q
All right. Thank you for your time. I’m curious about the fact that you said that you don’t know an awful lot about Gavin’s style. How, between now and the evening of the fight how are you going to get acquainted with what it is that he’ll bring?
Broner
I don’t need to get acquainted with nothing he’s going to bring because whatever he brings to the table I’m going to be ready for. Like I said before I don’t watch tape of fighters. I don’t study their best move. I don’t study their best punch because at the end of the day if you got your best punch or if you’ve got your best move, all of it means nothing if you can’t land a shot.
So, my main focus is just staying sharp, staying focused and be mentally and physically prepared for this fight and I will be.
Q
Do you think that this fight against Gavin, and everyone has been talking about how you’re the favorite, are you looking upon this as a stepping stone to bigger fights?
Rees
No fight is a stepping stone because in any fight you can be knocked out or beaten. So, like I said before I’m going to make this real clear for everybody who’s listening. Every fight I train for it like it’s the last and the biggest fight of my life, so just because I don’t know much of Gavin Rees, I really don’t know him, I don’t know him. Just because I don’t know much of him that makes him even more dangerous because I don’t know what he can bring.
I don’t know if he hits like Mike Tyson and got more speed than me. I don’t know, I just don’t know much of him. What I’m saying is whatever he brings to the table I’m going to be ready for it.
Q
Is there, in any of what you’ve just said, a certain arrogance, the fact that you don’t know anything about the fighter you’re going to be taking on?
Broner
No, it’s not arrogance, it’s just the truth. Like I said, I’ll fight anybody. I’m here to fight anybody. Whoever comes inside that ring when it’s fight time, I put my heart on the line, I put it out on the line and I leave it all in the ring.
Q
Hey, guys, how are you? Good. Gavin, a quick question for you, have you been to the States before, vacation, recreation, anything like that or will this be your first trip?
Rees
No, I went to Las Vegas and New York to see Hopkins and Jones.
Q
Oh, so you’re somewhat familiar with the travel. You think that shouldn’t be any issue for you at all?
Rees
No, that’s okay. I’ll be out three weeks before, two and a half, three weeks before, something like that so I’ll be acclimatizing already.
Q
Hey, Gavin, I’m sorry I didn’t get to you earlier. When you hear Adrien say that he might stand and fight you what do you think of that? Is that better for you? Does it make a difference?
Rees
It’s whatever he brings to the table and I’ve got the same, too. I’ve got a great guard and fast hand, so I have seen a lot of videos and things like that so he might not admit it now, but they know what they’re doing.
Q
Going into his last fight DeMarco by a lot of us was perceived to be the best lightweight before Adrien beat him, what do you think, did he do anything wrong or was Adrien just that much better than him in every possible way? Is there anything you can capitalize on?
Rees
Loads of them after he lost.. What I would say he was in for a great fight, put on a great display, and he beat him easily. Surely won’t be doing that.
Swanson
Let’s get final comments from the fighter. Gavin, if you’d like to go first. Any final thoughts and we’ll see you in America soon?
Rees
Yeah, you’ll see me on the 16th and put my name on the world map when I become two weight world champion. Thanks very much.
Swanson
Thank you. And, Adrien?
Broner
All right, Gavin, welcome to America. Train hard, man.
Rees
You, too.
Broner
You can come and watch training camp. I’ll help you out.
Rees
I’ll be over tomorrow.
Broner
Okay. I’ll see you in February.
Swanson
Okay. Thanks, everybody. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate the opportunity to have all the fighters on today’s call. Thank you so much. Bye, everybody.
