By Scott Gilfoid: #2 WBA, #5 WBO Gavin Rees (37-1-1, 18 KO’s) isn’t pleased to learn that he’s a monstrous underdog going into his February 16th fight this month against unbeaten WBC lightweight champion Adrien Broner (25-0, 21 KO’s) at the Boardwalk Hall, in Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA.
Rees was expecting the odds to be a lot closer, but he was reportedly shocked to hear that he’s an underdog by as much as 80-1 in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
Rees told thesun.co.uk “I understand Broner being a firm favorite, but I can’t believe my ability is being treated with such contempt. To regard me as an 80-1 chance is simply absurd. Do they think I’m some wet behind the ears novice?”
I don’t think Rees understands the bettors in Las Vegas. It’s not personal with them, it’s about making money and it’s painfully obvious just by looking at some of Rees’ fights that he doesn’t stand a ghost of a chance against the talented Broner. The ones setting the odds are sending a message to Broner’s promoters at Golden Boy Promotions that they need to be more selective when choosing opponents for Broner because putting him in with guys like Rees isn’t even sporting.
I personally agree with the 80-1 odds 100% because I see Rees as having no chance of winning this fight other than by an injury for Broner or maybe a lucky punch. Unfortunately for Rees, I just don’t see any of those things happening on February 16th.
One of the reasons why Rees isn’t being given a chance in this fight is because Rees hasn’t faced world class opposition for the past five years since he was stopped in the 12th round by Andriy Kotelnik. You don’t take that kind of a break from world class competition and expect you’re going to be able to get good betting odds in Las Vegas.
I don’t see why Rees doesn’t understand that because if this was someone else I’m sure he’d be in full agreement with the odds. 5 years is a long time to go between fighting world class opposition, and Rees arguably doesn’t deserve the shot against Broner given Rees’ poor opposition in the past five years.
There should be a requirement that fighters who get world title shots should at least have faced a world class contender in the past year before they’re given a shot at a title. I mean, it’s mind boggling that Rees is getting a title shot having no faced anyone in the top 15 for the past five years.
If Rees wants to bellyache about the betting odds then he needs to look at his own resume and he’ll have his answer right there. Besides that, Rees just doesn’t look very good when he fights. His defense is awful, his hand speed is slow, and he tends to end up bloody when he fights. He simply doesn’t have the style to give Broner any problems whatsoever.
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