“The Problem” facing Ricky Burns is Adrien Broner

Ricky Burns has grown into his role as WBO super-featherweight champion since upsetting long-time champion Roman Martinez, on a well deserved points decision in September last year. Three successful defences have followed and Ricky has won fairly comfortably on each occasion.

It’s been no secret that the Scot would love to unify the belts but before that happens there could be a problem. That problem is the No.1 WBO ranked contender Adrien Broner from Cincinnati, Ohio.

It’s been widely speculated that Burns (32-2, 9 KO’s) will defend his title in the US against Broner on 26th October 2011. A very brave move by the champion, especially as the venue is touted to be in the challenger’s hometown.

Adrien ‘The Problem’ Broner is so far undefeated in 21 starts with 17 of those ending early, he fights out of the orthodox stance and stands at 5’7″. Burns is the taller man by three inches. Burns is also the older man at 28 with Broner just 22 years old.

The American is a fighter with exceptional hand speed; he relies on timing and uses distance to great effect. He carries a lot of power and is particularly dangerous with the left hook. Broner often shows a patient style of fighting, as he did against the far more experienced Daniel Ponce DeLeon when he won a points decision.

Though it is true to say that the Cincinnati fighter is always looking for an opportunity to explode with a barrage of shots, on his opponents as the normally durable, Jason Litzau recently found out when blown away in the first round. Broner’s opposition has been pretty good on the way up and he has beaten several prospects on his way up including William Kickett and John Revish.

‘The Problem’ is a fighter who oozes with confidence in the same manner as Floyd Mayweather Jnr. and while it’s far too early to compare the two. It is true to say that his style of fighting has many similarities: From the ‘check’ hook, to the right hand held high in defence. Just like Mayweather, Broner relies heavily on timing and accurate counterpunches. Burns has the height advantage and goes into the fight with the confidence of a champion but this is a real dangerous fight to take especially as the away fighter.

A lot of observers are already tipping Broner as the favourite, believing that his speed and power will be too much for the Scot. Then again most said the same about Roman Martinez and we all know what happened that night.