The Cwmbran boxing coach brings you all the latest news from the camp ahead of Gavin Rees’ world title shot against Adrien Broner on Saturday, February 16

GREETINGS to the readers of the South Wales Argus from New York City where I think it is fair and safe to say Gavin Rees and I are beginning to drive each other a little bit mad.

We are staying in NYC even though Gavin’s fight is in Atlantic City because frankly it’s a nicer environment and we’ve got our own little place to live at the Radio City Apartments, which are just a spit away from the world-famous Central Park.

Much like when Joe Calzaghe, my old stablemate, was out here to fight Roy Jones, we are using the park as an integral part of our training.

I can’t tell you that preparation has been ideal for the fight, nor that either of us are particularly enjoying ourselves, if I’m entirely honest.

Gavin has a couple of minor injury issues and as a result he’s been a bit limited in the amount of sparring he can do.

However, it’s also hard for both of us being away from our families.

Gavin is missing his daughters and for me it’s an absolute nightmare really, I’ve got a young son and a baby girl at home and my poor wife Nia is having to do everything.

It got to the point that I missed them that much that I popped home for a few days last weekend just to spend a bit of time with them.

I committed Gavin to a one-month training camp in New York because I felt it was important he got used to the time zone, adjusted his sleep pattern and got a lot of opportunity to see what a big deal this fight is and how unbelievably cocky his opponent is.

I get the impression Broner thinks he just needs to turn up to win but I personally believe very strongly Gavin has a style that will give the kid nightmares.

And that’s what Broner is, a kid. Strip away the hype and he’s well managed and definitely talented, but I’m not convinced he’s even close to being ready to live up to that hype. If I didn’t think Gavin had a great chance to take his title we wouldn’t even be here and we have high hopes of causing a shock. Gavin’s the best Broner has faced.