By Edward Chaykovsky

Gavin Rees has sent a warning to his countryman, WBO lightweight champion Ricky Burns. Based on what he experienced on Saturday night in Atlantic City, Rees is advising Burns (35-2, 10KOs) to stay clear of WBC champion Adrien Broner (26-0, 22KOs). After taking punishment and suffering two knockdowns, Rees was stopped in five rounds by Broner.

Burns, who faces IBF champion Miguel Vazquez in a unification bout on March 16th, is the man who Broner wants to fight next.

"To be honest, I can't see Ricky getting close to beating him," Rees said to ESPN UK.

"It pains me to say this, but Broner's too good. His hands are so fast that Ricky won't even see the punches coming. He also hits extremely hard. He has phenomenal power for a lightweight.

"Broner is far and away the best I've been in with. He really is something. No-one has ever treated me like that in the ring. I've sparred with Ricky. Sorry, I can't see him handling this boy."