Can Adrien Broner Replicate the Success of his Boxing Idol Floyd Mayweather?

When Adrien Broner faces Gavin Rees on Saturday night at the world famous Boardwalk Hall it will be another step on the road to superstardom for the young American fighter who looks set to become boxing's next global icon.

Some fans are already looking forward to the day the outspoken youngster is made to eat his words but what it clear is that he is a genuine talent. Much like his idol Floyd Mayweather, Broner divides opinion because of the perceived arrogance he portrays when talking about his own skills and those of his opponents.

His brash and cocky nature is part of what makes him such a drawer. Some turn out in the hope that he's brought back down to earth with a defeat, while others simply marvel at the obvious skills that he brings to the table.

From the moment he begins his walk to the ring, fans know they are in for a show. His over the top entrances send the crowd into pandemonium, his supporters firmly voicing their praise, his critics baying for blood.

So far Broner has demonstrated the skill and ability to completely overawe his opponents. His unblemished record of 25 wins features 21 stoppages and he is already a two weight world champion, adding the WBC lightweight title to the WBO super featherweight crown he won back in 2011.

In Rees he faces a tough Welshman, himself a former WBA light welterweight world champion, who has never been stopped and is determined to inflict a first defeat on the record of Broner. He has promised to "silence the cocky champion" and truly believes he can pull of the shock victory.

"I've never been stopped. I can take him out in the first round, but I am ready to go into deep water if I have to. Either way, I have trained hard and will be ready to dictate the pace of the fight and not let him get away with a lot of what other fighters have let him do," said Rees.

"I have to watch for his right uppercut which he throws from down low, but he's not the best on his feet either. Work rate is going to be important."

Broner was equally as dismissive about the chances of Rees causing the upset. He claims to have never watched the Brit in action and is already talking up his legacy as he plans to become a multiple weight world champion.

"He [Rees] is a former champion at light welterweight. He's coming down in weight so he is used to getting hit by strong fighters but I am not about to miss the boulder on this man's shoulders. He is going to be there all night or until I put him to sleep," said Broner.

"I have my own legacy. Everybody has their own legacy. Who knows? Maybe I go all the way up to 154 and win a championship. I know I could do it. Put your glasses on because I am going to shine [Saturday night]. Hook, right, goodnight."

What is clear is that Broner has undeniable talent. He has impeccable reflexes, fast hands and genuine knockout power. But can he really emulate the achievements of his good friend and mentor Floyd MayweatherJnr?

Well he is certainly on his way to doing so. After 25 professional fights Mayweather had captured the WBC super featherweight belt and was about to begin his gradual rise through the weight classes, winning world titles all the way up to light middleweight.

Having just defeated Diego Corrales, Mayweather would go on to overcome some true legends of the ring in Arturo Gatti, Oscar de la Hoya, Shane Mosley, Juan Manuel Marquez, Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto. He would rarely be tested and confirmed his status as the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

For Broner's name to be mentioned in the same breath as Mayweather then he must continue his ascent through the divisions and defeat the biggest names along the way. Should he successfully overcome Rees then a unification bout with the winner of Ricky Burns against Miguel Vazquez must surely be on the cards.

At light-welterweight the likes of Danny Garcia, Lamont Peterson and Juan Manuel Marquez await. Should he gain an extra seven pounds then he would be in a stacked division that features the likes of Manny Pacquiao, Devon Alexander, Tim Bradley, Victor Ortiz and Paulie Malignaggi.

Broner will undoubtedly be confident of beating any of these fighters and at just 23-years-old, time is definitely on his side. However, to be truly placed among the all time greats it is vital that he shares the ring with as many of these fighters as possible.

Mayweather may have been guilty of picking and choosing opponents but he has shared the ring with [bar Pacquiao] the biggest and best. Broner must now do the same.

Over the coming years we will learn much more about the man dubbed 'The Problem'. Should he continue to dismiss opponents in a brutal fashion then he has every right to remain cocky. It's not arrogance if you back it up.

There will always be those who want to see him fail, but if he continues to win then there is little doubt that we have a new Mayweather in the making.