Frmer WBA super-lightweight world champion Gavin “The Rock” Rees, 44, took less than 30 seconds to silence an internet troll who had been relentlessly bullying him on social media.
The Welshman, who had a storied 43-bout boxing career, facing off against the likes of Adrien Broner and Anthony Crolla, decided to take matters into his own hands after becoming a target of persistent online harassment. Rees, who stood at 5’4″, had a reputation for packing a powerful punch, and the troll seemed to have underestimated the former champion’s abilities.
After growing tired of the abusive remarks, Rees invited the troll to his gym, where the two would settle the dispute in the ring. Footage of the encounter showed the former world champion quickly overpowering his opponent, landing a single, devastating punch to the liver that left the troll crouched on the canvas in agony.
Rees, who had retired from professional boxing in 2014, had been focusing on training up-and-coming boxers at his gym. However, he was unwilling to let the online harassment go unchecked, and his swift action proved that he still had the skills to silence his critics.
In the caption accompanying the video, Rees explained that he had only sparred a few times in the past four years, but he was confident that he would emerge victorious. “There was 0% chance I’d lose even at my age. I just had to prove a point,” he wrote.
Fans of the former champion were quick to praise his handling of the situation, with one commenter noting, “Did he realise you were the ex Welterweight World Champ?” Another applauded Rees for his actions, saying, “Great shot and hats off for the fella even getting in there as the other 99% wouldn’t.”
The incident serves as a stark reminder that even former champions are not immune to online harassment, but Gavin “The Rock” Rees has proven that he still has the skill and determination to defend his reputation, even after hanging up his gloves.
