CWMBRAN middleweight Gary Lockett has been handed the chance of the fight he has long been waiting for - a crack at WBU world champion Anthony Farnell.

The once beaten 27-year-old (from 22 contests) has been promised the Farnell match if he beats Wayne Elcock in a world title eliminator at Newport on July 5.

And though Elcock is a friend and former sparring partner, Lockett vows to take his opportunity in front of his home fans.

"I'd become the forgotten man of British boxing since my defeat by Yuri Tsarenko (in defence of the WBO intercontinental light-middleweight title in 2002, a defeat he later avenged) and it's great to be involved in a meaningful fight again," said Lockett.

"Since that bruising battle (Lockett lost a split decision) I've been left on the shelf.

"It took a lot of persistence to get on the MEN bill (in Manchester on June 12 when Joe Calzaghe fights American Glen Johnson for the IBF world light-heavyweight title).

"I've only got a six-rounder there and I had been promised a straight shot at Farnell, but if I have to get to him by this route then so be it. I'm very confident.

"All I have wanted was the chance to prove myself and show the people of Wales what I can do. "If I box to my strengths, very few people can beat me.

"The last time I fought in Wales I was back to somewhere near my best (when he stopped London-based Albania Keshnik Qato in two rounds), but the fight went on at 6.15pm so most of the fans missed it.

"I have been training three times a day and have changed my training plan and my diet so much from what it was a year ago. I feel 40% or 50% fitter."

Lockett said thirty-year-old Elcock, whose only defeat in just 13 pro fights was a shock first round KO by Lawrence Murphy, not an opponent to treat lightly.

"He beat Farnell very easily on points over 12 rounds and put him on the deck.

"He's a very good boxer, very clever. He gets in quickly with sharp punches and then gets out again and he can also dig a little bit.

"He's a good friend but when we meet friendship will go out of the window because we'll be there on business."

Lockett will have the benefit of home advantage, but said: "When Elcock (from Birmingham) beat Farnell (from Manchester) it was at the MEN Arena in front of Farnell's home fans.

"At the end of the day it doesn't matter if the fight is in Newport or Hong Kong.

"But I'm looking for a career-defining performance because I want that world title."