NEWBRIDGE knock-out expert Gavin Rees is ready to give up on fighting Kevin Lear for the WBU version of the world super-featherweight title and try to win another version.

Rees has been waiting to fight Lear for a year, but an injury to the unbeaten champion has resulted in the fight twice being postponed. He had expected to fight Lear this time around, but instead will probably meet an overseas opponent at the Newport Centre on September 13.

Rees is trying to remain patient but admitted that if the Lear fight was not next on his agenda, he would look elsewhere.

"I've been waiting for Lear a long time. Its taken a year out of my career," said Rees, winner of all his 19 pro fights.

"I'm sure I can take him, no problem, when the time comes.

"But after the next one on September 13, if he isn't ready, I'll move on to challenge someone else for another version of the title or for a European title."

He added: "It's a frustrating time, but I've just got to get on with things. My time will come.

"I'm not getting enough rounds under my belt to be honest. One or two rounds aren't doing me much good. "I could do with another hard eight-round fight which goes the distance.

"The British boys don't seem to last very long. I could do with fighting a Russian or a good European guy."

In addition to the Rees fight and those featuring WBU world cruiserweight champion Enzo Maccarinelli, Cwmbran lightweight Jamie Arthur and Pontypool welterweight Tony Doherty, the Newport bill will also feature WBU light-middleweight champion Takaloo (Margate) in a non-title contest, Nottingham's Michael Monaghan, Mountain Ash's Nathan King and Pembroke's Scott Gammer.

All their opponents will be named in the next fortnight. Tickets for the Newport show, priced £25, £50 and £75 are available from the Sports Network box office (tel 01992-550888) or from www.frankwarren,tv/tickets.