CWMBRAN'S rising star Gary Lockett could be set to fight in front of his home crowd next year at Cardiff Arms Park.

Undefeated light-middleweight Lockett (pictured) makes his Sports Network debut this Saturday at the York Hall, Bethnal Green, as the main supporting fight to Johnny Nelson's WBO World Cruiserweight title defence against Napoleon Tagoe.

And already the exciting 24-year-old prospect is being tipped as the next world champion - so says manager Brendan Devine.

"Gary will be world champion in 12 months from now - I've no doubts about that," Devine told The Argus.

Lockett, who turned professional five years ago, will feature in an eight-round contest against Leytonstone's Chris Nembhard.

And Devine added: "Gary's doing well, he's getting better all the time, he has that confidence, because he's getting reglar fights now.

"Gary wasn't confident at the start, but he's more confident now, he's getting the confidence in his own ability".

Devine added: "You have to be a special person to be a boxer - Gary is special. People think he's just a puncher - but he's a brilliant boxer as well."

Lockett has had 14 fights as a pro - winning 11 by knockouts - beating Belgium and African champions. And Lockett won 22 amateur titles, becoming the most decorated boxer in the counry at the age of 16.

And Devine revealed Lockett could be heading for Cardiff: "We are trying for Cardiff Arms Park in a Inter-continental fight on February 9 - it would be ideal. It's only 12 miles from Gary's home.

"Gary's ambition is to fight in Wales. He's going to be the next big super star. Hopefully he'll show that in Cardiff," finished Devine.