CWMBRAN middleweight Gary Lockett described becoming Wales' third world champion at the Newport Centre on Saturday as "a dream come true".

The 29-year-old followed in the footsteps of Gwent super-middleweight legend Joe Calzaghe and Swansea cruiserweight Enzo Maccarinelli (at ringside) by winning the vacant WBU crown with a stunning first-round KO of Battersea's Gilbert Eastman.

Afterwards 'The Rocket', who has suffered broken hands, other injuries and illness during his career, and has seen three previous proposed WBU challenges melt away, admitted he had wondered if he would ever be crowned a champion.

"I was originally due to fight for the title on the Joe Calzaghe/Jeff Lacy undercard but it would have been lost there," he said.

"It's a dream come true to win the title on a local bill in front of my fans.

"I never expected it to be that quick, but when you can punch like me it only takes half a shot. I say half a shot because, without wishing to be disrespectful, I didn't really throw it with full force.

"I've had so many problems and disappointments that I did think at one stage, 'I'm never going to win a title'.

"I had to step back and take a good look at myself and I don't think I was doing things right. The last two years I have done things right, both in terms of my diet and lifestyle."

Lockett, whose girlfriend, Nia, is expecting a child in August, added: "I had to tell myself this is what my whole life has been about and as soon as the bell went I was completely relaxed.

"He was complaining at the end about the stoppage but I think that when he watches the video he won't have any complaints at all."

Lockett will now sit down with promoter Frank Warren to decide what happens next, but said: "I'd like to fight Ryan Rhodes (his original opponent lastnight before pulling out with a back problem). He won't fancy it after that, but I think it's a fight which makes itself. I'm also ranked seven by the WBO and it would be fantastic to fight for that title, one of the major four.

"They've mentioned July on the proposed Joe Calzaghe Millennium Stadium bill for my next fight, but that's the last thing on my mind. I just want to enjoy myself for a couple of weeks now."