GAVIN Rees is undecided on whether or not he has a future in boxing, according to his trainer Gary Lockett.
The Newbridge puncher was beaten last time out against Anthony Crolla in defence of his British lightweight title, the second successive defeat for Rees after he was unsuccessful in attempting to beat undefeated world champion Adrien Broner in Atlantic City.
It’s all the more frustrating for the 33-year old as his clash with Crolla was essentially a world title eliminator for a showdown with Ricky Burns.
He’s subsequently been on holiday to lick his wounds, but trainer Lockett has no indication as of yet as to whether Rees will fight on.
The former Team Calzaghe stablemates will discuss the matter in the coming days with Cwmbran’s Lockett ready to support his charge either way.
“We were out together for a beer but I had no intention to even ask Gavin about his future, that’s something we’ll discuss in good time,” he said.
“One thing is for certain, there are still fights out there for Gavin, he’s not without challenges, that’s for sure.
“He could rematch with Derry Mathews (the duo have fought twice, one draw, one stoppage win for Rees) who is the Commonwealth champion.
“Gavin has never held a Commonwealth title, he’s been world, British and European champion, but never Commonwealth.”
However, Lockett admits it’s equally likely that we won’t see Rees, who shocked the world in 2007 to become WBA light welterweight world champion, boxing again.
“Straight afterwards, when emotions run high to be fair, Gavin was talking as if he was finished, it’s hard to say really,” Lockett explained.
“He’s not miles away from being broken down, he’s had a lot of wars and a lot of battles with his weight, but he’s so talented, it’s hard to tell.
“He wasn’t his usual self on the night, struggling to get shots off properly, and it’s getting harder and harder for him. All I can say is that I will stand by my fighter no matter what he decides.
“It’s Gavin’s call.”
Lockett is preparing Enzo Maccarinelli, another former world champion, for a rematch with Ovill McKen-zie on August 17.
And Lockett insists he’s right to be training Macca-rinelli, even though he agrees with the many ringside observers who believe Maccarinelli should retire.
“People ask me why I still train Enzo?” he said.
“But the fact is, he’s not quitting boxing, irrespective of whether I’m training him.
“If I didn’t train Enzo someone else would and I’d rather he was as prepared as possible.
“Both Ovill and Enzo are big punchers and both have been in trouble in fights. It’s a tough one to call.”
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