ST JOES boxing gym star Gary Buckland has been receiving some moral support as he prepares for a Commonwealth title shot, from his friends at Newport County AFC, writes Michael Pearlman.

The talented 27-year old is enjoying a career high after two televised battles with Newbridge’s Gavin ‘The Rock’ Rees were lauded, Buckland victorious in the first and defeated in the second, both on split-decision.

He’ll next face knock out artist Richard Commey (17 wins, 17 by KO or stoppage, no defeats) with the opportunity to become British lightweight champion.

The Tony Borg trained fighter is one of the fittest men in the sport and anyone living in Newport will likely have seen the man known as the ‘Dynamo’ out pounding the streets.

However, Buckland will no longer be listening to Solitary Man on his headphones after being joined by some boisterous company.

“Tony Borg and I are really good friends and his fighters train phenomenally hard,” County’s Mike Flynn explained.

“So as I need to maintain fitness over the summer and I’m getting to know some of the younger players at the club, we’ve combined us staying fit with helping to make road-running a little less boring for Gary and his stablemates.”

Flynn is a long-time supporter of Buckland.

“Me and a lot of the boys from the squad, eight or nine of us, went along to watch Gary’s first fight with Gavin,” he said.

“We’ve got some big fight fans in the group, especially Andy Sandell.

“Hopefully this is useful for everyone involved.”