IT feels like I am in semi-retirement at the moment! I won't be stepping into the ring again for probably four months at least, so at 36-years old I am not flat out in the gym every day.

I do enough to tick over, maintaining a decent weight and level of fitness, largely easy to do as I can't bear to sit around and do nothing, it just doesn't suit me.

I also have a hand injury following my fight with Bernard Hopkins, so my work on the bags is restricted at the moment.

So as I say, it feels like I am in semi-retirement.

However, tomorrow I do have something to get excited about, as my stablemate Gary Lockett is challenging Kelly Pavlik for his two middleweight world titles.

Pavlik is undefeated and highly rated in the States; he starts the fight as a massive favourite.

I have said before in this column about Pavlik and it is hard to knock the guy because his style is entertaining.

He shot to prominence by beating Jermain Taylor, he was in big trouble at times in that fight and he showed he's got a good chin.

I've questioned Jermain Taylor's endurance in the past 18 months - because a year ago he was on my radar - but Pavlik deserves credit for beating him. It was a relentless performance.

I know a lot of people don't think Gary has a chance against Pavlik.

I turned up at his press day at our gym and it was only the usual faces there, people obviously don't think Gary will be able to do it.

The good thing about that is our gym has been just like normal, I think it's been a big help to Gary.

Bradley Pryce fights in a couple of weeks in Birmingham, Enzo Maccarinelli, Gavin Rees, Nathan Cleverly, Tony Doherty and Hari Miles are all likely fight this summer, so the place is buzzing.

It's finished off Gary's preparation perfectly - he goes into more detail in his interview with the Argus.

He's been training for this opportunity for several months, he was due to fight on Gavin Rees' bill but pulled out so as not to jeopardise this one.

It's Gary's big chance and that is how he has treated it, his dedication has paid off and he's in terrific shape.

While I was on holiday after fighting Hopkins, dad was straight home to work with Gary, just like he'll be straight back from this one to work with Bradley. He's just as dedicated and really fancies Gary's chances.

Obviously it's tough, but we all see weaknesses in Pavlik. They are glaring.

He's such a come forward fighter, he punches in straight lines and he's pretty rigid.

But his biggest weakness might be what he himself has already revealed; he knows absolutely nothing about Gary.

Gary has studied Pavlik, but Pavlik has only seen a short tape of Gary sent by Sports Network.

He doesn't realise just what a sharp operator Gary is, he's quick, hits hard and he's got a great chin.

I think it'll be an explosive fight and I think Gary has more than a puncher's chance, I really do.

Unfortunately I can't go out to watch him because of engagements I can't get out of, but I will certainly be watching and screaming at the TV (it's on Setanta).

I watched Ricky Hatton against Juan Lazcano and was pleased to see Ricky win in a relatively comfortable fight. I don't think it was as comfortable as Ricky would have liked though.

He got hurt on more than one occasion, had some dicey moments despite being dominant.

Like me, I think Ricky's career is reaching a close. I hope he doesn't fight on too long.

Next up for him is most likely a fight with an American, Paulie Malignaggi, the Magic Man.

Malignaggi talks the talk and has something of a buzz around him, but he was absolutely rubbish on the Hatton undercard.

And that hair! What was that about? His hair extensions were getting in his eyes, it was just beyond stupid.

I think Ricky will be way too good for him, even if he is coming towards the end of the line.

So in my state of semi retirement, I am really looking forward to the European Championships.

Obviously Wales aren't there, so I will be supporting Italy, as I always do.

I do worry about the Italian team though. They've lost Fabio Cannavarro through injury and I am not convinced by the coach Roberto Donadoni, even though he was a great player.

But I still think Italy will get into the knockout stage and it'll be the usual suspects, France, Germany, Spain and Portugal that will try and stop them winning the World Cup and European Championshi ps in succession.

It should be absolutely quality, it's a shame none of the Home Nations are there though.