NEWBRIDGE power puncher Gavin Rees is hoping to turn the loss of trainer Enzo Calzaghe into a positive as opens a new chapter in his career tonight at London’s Alexandra Palace.
The ‘Rock’ is a former light welterweight world champion and having been beaten just once in his entire career, finds himself further down the pecking order of boxing than he should after a dormant couple of years, precipitated by the Calzaghe split with promoter Frank Warren.
Rees found his opportunities limited under Calzaghe Promotions and since Enzo Calzaghe’s retirement – though he insists it isn’t a permanent move – Rees has been forced to train away from Newbridge and the man who has guided his career since childhood.
However, Rees is seeing the positives in a move that will mean greater opportunities for him, now being trained and managed by former stablemate Gary Lockett who is also now looking after Bradley Pryce and Tony Doherty.
And having won the light welterweight Prizefighter at the back end of 2009, Rees is well set for a British title fight in the next few months, but is opting to forge ahead at his more natural lightweight.
“Since I have joined Gary, the emphasis with myself and Tony (Doherty) has been on fitness, diet and weight,” he said.
“Gary isn’t really negotiating with weight issues, we see a sports nutritionist every week and I am in the shape of my life.
“I know all boxers say that before a fight, but with me it’s true, because I have not had a choice!
“I can be a bit lazy and ill-disciplined when it comes to training and a few times I think I made Enzo want to pull his hair out.
“But not that isn’t an option, Gary is making sure we’re in fantastic shape.”
Rees fights Frenchman Abdoulaye Soukouna and is likely to be featured on Sky television, his arguably the standout bout on the undercard of the Audley Harrison versus Michael Sprott European title fight.
A victory would get him into contention for a title fight and with the British title at lightweight currently vacant, Rees is ready to show he’s the man to step in and take over the domestic lightweight scene.
“I want title fights and the British title would be a good place to start,” he said.
“Obviously now I am training with Gary I can feature on any promoters’ boxing show and I want to put myself out there and be in some big fights.
“I will box anyone, anywhere at any time and want to prove to the world how good I am.
“I am a big puncher and the best way I can impress is by knocking out this French guy tonight.
“My body shots are brutal at the moment and I don’t intend for this one to go the distance.”
l Swansea’s Enzo Maccarinelli hopes to continue his comeback when he fights Russian Alexander Kotlobay for the vacant European cruiserweight crown later this month.
The former world champion, who knocked-out Zoltan Czekus in the first-round in his last bout, faces Kotlobay in his home-town of St Petersburg on 24 April.
The 29-year-old Welshman, a former member of the Team Calzaghe stable, has lost three of his last six fights - starting with a unification defeat to David Haye.
Kotlobay has lost just once in his 20 fights to the unbeaten Anders Hugger.
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