NEWPORT’S Gary Buckland finally has the shot at the big time he’s been dreaming of – and it’s given his trainer and promoter an absolute nightmare scenario to deal with writes Michael Pearlman.

The St Joseph’s trained lightweight has been in blistering form in the past 12 months, recovering from his only career defeat to win four successive fights against high calibre opponents, including a thrilling victory over Henry Castle.

And having won a British title eliminator, Buckland has been primed for a title fight, which has finally come his way.

Buckland, 23, who is promoted by Ricky Hatton, will meet unbeaten British champion John Murray in Altrincham on Friday, May 7 for the vacant European title.

All great news, but a problem for the St Joe’s camp with a host of their fighters already committed to action at the Newport Centre for a bill headlined by Abercarn’s Jamie Way against former Team Calzaghe man Jamie Todd.

“This is a dream fight for Gary, a superb opportunity against an admittedly great fighter and it’s a chance we couldn’t turn down,” Buckland’s manager Brian Powell explained.

“Of course, the only draw back is the date and while we’d hoped to get the fight on the bill in Newport, Murray is unwilling to fight down here.

“But it’s no matter. We are going to take the fight and believe Gary can do it. Myself and Tony Borg (head trainer at St Joseph’s) will head to Cheshire and the rest of the trainers (such as Bill Reynolds) will run the show in Newport.”

And there is still a hope that Newport fight fans will get the best of both worlds.

“We are hopeful, though far from confirming this, that we’ll be able to screen Gary’s fight on the big screen at the Newport Centre,” Powell confirmed.

* See Argus sport in the coming weeks for much more news on what is now a huge night for Gwent boxing.