CWMBRAN coach Gary Lockett will pound the motorways this week as two of his fighters look to make a splash at opposite ends of the country.

The former WBU world middleweight champion will be three years retired next month and has since built his boxing stable, including former Team Calzaghe colleagues Bradley Pryce and Gavin Rees and former amateur standout Lewis Rees.

However, a thriving stable can come with its own troubles and Lockett will be spread thin this weekend with Pryce boxing in Cheshire on Friday and Rees part of the Nathan Cleverly bill on Saturday at London’s O2 venue.

Pryce, who looked weight drained and a shadow of himself last time out against Colin Lymes (losing on points), is arguably heading for the last chance saloon even at the age of 30.

He faces Russian Siarhei Rabchenka, 25, undefeated in six fights with a stunning record of 12 KO’s.

The bookies don’t fancy Pryce one bit, but with a shot at the WBA inter-continental light middleweight title on the line, Pryce is ready to rescue his career according to Lockett.

“We’ve really struggled to find Bradley’s best weight and after the nightmare performance against Lymes we’ve gone back to light middleweight,” he said.

“What Bradley went through to make the weight last time wasn’t right at all and this is a lot more comfortable for him.

“He was 11st 2lbs yesterday and drinking three litres of water a day. We haven’t had to ‘dry him out,’ so to speak and performance wise that’ll make a big difference.

“It’s a tough fight on paper but the longer it goes – set for 12 rounds – the more likely it is that Bradley wins.

“He’s a championship fighter and has the heart, stamina and talent to win this fight.”

Lockett feels his man is in the best shape of his career but admits he’s mindful of saying so.

“Excuse me for saying it, but boxing is filled with liars and people who tell you they are in brilliant shape when clearly training hasn’t gone well,” he said.

“But Bradley is genuinely in top class condition and I’ve been in this game too long to tell lies.”

Lockett heads straight to London after the Pryce fight and is hoping to see a world title head to Wales as well as what should be an obligatory debut professional win from Cardiff fighter Rees.

“Lewis will be fine, he’s got a four rounder and he’ll win it and then I can relax with hopefully two victories in 24 hours,” he said.

“Then hopefully I can settle down and watch Nathan Cleverly become a world champion, he’s my old stablemate and a quality fighter.

“It’ll be great to be a part of it and I am really looking forward to a very busy weekend.”