TRAINER Gary Lockett insists Gavin Rees is on course for another world title tilt but has warned his fighter, you’re still letting yourself down outside of the ring.

Newbridge puncher Rees, known as ‘The Rock’ won the European lightweight title at the weekend after a tough points decision over formerly unbeaten Irishman Andy Murray.

Rees is a former WBA light-welterweight world champion and is now targeting a repeat success and the opportunity to match former stablemate Joe Calzaghe in becoming a two-weight world king.

Trainer Lockett has little doubt it’s an achievable goal but admits Rees is still struggling with diet and nutrition after years of neglect.

“Gavin will be the first to tell you, for 12 years his diet and approach has been all wrong,” Lockett said.

“It speaks volumes for his talent and the character that he has that he won on Saturday because to me he looked knackered from the third or fourth round.

“He made a little mistake with his diet and gave himself too much to do in the last 7-10 days before the fight.

“Gavin’s approach has definitely improved, but he’s got a career’s worth of bad habits to lose and it isn’t that easy.

“I thought his performance showed flashes of what he can do, but there is more to come without a doubt.”

Rees, who is boxing under the Matchroom Promotions umbrella, is now a serious world title contender according to his trainer, who has laughed off some of the names already calling him out.

“Gavin has world class pedigree, that’s clear from the fact he’s a former world champion,” the former Cwmbran fighter commented. “Matchroom have a lot of clout and they believe he’s going to be fighting for a world title again and it’s definitely a possibility.

“I don’t know yet, I will sit down with Matchroom and discuss it, but Gavin is definitely looking onwards and upwards. Some people are calling him out, silly names really and we are happy to let them talk.

“Gavin is the European champion, his next defence is a voluntary one and we’re open-minded about who he faces next. But he’s been left in no doubt that he must lose weight faster than he did for this fight.

“He needs to be getting it right eight weeks before fighting and only be four pounds over the fighting weight heading into the final week. We’ve talked about it and it’ll make a big difference, because his talent and ability is unquestionable.”