Eastman Replaces Rhodes In Welsh Boxing Showdown

Joe Calzaghe’s sensational win last weekend against Jeff Lacy has inspired fellow Welshman Gary Lockett to win the WBU World Middleweight title this Saturday (11 March) at the Newport Sports Centre. Lockett was due to face Ryan Rhodes but the Sheffield switch-hitter withdrew from the fight citing a back injury sustained in training. Instead, Lockett will take on Battersea’s Gilbert Eastman.

The Cwmbran Rocket said, “I was absolutely gutted when Rhodes pulled out because this was the fight that myself and the fans were really looking forward to,”

“But watching Joe’s magnificent win against Jeff Lacy has really put things into perspective for me,”

“I’m a great admirer of Joe and count him as a close friend and he’s a major inspiration to my boxing career,”

“Along the way he’s had some ups and downs with injuries and opponents pulling out but he’s hung in there and against Lacy he put on the performance of a lifetime to silence his critics to prove that he is one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world,”

“My career has had its ups and downs and the latest set back is with Rhodes pulling out but Joe’s win has inspired me to remain professional and focused despite whatever might be going on,”

He added, “I’m looking forward to tackling Eastman who is a good fighter with a good record but I’ve mixed in higher company than him and I believe I can knock him out.”

Cheif support on the show features Bradley Pryce challenging Commonwealth Light-Middleweight Champion Ossie Duran for his title.

Bruce Scott, Paul Smith, Matthew Hall, Scott Gammer, Gavin Rees, Barrie Jones, Darren Morgan, Paul McCloskey and Stephen Burke complete the card.