Mature Rees is ready to flourish

ICB · 11-17-2006 03:30 PM

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/boxing/6155684.stm

Unbeaten Newbridge man Gavin Rees says he is over the problems that have plagued his promising career.
The 26-year-old has a record of 24-0 (13 KOs), but weight problems cost him a world title shot in 2004, injury and ill-discipline also holding him back.

But he sees Saturday's lightweight bout with Chill John in Newport as the first step on the road to world glory.

"My record speaks for itself, I want a world title, I've missed many chances," Rees told the South Wales Argus.

Enzo Calzaghe could have dropped me a long-time ago but he knows I have the ability to be a champion

Gavin Rees

"I need to keep improving and winning to keep myself in the frame when an opportunity comes along, but my confidence has never been a problem - I haven't lost for 11 years.

"I have been training hard with the boys in [my trainer] Enzo Calzaghe's gym and doing plenty of sparring, so I will be more than ready.

"I don't know much about Chill John but I can't see it going past a couple of rounds, he won't be able to handle my power.

"Another motivator for me is that I want to prove Enzo right for the faith he has shown in me.

"He could have dropped me a long time ago but he knows I have the ability to be a champion."

First Rees must overcome St Vincent's John, 29, who holds a record of 8-7-1 (1 KO).

The bout is on the undercard of Bradley Pryce v Andrew Facey at the Newport Sports Centre.

Also featuring are Gary Lockett v Ayittey Powers, Tony Doherty v Gary O'Conner, Nathan Cleverley v Varuzhan Davtyan, Barrie Jones v Ernie Smith and Kerry Hope v Mannoo Salari.

**superheavyrhun** · 11-17-2006 04:01 PM

IMO Gavin Rees has had the same problems that many fighters from disadvantaged backgrounds have, and that is in keeping his focus on his career and dropping the troubles from his past, but I have tremendous respect for him and he should destroy Chill John in there. Won't go the distance.

The other disappointing thing about this bill is that Lockett's opponent Roman Aramian droped out with very little time before the fight, so he's not putting his WBU Middleweight titleon the line against Ayittey Powers. He needs to step up if he is to swap his WBU for a recognised alphabet belt challenge.