WBO number one ranked contender Gary Lockett will be keeping a close eye on the massive rematch between Kelly Pavlik and Jermain Taylor – and says he wants the winner next. The pair clash at the MGM Grand Las Vegas early on Sunday morning in a fight set for 166 pounds live and exclusive on Setanta Sports 1..
But Lockett is confident that the winner can drop back down to 160 pounds – and meet him in a mouth-watering, power-punching showdown.
The 31-year-old Welshman, who holds the WBU crown, is desperate for the chance to establish himself as the best middleweight on the planet.
And with 18 of his 21 KO’s coming inside three rounds, he’s got a punch to be very afraid of.
“Saturday night’s fight between Taylor and Pavlik is going to be explosive,” said Lockett.
“It’s hard to pick a winner, but I reckon Pavlik will do it again.
“To be honest I thought that Taylor, being the better boxer, would win the first fight but Pavlik showed what a warrior he is by coming back from the early knockdown to knock Taylor out.
“I’m going with Pavlik this time and I think that he will bring a stoppage around the ninth or tenth round.
“Whatever happens, I’d love to meet whoever comes through.
“I train in a gym full of world champions, and I’d love to get a shot at the big time and establish myself as a world star like Joe Calzaghe, Enzo Maccarinelli and Gavin Rees.
“Both Taylor and Pavlik are fantastic fighters, but I’ve got the power to beat anyone.”
Lockett has been a long-term member of the WBO’s top five, and is currently number one, with Pavlik holding the sanctioning body’s title.
The Rocket Man hails from Cwmbran, South Wales, and is trained by the Ring Magazine’s number one, Enzo Calzaghe.
He’s due to fight next in an international contest on March 22 at the C.I.A, Cardiff on the Gavin Rees v Andreas Kotelnik card also televised live on Setanta Sports.