Gary to face new opponent (From Free Press Series)

Gary to face new opponent

CWMBRAN fighter Gary Lockett finally learned this week that he is to face Gilbert Eastman in this Saturday's live televised WBU title fight at the Newport Centre.

Lockett, 29, was originally scheduled to take on Sheffield-based adversary Ryan Rhodes for the vacant title, but the Yorkshireman pulled out last week after reportedly pinching a nerve in his back. This confirmed the predictions of several insiders that the billed match-up would not be going ahead - and left Lockett in the dark as to who would in fact be challenging him for the World middleweight crown.

But on Monday Lockett finally received word that 33-year-old Gilbert Eastman, from Battersea, was going to be meeting him in the ring. Gilbert is the brother of reigning British, Commonwealth and European middleweight champion Howard and boasts a 15-2 record.

But despite the last-minute switch the 'Rocket Man' Lockett, himself with just one defeat in 21 fights, remains hugely confident ahead of the contest.

He said: "They'd been trying to get me an opponent and a couple of names had been bandied about, but it was finally confirmed on Monday that it was Eastman."

He also dismissed suggestions that the build-up may have disrupted his preparation or ability to research his new opponent, despite having never fought Eastman before.

Lockett added: "I've seen him a lot of times and he's another orthodox stand-up fighter. I've been sparring with a lot of guys like that, so I'm still very, very confident. Plus, if the evening goes well, then the Rhodes fight will be rescheduled."

Lockett was speaking as he travelled back from a brief training camp in Manchester, having also spent time recently preparing in Swansea. He explained he was then planning to return to light training locally today prior to Friday's weigh-in.

Lockett was earlier this week said to be "gutted" when the Rhodes fight was initially off, although yesterday he stopped short of suggesting his opponent had pulled-out for reasons other than injury.

The rumour mill had since began churning out potential stand-ins, with candidates including former British and Commonwealth light-middleweight champion Michael Jones as well as a mysterious unnamed French-African.

But after the search for an opponent ended this week, Lockett is now looking forward to Saturday night's fight, due to be televised live on ITV4 from 10pm.