By Mark Vester

The BBBoC named Gavin Rees as the mandatory to John Murray's British lightweight title, setting down purse bids for September 8. Rees doesn't see the fight happening. The former WBA 140-pound champion believes Murray will avoid their fight by vacating his title. Rees has been building himself back up by winning December's Prizefighter tourney and then winning two more fights. He wants to get back in position for a big title fight.

“I think Murray will vacate rather than fight me,” said Rees to BoxRec News. “He’s got a European title defence and there’s talk of him boxing an eliminator for the WBC title after that. I’m currently No 3 in Britain behind Murray and Kevin Mitchell, but I’m happy to fight anyone because I believe I can beat anyone in the UK.”

Rees has been trying to rebuild since the 2008 KO loss to Andriy Kotelnik. He watched last weekend's fight between Devon Alexander and Kotelnik and said the performance by the fighter from Ukraine proved just how good he really is. Rees moved down in weight after the loss and wants to win a major title at 135-pounds.

“I was undefeated in 27 fights, but I’d become complacent for far too long because I didn’t appreciate what it was like to lose,” added Rees. “Kotelnik is a very good fighter though and he proved that again at the weekend by pushing Devon Alexander close. Now that I’m training regularly and more focused I doubt I’ll never box at light welterweight again.

“ I’ve never really been a light welterweight, but despite that I won Prizefighter easily against some of the leading contenders in Britain but I see my future as being definitely at lightweight. My plan is to win the British lightweight title this year and then go for the European before looking to challenge for a world title.”

Send News Tips and Comments To Mark Vester @ boxingvester@gmail.com