Gavin Rees Takes a Step Down To Lightweight
By Terence Dooley
Gavin Rees has relocated to lightweight in order to rebuild his career. Andreas Kotelnik dismantled Rees, 29, in March of last year. The popular Welshman feels that he was out of his depth at light-welterweight; he is hoping that a move to lightweight will get him back amongst the titles.
Rees told the BBC that he is eating better these days, ditching the cycle of junk food and crash dieting, and replacing it with a scientific approach to the rigours of weight making.
“I can eat three or four times a day, before I didn't think it was possible,” claimed Rees. “Before I lost the title I was taking things easy, I thought that I was unbeatable. Now I've got a dietician on board [and I was] 10-and-a-half stone four-and-a-half weeks before the fight, I've never been so light. I've got lots of energy in the gym, I'm running twice a day - I'm in the best shape of my career.”
Gavin fought bravely before surrendering his title, and his unbeaten record, to the canny Ukrainian. That twelfth-round stoppage hit Rees hard; however, the fighter feels that he can come back strong at lightweight.
“I feel strong at lightweight, I'm back down to my own division and hope to have a good few stoppages,” he explained. “At the higher weights it was hard to do that and show people how good I am. I want to step back down and show everyone my power - I had a good couple of years when I was last at lightweight.”
Rees is moving into a packed domestic division; John Murray and Jon Thaxton are set to duke it out for the British title; canny Scots Alex Arthur and Willie Limond are in good form; there is also the tantalising possibility of Amir Khan moving back down to lightweight at some point.
Rees made it clear that he will take on all-comers at the weight. “I hope to put on a good show on the 21st then target a British or European title - I'll fight anyone with a name, to be honest. I will probably be ranked quite highly. Now that Amir Khan's moved up there's only John Murray and Jon Thaxton.”
Gavin’s comeback is going to be guided by the Calzaghes. Rees hopes that promoter Joe Calzaghe - who has launched a singing career - can manufacture some sweet music for him down at lightweight.
Rees is set to take on Damian Owen in Newport on the 21st of August.
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