Lockett punch can take care of champ Pav

Mar 7 2008 by Gareth Jones, South Wales Echo

GARY Lockett is well aware of the task ahead of him if he is confirmed as the next challenger to WBC/WBO super-middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik on June 7, writes Gareth Jones.

The 31-year-old Welshman, born and raised in Cwmbran, but now living at Pontyclun, is apparently the man the Pavlik camp want to replace cut-eye victim John Duddy in the opposite corner when the unbeaten Ohioan next steps into the ring.

Lockett’s promoters, Sports Network, who are in talks with American counterparts Top Rank, hope a deal can be made by next week.

Since becoming the WBO’s mandatory challenger, Gary has spoken several times of his desire to face 25-year-old Pavlik, whose recent repeat victory over former holder Jermain Taylor has consolidated his status as the best young boxer in the US. “It would be a dream come true,” said Lockett. “It’s got to be a tall order, but I’ve got a puncher’s chance.

“I’ve always been able to take someone out and that includes Pavlik.

“And if he thought he’d just blow me away, he needs to know that I’ve got a pretty good chin.”

Pavlik’s record – 32 straight wins, with 29 inside the distance – is impressive, but he was in deep trouble early in his first bout with Taylor.

“If I got him into that situation, I’d finish him – no doubt about it,” said Gary.

The choice of Lockett ahead of other shortlisted candidates, all of whom are better known to the American public, would imply that the Welshman is regarded as a comparatively easy option.

But the vulnerability Pavlik showed when he won the title suggests that Gary could upset the odds.