Boxing: Calzaghe warns world king Rees

Mar 21 2008 by Phil Blanche, Western Mail

ENZO CALZAGHE has warned world champion Gavin Rees that he is in for the toughest night of his career.

Newbridge fighter Rees makes the first defence of the WBA light-welterweight crown he took from Souleymane M’Baye last July when he meets Hamburg-based Ukrainian Andreas Kotelnik at Cardiff International Arena tomorrow night.

Kotelnik has failed to beat M’Baye in two fights – losing on points in 2004 and drawing 12 months ago – but Rees’ trainer Calzaghe, right, insists this will be the 27-year-old’s most demanding fight.

“There is nothing worse, better or harder than the first defence,” trumpeted Calzaghe.

“When he won the title he boxed as the challenger and that’s always the best position to box.

“The hunger has got to be there. Gav’s trained hard, but you don’t know how a fighter will react when someone is coming at you to take away your title.

“The important thing is that he believes in himself, but I can tell you now it’s going to be tough.

“Soul, heart and spirit will be needed because Kotelnik is a top-drawer fighter and he’s going to want Gav’s title.”

Rees remains unbeaten in a 27-fight career which has been a slow burner mostly because of problems outside the ring.

But he shone when dethroning M’Baye last July – winning a comprehensive points decision as the chief support act to Enzo Maccarinelli – and now takes centre- stage on top of the CIA bill.

Ricky Hatton, Junior Witter and Amir Khan are all potential foes if Rees can beat former Olympic silver medallist Kotelnik.

“It’s his night and if he shines the world’s his oyster because there’s some great fights out there for him,” said Calzaghe.

“But it’s not a case of preferring one fighter or another. You fight them one at a time, they all line up.

“If Gavin can go through the hardship of two or three defences he will know what it takes to win and be a champion.

“What I do know is that he’s fit and ready to perform for 12 rounds.

“Gav boxes his own style, he hasn’t changed since he was a kid and that took him to a world title.

“But, as I say, the important thing is to get this one out of the way and move on.”