I was interested to read that pocket battleship Gavin Rees has been added to the under card of Paul McCloskey’s encounter with veteran Italian Giuseppe Lauri this weekend. Rees has fought once since winning the Prizefighter 140 pound tournament, defeating three former European Champions in the process, and appears to be a promotional free agent in the absence of Calzaghe Promotions and his departure from the Sports Network stable. His last tune up being deep on the Harrison v Sprott under-card put together by Matchroom Sport.

Though his WBA Light-Welterweight title arguably flatters his talent, it would be unfair to entirely denigrate the achievement – he did after all get the best of a decent fighter in Soulemanye M’Baye with some ease despite a desperate lack of activity or experience at the higher level. Hard to fathom a course back to those exalted plains but one would anticipate he could offer Paul McCloskey a sellable voluntary defence should the Irishman negotiate this weekend’s fixture . Although recorded weights sugges the Welshman’s is taking a well-advised step down to Lightweight.

I wish him luck because he’s always struck me as a gutsy, affable operator. He adds a little more sparkle to an already intriguing card too.

The Yanjing Beer Fight Night will be live on Sky Sports and tickets priced £30, £60 and £90 are available from Ticketmaster and all usual outlets. Contact Ticketmaster 0844 8472455 (0818 719300 from ROI), Box Office 01277 359900, Julie 07745698372, Francie 07803282224.

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