LOCKETT’S EARLY DAYS

MAKING his professional debut down the card on a non-title bill at Everton Park Sports Centre in Liverpool was a young Cwmbran middleweight named Gary Lockett.

The 20-year-old outpointed capable journeyman Ernie Loveridge and while our report conceded that Lockett had ability and looked good when throwing punches, we urged him to tighten his defence and not be so tense.

Against a more adventurous opponent, we said, Lockett might have struggled more, although he deserved his 39 1/2-38 1/2 victory.

Of course, Lockett went on to enjoy a pretty good career as a fighter, eventually challenging Kelly Pavlik for the world title in the USA, and is now a top trainer, coaching super-welter contender Liam Williams among others.