Rees says defeat to Buckland would mean end of career

Image source, Huw Evans picture agency

Image caption, Welsh boxer Gavin Rees

Former world champion Gavin Rees says defeat against Gary Buckland would mean retirement.

The former WBA World Light Welterweight champion fights fellow Welshman at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff on Saturday, 1 February.

Rees was stopped by Adrien Broner for the WBC Lightweight crown in February and lost to Anthony Crolla in June.

"If I lose to Gary I think that would be the end of the road for my career," said Rees.

"It's all on the line for me, if I lose it's curtains. 2013 was the worst of my career. Two fights, two losses and some injuries, things can only get better this year.

"I want to start off with a good win against Gary, who is a really talented fighter that likes to come forward just like I do, so it promises to be a really good fight for the fans.

"We've sparred lots of rounds and if that's anything to go on, it'll be a great fight.

"I've been on the road for the last few years so it's great to be back in Wales and on a big show.

"I love fighting, I've been doing it for 20 years and with a good win on February 1, I think I'll be right back in the mix with some of the great boxers in the Lightweight division in Britain."

Meanwhile, Lee Selby is aiming to add the vacant European Featherweight title to the British belt he defends against former World Super Bantamweight challenger Rendall Munroe on the same bill.

Olympic Gold medallist Anthony Joshua MBE has his fourth professional fight against Aberdare's Dorian Darch while Jason Cook meets Tony Pace for the Welsh Area Light Welterweight title.