Bradley Pryce and Gavin Rees both won on their return to the ring at the Newport Centre on Friday night and their promoter, Joe Calzaghe, believes both fighters can claim future world titles.
Newport's Pryce scored an impressive points win over Michael Monaghan in the top-of-the-bill bout at the second show put on by Calzaghe Promotions. Pryce was in his first fight since losing his Commonwealth light-middleweight title in March.
"When Bradley's in that sort of form he could win a world belt," said Calzaghe. "It was great to see him back in the ring. He looked very good and he always gives value for money. Win or lose he wears his heart on his sleeve and there's a touch of class about him."
Gavin Rees also stopped late stand-in Johnny Greaves earlier in the night and he expects to be on the next Calzaghe Promotions show in October before a planned assault on the British lightweight title. Rees' lightweight bout was decided when Greaves failed to come out for the fifth round, and it was the Newbridge man's first fight since he losing his WBA light-welterweight title in March 2008.
"Gavin has won a world title before, so why not again?" said Calzaghe. "You could see Gavin wanted to knock Greaves out with every punch. He looked sharp back at the weight he should always have been. He did really well." Calzaghe was also pleased with the overall night, and considers it a step in the right direction for Calzaghe Promotions and its stable of fighters.
"Friday was a good night and a good show considering it was only our second event. I enjoyed being on the other side of the ropes, not sweating and getting hit. There are some good fighters I'm keeping my eye on and hopefully we will have a couple of new additions to the camp by the time of our next event."