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Europe Lockett's limit - McGuigan

Boxing great Barry McGuigan says WBU middleweight champion Gary Lockett will struggle to win a true world title.

Cwmbran-man Lockett, 29, impressed in the first defence of his belt last week, a points win over Ryan Rhodes.

McGuigan praised the Welshman's display but feels that a European title could be the limit of his abilities.

"It's tough, the middleweight division is full of immensely talented young guys like Jermain Taylor, Felix Sturm and Arthur Abraham," said McGuigan.

"Gary is no spring chicken, at 29 he has to get on with it, but he is a phenomenal puncher and his shots wore down Rhodes' energy.

"He can fight for a European title and maybe get a world shot, but I think the top guys are a little bit ahead of him."

Lockett's Millennium Stadium win over Rhodes took his record to 28-1 (19 KOs).