Lockett is just one of 20 Welshmen to fight for a world crown

Welsh boxer Gary Lockett admits he is considering retiring from boxing.

The 31-year-old was comprehensively defeated in his last fight by unbeaten hero Kelly Pavlik in an undisputed world middleweight title show in June.

"I am considering my future," confirmed Lockett. "I still have my faculties and I want to spend time with my family.

"I've never been a lover of boxing and I don't think I'll get motivated to train for non-title bouts when I've fought for an undisputed crown."

The 'Rocket Man' has lost just twice in his 32-fight, 12-year career and held the WBU middleweight title for two years after beating Gilbert Eastman for the vacant belt in 2006.

THE ROCKET MAN Born: 25 November, 1976 in Pontypool Division: Middleweight Record: 30(21)-2-0 Stance: Orthodox Height: 5' 10'' Reach: 73''

But Pavlik unified the division when the American ace knocked out Lockett in the third round of their 7 June clash in Atlantic City.

Lockett is a member of the renowned Enzo Calzaghe fight club in south Wales and is only the 20th Welshman to fight for a world title.

"I'm proud that I reached that level," Lockett admitted to BBC Sport.

"There's no shame in losing to a world-class fighter like Kelly Pavlik because he has the ability and promise to go down as one of boxing's greats.

"I can also say I've headlined a show in America, not everyone can boast that.

"It was a big disappointment losing a fight but I knew I was up against a top boxer who was better than I ever expected.

"I haven't watched the fight back on video as there's nothing positive to come out of it in my mind, it'll be too painful.

"I had a pretty decent first round and caught him a few times but from the second round, I was getting hurt.

"I've no excuses for the defeat as I was in the shape of my life; I hadn't suffered any injuries in the build-up and I was the least nervous I'd ever been but the guy was a class above."

The Cwmbran fighter, who now lives in Pontyclun, said he had never enjoyed boxing and admitted he only ever fought "for the money."

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"On Saturday nights you won't find me travelling the length and breadth of Britain watching boxing shows," says Lockett who has an 18-month-old son Jac with wife Nia.

"You'll find me at home having a meal with my wife and playing with my young son.

"I'm fortunate enough to have no financial worries as I invested all the money I earned from boxing into property.

"I'm also expanding my personal training company and with my family, I'm not sure boxing has a place in my life anymore.

"I'm planning a few holidays so I'll consider my boxing future over a few sangrias on a beach somewhere.

"But it is fortunate that I am able to make an informed choice, rather than being forced to continue fighting for financial reasons."

Gary Lockett will be writing a regular column on 606 from Friday 25 July.