ONE of Gwent's brightest boxing talents has appeared in court accused of assault.

Undefeated lightweight fighter Gavin Rees was at Blackwood magistrates' court yesterday after being charged with wounding with intent one man and assault occasioning actual bodily harm on another.

The 24-year-old, of Elm Court, Pantside, Newbridge, was charged following an alleged incident in Newbridge on July 26th. Dressed in jeans and a black T-shirt, Rees only spoke to confirm his name and address.

Rees's 20-year-old brother, Nathan, of Oak Tree Court, Newbridge, was also charged with the same two offences.

Chairwoman of the bench, Pat Crawford, ordered the pair to appear before Newport crown court on August 12 for a preliminary hearing. The Rees brothers were released on bail with the condition they do not visit Pantside social club

Gavin Rees, who has fought most of his 21 victories at super featherweight, is trained by Joe Calzaghe's father Enzo. He was scheduled to challenge for the interim WBO world super featherweight title last month against unbeaten American Mike Anchondo in Dallas.

However, the British Boxing Board of Control withdrew from sanctioning the fight because they ruled Rees, who had not fought for a year, was not close enough to the 130lb limit to reduce his weight safely before the bout.

Rees bounced back in spectacular fashion by stepping up to the lightweight division for his last fight in which he stopped Kenyan Michael Muya inside two rounds at Newport Centre last month.

He is now chasing British and world title shots after a spectacular debut at the heavier weight.